Armand's mother is Madame Aubigny.
Madame Aubigny was Armand's loving mother, though she tragically passed away when he was only eight years old. Her background is a crucial element within the narrative, revealing significant details about Armand's heritage and the societal context of the time.
She was a Black woman who met and married Armand's father in Paris. At that period, Paris offered a more tolerant environment, allowing them to live as an interracial couple, which might not have been possible in other places. A pivotal piece of information later unveiled through a letter written by Madame Aubigny herself clarifies that it was Armand, and not Désirée, who possessed mixed racial heritage. This revelation serves as a dramatic turning point in the story, profoundly impacting the characters and the themes of identity and prejudice.
Below is a summary of key details about Madame Aubigny:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Madame Aubigny |
| Relationship | Armand's loving mother |
| Circumstance of Death | Died when Armand was eight years old |
| Racial Background | A Black woman |
| Marriage Location | Paris, France, where interracial marriages were more socially accepted at the time |
| Key Narrative Role | Her letter ultimately reveals that Armand, not Désirée, has mixed racial heritage. |
Her early death and the posthumous revelation of her and, consequently, Armand's mixed racial identity are central to the story's dramatic climax and its exploration of racial prejudice and identity.
