Realism is a literary movement that attempts to describe life without romanticism or idealistic bias (writershistory.com). Although realism cannot be precisely timed or limited to a specific period, it is most often associated with a 19th century movement. Henry James and Kate Chopin are considered two of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism. James consciously contributed to realism, particularly by insisting that writers be given a freedom of independence in presenting their judgment of the world. Kate Chopin participated in the realist movement by placing importance on the lives of women and their repeated struggles to create their own images within late 19th century Southern culture. American society's views on race and gender in the works Desiree's Baby by Kate Chopin and Daisy Miller by Henry James can be easily distinguished from those of the 19th century in today's society. In Desiree's Baby by Kate Chopin references discrimination in Creole, Louisiana during the antebellum period. Race has continually left a significant imprint on the past and continues in today's society. African Americans have always been considered failures and treated harshly because of the color of their skin. They had no voting privileges or equality with that of Caucasians. Desiree's Baby shows how racial discrimination can control the way we live, even in intimate relationships. The history of race and birth is a strong theme throughout the film. Desiree was adopted into high socioeconomic status. She herself wasn't really sure of its origin. The concept of birth history first appears when Désirée is found by Monsieur Valmonde and rumors begin to circulate about who Désirée is and her origin. Mrs. V...... middle of paper ......isy Miller gender discrimination. Armand was a slave master but ironically later learned that he was actually mixed with African Americans. While women in Rome's American community had negative assumptions about Daisy Miller's character and her reputation was questionable as a woman of value. The two stories “Desiree’s Baby” and “Daisy Miller” both had a lot of similarities. There was racial discrimination in "Desiree's Baby" and in "Daisy Miller" there was gender discrimination. Ironically, in both stories the same type of person didn't like the same things revealed; Armand was a slave owner and did not accept African Americans as equivalent but, ironically, he later became aware of the fact that he himself was African American. In Daisy Miller, the women in the community didn't like Daisy but she was a woman herself and unfortunately she didn't understand.