Biography
How did losing her father at a young age impact her life?
Shaped her independence and resilience.
What were women expected to do?
Take care of children, remain submissive
This literary movement, influencing works between the 1840s and the 1930s, focused on themes like individualism and social class.
Romanticism
EXPOSITION?
Désirée, a young woman, was adopted by the Valmondé family when she was a baby. She marries Armand Aubigny, a wealthy plantation owner. They live on his plantation.
WHO?
Désirée, her baby, Armand Aubigny, and Désirée’s Mother
How did her husband's and mother's deaths lead her to write?
Their deaths motivated her to express her emotions through writing.
What is a right women did not have during this time?
Property, voting
The writing Kate Chopin writes is known for capturing specific locations, dialects, and cultural traditions, particularly in the American South.
Regional Realism
RISING ACTION?
After Désirée has a baby, things start to change. As the child grows, people start to notice his skin color is darker than most. This makes Armand uncomfortable, and he starts to treat Désirée differently. He accuses Désirée of being the reason the child is of mixed race
WHEN?
1840s
What role did Louisiana's cultural diversity play in her work?
It influenced her work by inspiring encouragement towards women
Why did female authors write literature during this time?
Kate Chopin wrote about the realities of their lives to enlighten others on how poorly they were being treated
In Désirée's Baby what type of culture is explored?
Southern Culture
CLIMAX?
After Désirée has a baby, things start to change. As the child grows, people start to notice his skin color is darker than most. He accuses Désirée of being the reason the child is of mixed race
WHERE
Louisiana
How long was her literacy?
10 years
What is a Social Movement
Many women started to speak up for women’s suffrage and were becoming more vocal
What did women writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries find new opportunities to publish?
Magazines and newspapers
FALLING ACTION?
Désirée walks into the woods with her baby, presumably to end her life in despair.
WHY
Written to highlight the sexism and racism
When did she marry her husband?
19 years old
Women began to challenge societal expectations which led to greater vocal participation in social movements, including the fight for this fundamental right.
Voting!!
In Désirée's Baby which literary devices did Kate use to question social standards particularly in relation to race and identity.
Irony, Symbolism
CONCLUSION?
The last items he burns is a letter which he finds from his mother to his father, revealing her African-American ancestry and the hope that her child will never find out about it.
HOW
Armand rejects Désirée and the baby, but it’s revealed he has African ancestry