The last thing to go was a tiny bundle of letters; innocent little scribblings that Désirée had sent to him during the days of their espousal. There was the remnant of one back in the drawer from which he took them. But it was not Désirée's; it was part of an old letter from his mother to his father. He read it. She was thanking God for the blessing of her husband's love: -
"But, above all," she wrote, "night and day, I thank the good God for having so arranged our lives that our dear Armand will never know that his mother, who adores him, belongs to the race that is cursed with the brand of slavery."
Question 1: What was the last item Armand Aubigny disposed of from Désirée's belongings, and what significance did it hold?
Answer: The last item was a tiny bundle of letters, innocent little scribblings that Désirée had sent to him during their espousal. They held sentimental value as remnants of their past love.
Question 2: Why did Armand Aubigny read the remnant of an old letter from his mother to his father?
Answer: Armand read the old letter because it was part of the remnants found in the drawer with Désirée's letters. It was not Désirée's letter but part of an old letter from his mother to his father.
Question 3: What was the content of the old letter from Armand's mother to his father?
Answer: In the letter, Armand's mother thanked God for her husband's love and expressed gratitude for the arrangement of their lives, ensuring that Armand would never know that his mother, who adores him, belongs to the race cursed with the brand of slavery.
Question 4: What does the content of the old letter reveal about Armand's family background and beliefs?
Answer: The content suggests that Armand's family has hidden their racial background and identity to protect him from the knowledge that his mother belongs to a race cursed with slavery. It implies a belief in racial superiority and the desire to shield Armand from the truth about his heritage.
Question 5: How does the revelation of the old letter contrast with Armand's treatment of Désirée?
Answer: The revelation of the old letter contrasts with Armand's treatment of Désirée, as it shows that his family has hidden their racial background and tried to maintain a facade of whiteness. Despite this, Armand rejects Désirée upon discovering her perceived racial identity.
Question 6: What does the disposal of Désirée's letters and the revelation of the old letter suggest about Armand's character and values?
Answer: The disposal of Désirée's letters and the revelation of the old letter suggest that Armand's character is deeply influenced by racial prejudice and a desire to uphold his family's reputation. He values social status and racial purity over love and loyalty, leading to the tragic outcome of their relationship.