The key
word in regards to a third-person narrator, especially in Desiree's Baby,
is the word "limited" or "omniscient." In this case, our third-person
narrator is definitely "limited" and we can tell, as readers, because we cannot tell
what other characters are thinking or feeling (especially in regards to Desiree and
Armand).
We are limited by our narrator by what the narrator knows about
Desiree. As readers, we are told that Desiree grew up with a particular nature:
The girl grew to be beautiful and gentle, affectionate and
sincere.
We assume that she will remain so and continue
to be loyal as well. As readers, we don't understand originally why the plantation changes
after Desiree has the baby. Desiree doesn't understand either:
[There was] an air of mystery among the blacks; unexpected visits from far-off
neighbors who would hardly account for their coming ... an awful change in her husband's
manner.
Desiree eventually become miserable, especially
when her husband tells her that a child that is not all white could only be her own fault.
Desiree is loved and accepted by her adopted birth family; therefore, they make it clear that
Desiree could come home with the baby. We are surprised by what happens next (and it is all
because of the third person, limited narrator):
Desiree
walks across the field and into the bayou. She and her child are never seen again.
It is a similar case with Armand in that the narrator isn't sure of
the reasoning behind his actions. Originally, Armand seems to have the exact opposite nature of
Desiree: unfeeling and fairly ruthless. The birth of the child changes him, that is, until the
gossip starts about the child's lineage. When he is at home (which isn't often), he reverts to
his old personality according to our narrator:
He absented
himself from home; and when there, avoided her presence and that of her child, without excuse.
And the very spirit of Satan seemed suddenly to take hold of him in his dealings with the
slaves.
At this point, we know nothing about Armand's
heritage, and assume he is from the prominent, white, Louisiana family that he is born from.
The limited narrator takes us along on that ride. That is what makes the final statement at the
end (the one revealing Armand's true nature and his own revelation) so shocking:
Our dear Armand will never know that his mother, who adores him,
belongs to the race that is cursed with the brand of slavery.
Through a letter from his mother to his father, then, Armand finally learns the truth:
he is half black.
In conclusion, this narrator that is third-person and
limited, gives the author a perfect opportunity to surprise readers when Desiree disappears into
the bayou and when Armand finds the letter that reveals his African-American heritage. Chopin
proves her writing ability as her readers (as well as her narrator) gasp in surprise at the
amazing revelations of her characters.
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