Désirée’s Baby
by Kate Chopin

Désirée’s Baby: Style 1 key example

Style
Explanation and Analysis:

The style of "Désirée’s Baby" is primarily affected by how short it is. Chopin introduces a great deal of material within a few pages, but the passage of time and the scope of the events makes the story feel expansive despite its brevity. The narrative also closely follows the actions of its characters, describing in rather straightforward detail what they're doing. In this sense, the narrative style takes on a somewhat dry, declarative aspect, as is the case when—at the beginning of the story—Madame Valmondé arrives at L’Abri plantation to see her daughter: 

Madame Valmondé bent her portly figure over Désirée and kissed her, holding her an instant tenderly in her arms. Then she turned to the child. 

"This is not the baby!" she exclaimed, in startled tones.