Desiree's Baby Symbols

Gifts

Armand marries Desiree after being overcome by her physical appearance and becomes adamant about making her his wife. His attitude towards Desiree indicates his view that Desiree, like all women, can be purchased much like other physical commodities. He dehumanizes Desiree further when he comes to believe that she is black, and considers her to be unworthy of his wife. In the final moments of the short story, Armand oversees the burning of all the gifts that he had bought for Desiree and his child, which demonstrates his belief that he can erase her from his life just as easily as the destroyed gifts.

Pillar

Desiree is found on the Valmonde ranch by Monsieur Valmonde as a baby lying next to a pillar. Later onwards, Armand falls in love with Desiree when he sees her standing next to the same pillar. The pillar can be seen as a symbol of the Valmonde wealth that shelters Desiree and allows Armand to consider her a social equal. Desiree leaves the shelter of the pillar when she marries Armand and thus becomes susceptible to the realities of race and wealth.

Bonfire

The Bonfire at the end of the short story is a powerful symbol that represents the intersection of racism, and other forms of discrimination prevalent in society. It is also interesting to observe that Armand doesn't even administer to the fire himself, he instead sits contemplating the bonfire while his slaves feed it with the belongings of Desiree and her baby. Armand has already learned of his black heritage, and yet he doesn't seem to regret his actions which led to the unfair treatment of Desiree.

L'Abri

The ranch of the Aubigny family serves as a prominent symbol of Armand's dark nature, and it represents the dark deeds that Armand perpetuates on his property. Madame Valmonde shivers when she first sees the ranch, as she observes the many shadowed and dark recesses on the property that give it a gloomy and ominous appearance. Armand's abusive tendencies, both sexual and physical, are thought to be represented in the visible character of his ranch.