Genre
Historical Realism
Setting and Context
Mid-Nineteenth-Century Louisiana
Narrator and Point of View
Third-Person Omniscient
Tone and Mood
The tone is at times ominous, hinting at trouble that lies ahead, particularly as a result of the decisions that Armand Aubigny makes (which are quite rash and hasty in nature). Otherwise, the gaiety with which Desiree expresses her love for Armand and excitement for her newborn serve as lighter moments in the story.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Antagonist: Armand Aubigny | Protagonist: Desiree Aubigny
Major Conflict
Because of Armand's status as a wealthy, white plantation and slave owner - and his racism - he finds it unacceptable that the child he has with his wife is of mixed heritage. He accuses Desiree of being part black, and despite her pleas, Desiree is told by Armand to leave. She takes the child with her. Eventually Armand learns, through a letter from his mother to his father, that his mother was black. As such, Armand was actually the person of mixed heritage in the relationship, not Desiree.
Climax
Armand Aubigny learns that his mother is black.
Foreshadowing
Armand Aubigny's behavior is incredibly rash, and his decisions are informed more by his emotions than logic. As such, the narrator gives hints here and there about the possible consequences that his decisions will have for Desiree in particular, but most devastatingly (and ironically) himself.
Understatement
N/A
Allusions
N/A
Imagery
See Imagery section.
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
N/A
