Desiree's Baby by Kate Chopin

Kate Chopin wrote many short stories, including Desiree's Baby. Desiree's Baby was written in the nineteenth century, a period of time in which society was patriarchal. As Mary Donaldson-Evans states, in the 19th century "women were objects of erotic delight, intended for pleasure and adornment for the male, and their physical beauty [was] paramount." Chopin's stories reflect on the period of time which she lived. Chopin wrote about men that were "bitter about woman...and …

…killed the women mentally leading to a painful life and death. Desiree is the quintessential 19th century woman, has abandonment fears due to her oral stage, a sense of emptiness and a need for validation. These characteristics lead her in the hands of Armand; who has malevolent narcissism, overpowerment over woman and sadistic actions. The irony at the end of the story evinces the cruel reality of most men in those times and their subornation.