Passing by Nella Larsen
Literary Analysis
In Nella Larsen's novel "Passing," the title refers to the act of "passing" as a member of a different
race or social class. The novel explores the experiences of two biracial women, Irene Redfield
and Clare Kendry, who can "pass" as white to gain privilege, security, or power.
Exploring Themes in Passing
"Passing" by Nella Larsen explores several themes, including:
1. Throughout the novel, Larsen develops a theme of the conflict between self-interest and loyalty.
At the start of the book, Irene disapproves of Clare's lack of loyalty to her race. In the action
preceding the novel, Clare has by necessity put her self-interest above loyalty to race, family, and
friendship.
2. Passing, Black Identity, and Race as Larsen presents black characters who "pass" as white to
varying degrees, moving back and forth between different outward identities as it suits them.
Some characters pass only occasionally, while others live their lives as white people, keeping
their black heritage secret.
3. Beauty is very important to the characters in "Passing," who are constantly evaluating other
people's physical appearances, attending to their own, and worrying about how they look
comparatively. Larsen shows Irene's preoccupation with beauty early in the book during her trip
to Chicago.
4. Sex, Sexuality, and Jealousy feature prominently in "Passing," with Irene speculating about the
unconfirmed sex between Clare and her husband Brian. Sexuality and jealousy are thematic
undercurrents throughout the book.
5. Larsen uses humor and jokes to lighten the mood and provide a contrast to the more serious
themes of the novel.
6. Marriage, Friendship, Deception, Uncertainty and Indeterminacy, Child Raising, and Privilege
and Prosperity are additional themes are also explored in the novel, touching on the larger theme
of belonging and the characters' search for a sense of belonging within their racial communities,
romantic partnerships, and families.
Analysis of Passing as a Theme
The theme of passing is central to the characters' identities and relationships, as it affects their
self-interest, loyalty, and sense of belonging in the following ways:
1. Conflict between self-interest and loyalty: Irene disapproves of Clare's lack of loyalty to her
race at the start of the novel. Clare, on the other hand, puts her self-interest above loyalty to race,
family, and friendship. As the novel progresses, Irene's self-interest also becomes more
prominent, ultimately supplanting her loyalty.
2. Risks and rewards of passing: Irene marvels at Clare's comfort with danger and the rewards of
passing, such as status and wealth. Clare takes increasing risks and reaps rewards from her
double life, but also faces potential consequences.
3. Central relationship between Clare and Irene: The connection between Clare and Irene is a
central theme in the novel, as it explores the complexities of friendship and the impact of passing
on their relationship.
4. Uncertainty and indeterminacy: The novel raises questions about identity and its intersections,
as characters like Irene and Clare face uncertainty about their racial and social identities.
5. Race and ethnicity: The characters in the novel think about social and cultural questions in
largely racial terms, and their experiences with passing highlight the complexities of race and
ethnicity in their lives.
Consequences of Passing for the characters in the novel
In Nella Larsen's novel "Passing," the consequences of passing are explored through the
experiences of the characters. Passing refers to the act of "passing" as a member of a different
race or social class. The consequences of passing in "Passing" are portrayed as complex and
far-reaching, affecting the characters' identities, relationships, and sense of belonging in a society
that is often racially and socially divided in the following ways:
1. The novel explores the conflict between self-interest and loyalty, as characters like Irene and
Clare put their self-interest above loyalty to race, family, and friendship. Irene's self-interest
ultimately supplants her loyalty, leading to tragic consequences.
2. The novel explores the risks and rewards of passing, as characters like Clare take increasing
risks and reap rewards from their double lives. However, passing also comes with potential
consequences, such as the fear of being discovered and the loss of a sense of identity.
3. Tragedy, as Clare's passing leads to her death. Irene's involvement in Clare's death raises
questions about the consequences of self-interest and the dangers of passing.
4. Uncertainty and indeterminacy as the novel raises questions about identity and its intersections.
The characters like Irene and Clare face uncertainty about their racial and social identities.
Passing highlights the complexities of race and ethnicity in their lives.
Exploring how the characters' experiences of passing affect their mental health In Nella
Larsen's novel "Passing,
The characters' experiences of passing, or presenting as a race different from their own,
significantly impact their mental health. The protagonist, Clare Kendry, grapples with the
psychological consequences of living a double life and the constant fear of being exposed. This
leads to internal conflict and a sense of alienation, which can have a detrimental effect on her
mental well-being. Similarly, Irene Redfield's experience of passing and the associated secrecy
and anxiety also take a toll on her mental health. The novel explores the complex emotional and
psychological effects of passing, shedding light on the profound impact it has on the characters'
inner lives.
The characters' experiences of passing in Nella Larsen's novel "Passing" are depicted as having
a profound impact on their mental health. The psychological consequences of living a double life,
the fear of exposure, and the associated secrecy and anxiety are shown to significantly affect the
characters' mental well-being.
Theme of marriage in passing
The theme of marriage in "Passing" by Nella Larsen is significant as it portrays the challenges
and constraints faced by the female characters. The novel depicts the unhappy marriages of the
protagonists, Clare and Irene, highlighting their dependence on their husbands' status and the
limited options available to them as women. Larsen explores how marriage becomes a source of
entrapment for the characters, as they are unable to pursue their own happiness and are defined
by their spouses' social standing. The theme of marriage in the novel is intertwined with the
broader themes of race, identity, and societal expectations, reflecting the complexities of
relationships and the constraints imposed by the social norms of the time
How the theme of passing affect the characters' marriages in passing
The theme of passing significantly affects the characters' marriages in "Passing" by Nella Larsen.
The novel portrays the entrapment and dependency of the female characters in their marriages,
as they are reliant on their husbands' status and unable to pursue their own happiness. The theme
of passing exacerbates this entrapment, as the characters' ability to pass as white further
complicates their marital relationships. The fear of exposure and the need to maintain their false
identities put a strain on their marriages, leading to feelings of anxiety and insecurity. Additionally,
the theme of passing highlights the broader societal constraints that impact the characters'
marriages, as they are forced to navigate the complexities of race, identity, and societal
expectations within the context of their relationships.
The theme of passing in "Passing" by Nella Larsen significantly affects the characters' marriages
by exacerbating the entrapment and dependency of the female characters. The fear of exposure
and the need to maintain their false identities put a strain on their marriages, leading to feelings
of anxiety and insecurity. Additionally, the theme of passing highlights the broader societal
constraints that impact the characters' marriages, as they are forced to navigate the complexities
of race, identity, and societal expectations within the context of their relationships
Intersectionality in Nella Larsen's "Passing"
Intersectionality is a theoretical framework that examines the interconnected nature of oppressive
systems and how they intersect and impact individuals with multiple marginalized identities. In the
context of Nella Larsen's novel "Passing," intersectionality is used to explore themes of race and
identity by highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of identity. The novel delves into the
experiences of two fair-skinned Black women, Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield, who navigate the
complexities of skin color, racial identity, and the discrimination they face.
The theme of intersectionality in "Passing" is rooted in critical race theory and black feminism,
providing a framework to understand the identities of the main characters and the nuanced ways
in which gender and race inform the passing experience. The novel challenges essentialist
notions of identity and highlights the performative and constructed nature of racial and
gender/sexual identities, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted nature of identity.
Intersectionality in "Passing" is used to:
- Explore the complex and multifaceted nature of identity, particularly in relation to race, gender,
and class.
- Highlight the fluidity and constructed-ness of identity, challenging essentialist notions of identity.
- Address the societal implications of passing, such as the historical establishment of the "one
drop rule" and the challenges faced by individuals with intersecting identities.
- Call into question the socially constructed nature of race and the psychological impact of passing
on individuals with intersecting identities.
Understanding how the intersection of race, gender, class, and sexuality affects the
experience of passing
The novel explores the performative and constructed nature of racial and gender/sexual identities,
shedding light on the multifaceted and interconnected dynamics of passing within the context of
race, gender, class, and sexuality.
For example, individuals with intersecting identities, such as being both racially marginalized and
gender/sexually marginalized, face distinct and compounded challenges when passing.
The intersection of race, gender, class, and sexuality significantly affects the experience of
passing, as depicted in Nella Larsen's novel "Passing." The passing experience is not simply
about the decision to pass, but involves navigating a complex web of societal obstacles and
discrimination related to race, gender, sexual orientation, and class.
Passing is often motivated by a desire to overcome these obstacles and achieve social
acceptance. However, the experience of passing is also shaped by the intersecting nature of
these factors, creating unique challenges for individuals with multiple marginalized identities.
Theme of sexuality in passing
In "Passing," Nella Larsen explores the theme of sexuality through the experiences of the
characters, particularly Irene and Clare. Larsen portrays the characters' suppressed sexuality,
homosocial and homosexual desire, and the importance of physical appearance. The novel also
examines the themes of jealousy, sexual repression, and the societal pressure to conform to
heteronormative standards. Through the characters' relationships and interactions, Larsen
highlights the complexities of sexual identity and the psychological and social implications of
repressed desire. Some scholars argue that the novel also explores the theme of sexual passing,
as characters navigate the boundaries between heteronormative and queer identities.
Theme of Identity
In Nella Larsen's novel "Passing," the theme of identity is central to the story. The novel explores
the complex and performative nature of identity, particularly in relation to race, gender, and
sexuality. The characters' experiences of passing, or presenting as a race different from their own,
highlight the fluidity and constructedness of identity. The novel also examines the psychological
consequences of living a double life and the associated secrecy and anxiety, which can have a
detrimental effect on mental health. Ultimately, Larsen calls into question the very nature of
identity and its intersections, challenging readers to consider the ways in which they perform their
own identities.
Understanding Mixed Race in Passing
Countries with the highest percentages of multi-racials who specifically have equally high
European ancestry include Brazil, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. Other countries with notable
mulatto populations in percentage and/or total number include Cuba, Venezuela, Panama, South
Africa, and Curaçao. The term "tragic mulatto" is a stereotypical fictional character that appeared
in American literature starting in 1837. The "tragic mulatto" is a mixed-race person who is
assumed to be depressed or even suicidal because they fail to completely fit into the "white world"
or the "Black world."
The term "Mulato" refers to a person of mixed African and European ancestry. The term is
considered outdated and offensive in several languages, including English and Dutch, whereas
in languages such as Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, it is not, and can even be a source of
pride. A mulatta is a female mulatto.
The term "mulatto" is considered outdated and offensive in several languages, including English
and Dutch. Some alternative terms that are more commonly used today include "mixed race,"
"biracial," "dual heritage," and "multiracial." Other terms that have been used historically include
"half-caste," "quadroon," and "octoroon," but these are also considered outdated and offensive. It
is important to note that the preferred term may vary depending on the individual and the context,
and it is always best to ask someone how they prefer to be identified.
Challenges of mixed race African European women
The challenges faced by mixed-race African-European Mulatto women have been significant
throughout history. The term "mulatto" historically referred to a person of mixed white and Black
ancestry and was often associated with social, economic, and political consequences of
colonialism, slavery, and segregation in the New World.
Mulatto women were particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse, as their physical
appearance sometimes approximated the white ideal of female attractiveness, making them
targets for rape and sexual objectification.
The "tragic mulatto" myth, a stereotypical fictional character, depicted mulatto women as
seductresses whose beauty drove white men to rape them, reflecting the deeply ingrained racism
and objectification they faced.
The term "mulatto" is considered outdated and offensive in several languages, including English
and Dutch, and its use perpetuates the historical stigmatization and objectification of individuals
of mixed African and European ancestry.
It is important to recognize and address the historical and ongoing challenges faced by individuals
of mixed race and to use respectful and inclusive language when referring to theme.
To overcome these challenges, they can adopt the following strategies:
1. Understand the historical and societal contexts that have shaped the experiences of mixedrace individuals, including the "tragic mulatto" myth and the legacy of colonialism, slavery, and
segregation. This knowledge can help you navigate workplace dynamics and advocate for
yourself and others.
2. Connect with other mixed-race individuals and allies who can provide emotional and
professional support. This network can help you share experiences, learn from one another, and
advocate for change in the workplace.
3. Advocate for inclusive policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can include
training programs, mentorship initiatives, and diversity committees.
4. Celebrate your unique heritage and identity, and be proud of your mixed-race background. This
can help you feel more confident and empowered in the workplace.
5. Speak up against discrimination as this can help create a more inclusive and respectful
workplace environment.
6. Invest in your personal and professional growth by attending workshops, conferences, and
training programs that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can help you develop the
skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace.
By adopting these strategies, mixed-race African-European women can overcome workplace
challenges and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for themselves and others.
Some organizations and support groups that can help mixed-race African-European Mulato
women in the workplace include:
1. Multiracial Organizations: There are organizations that focus on supporting and empowering
multiracial individuals, including women of African-European descent. These organizations aim
to address the concerns, interests, and needs of biracial/multiracial females and provide a
supportive community for individuals with mixed heritage.
2. Advocacy Organizations: Advocacy organizations that specialize in addressing racial
discrimination and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace can also provide support
and resources for individuals facing challenges due to their mixed-race background.
3. Minority Rights Organizations: Organizations that work with ethnic, religious, and linguistic
minorities, as well as indigenous peoples, may offer support and resources for individuals of
mixed race, including those of African-European descent.
It's important for mixed-race African-European Mulato women to explore these organizations and
groups to find the support and resources that best meet their specific needs and challenges in
the workplace.
Character and Characterization
CHARACTER
ANALYSIS
Irene Redfield
The novella's protagonist is a biracial woman who sometimes takes
advantage of her light complexion to pass as white. Irene is the wife
of a doctor and enjoys a comfortable life in upper-class Black
society in the culturally vibrant neighborhood of Harlem.
Clare Kendry
Clare is Irene's childhood friend. Due to her light complexion, she
can hide her biracial identity from her white husband. While society
accepts Clare as a white woman, she struggles to find peace,
knowing that her secret has the potential to ruin her family.
Brian Redfield
Brian is Irene's husband and has a successful career as a doctor.
Although they enjoy a comfortable life, Brian is growing sick of
America's segregation and racist policies. He dreams of leaving
America and starting a
new life for his family in Brazil.
John (Jack) Bellew
Clare's husband is sociable and travels a lot for work. He is also a
violent, racist white man who is unaware of his wife's black heritage
and frequently uses racist slurs in the novel.
Nella Larsen's Passing features a cast of complex characters, including Irene Redfield, Clare
Kendry Bellew, Brian Redfield, John Bellew, Bob Kendry, Gertrude Martin, Brian Junior, Ted,
and others. Irene Redfield is the protagonist, a biracial woman who sometimes passes as white.
Clare Kendry is Irene's childhood acquaintance and John Bellew's wife, who is beautiful,
charming, and wealthy. Brian Redfield is Irene's husband, a Black doctor who wants to move to
South America for more freedom. John Bellew is Clare's husband, a rich white international
banking agent who is unaware of Clare's Black heritage and speaks openly of his hatred of
Black people. Bob Kendry is Clare's father, a drunken and sometimes violent janitor who dies in
a fight. Gertrude Martin, Brian Junior, Ted, and others are also important characters in the
novel. The characters are complex and their characterization is explored through the thirdperson limited narrative view, making Passing an example of the psychological fiction genre.
Claire of Passing Novel / Movie by Nella Larsen
In Nella Larsen's novel "Passing," the character Claire Kendry, also known as Clare, is a mixedrace African-European woman who passes for white. She is described as beautiful, with striking
features and a light complexion that allows her to blend in with white society. Clare's
characterization in "Passing" highlights the complexities and challenges faced by mixed-race
individuals in a society that is deeply divided by race, class, and identity. Clare's characterization
can be summarized as follows:
1. Adventurous: Clare is portrayed as an adventurous and curious individual, willing to
explore different aspects of her identity and life.
2. Complex identity: Clare's motives for passing are ambiguous, as they seem to be not just
about race but also class and material comfort.
3. Structural power: Clare's ability to pass as white grants her structural power over darkerskinned women, as she can manipulate her lighter skin tone to her advantage.
4. Crisis of representation: Clare's character serves as a crisis of representation, as she
embodies the complexities and ambiguities of identity in a society that is deeply divided
by race.
5. Clare is an uncanny doppelganger to Irene, the novel's other main character, in the
Freudian psychoanalytic sense, as she reflects the subverted versions of the same beliefs
Irene holds.
6. Hypocrisy of passing: Clare's attempt to pass as white exposes the hypocrisy of passing,
as she is viewed as an exotic outsider by the black community, despite her mixed-race
heritage.
How does Clare's character challenges societal norms of race and identity
Clare's character in "Passing" challenges societal norms of race and identity in several ways.
Firstly, her ability to pass as white highlights the arbitrary nature of racial categories and the fluidity
of racial identity. Clare's passing also exposes the hypocrisy of racial boundaries and the
limitations they impose on individuals. Additionally, Clare's character challenges traditional
gender roles and expectations, as she is portrayed as an adventurous and curious individual who
is willing to explore different aspects of her identity and life. Finally, Clare's tragic death at the end
of the novel underscores the violence and danger inherent in a society that values racial laws
over the lives of individuals. Overall, Clare's character in "Passing" serves as a powerful critique
of the racism, misogyny, and social constraints that shape identity and society.
Examples of clare's carefree attitudes towards race in passing
Clare's carefree attitudes towards race in "Passing" are evident in her refusal to accept the
traditional duties and limitations imposed by racial identity. She chooses to pass as white, seeking
the privileges and freedoms associated with whiteness, rather than adhering to the societal
expectations and restrictions placed on individuals of her mixed-race background. Clare's passing
is portrayed as a rejection of the duty to represent and uplift the Black race, and she instead
pursues a lifestyle that allows her to live according to her own desires, free from the constraints
of racial categorization. This carefree attitude is exemplified in her pursuit of individual freedom
and personal fulfillment, regardless of the societal norms and expectations related to her racial
identity.
How Clare's carefree attitude towards race affect her relationships with other characters
in passing
Clare's carefree attitude towards race in "Passing" affects her relationships with other characters
in the novel in several ways. Her refusal to adhere to traditional racial boundaries and her decision
to pass as white create tension and conflict in her interactions with other characters, particularly
Irene Redfield. Clare's carefree attitude is perceived as irresponsible and disrespectful by some
characters, as she flaunts her ability to pass and rejects the traditional role of a passer who guards
her true race as a deep secret and regards her passing with shame. This behavior causes
discomfort and frustration, especially for Irene, who feels that Clare's actions endanger the
stability and safety of their community. Clare's carefree attitude towards race ultimately leads to
tragic consequences, as her rejection of racial duties and her pursuit of individual freedom and
personal fulfillment result in conflict and ultimately her untimely death. This highlights the profound
impact of her carefree attitude on her relationships and the overall narrative of the novel.
How irene's relationship with clare change throughout the novel passing
Throughout the novel "Passing," Irene's relationship with Clare undergoes significant changes.
Initially, Irene is drawn to Clare's beauty and charisma, and the two women rekindle their
childhood friendship. However, as the story unfolds, Irene becomes increasingly wary of Clare's
carefree attitude towards race and her reckless behavior. Irene's growing unease is fueled by her
suspicions of Clare's motives and her own complex feelings of envy and resentment towards
Clare. Irene's perception of Clare shifts from admiration to a deep-seated jealousy, as she
becomes increasingly critical of Clare's choices and the risks she takes by passing as white. This
evolving dynamic ultimately leads to a tragic and dramatic climax, reflecting the profound impact
of Clare's carefree attitude on her relationship with Irene and the overall narrative of the novel.
The significance of Irene's decision to protect Clare's secret in "Passing"
Irene's loyalty to Clare is rooted in her own desire for security and stability, as well as her sense
of duty to protect the Black community from the dangers of exposure. However, Irene's decision
to protect Clare's secret also reflects her own internalized racism and her fear of being exposed
as a Black woman who is passing as white. Irene's decision to protect Clare's secret ultimately
leads to tragic consequences, as her loyalty to Clare is tested and her own sense of identity is
called into question. The novel explores the psychological and emotional toll of passing, as well
as the broader social and cultural implications of racial identity and the complex relationships that
exist within and between racial groups.
Exploring the complex and maltifaceted nature of Irene and Clare in Nella Larsen's
"Passing"
The novel explores the intertwined fates of the two women, whose choices and lives are deeply
connected. While there are suggestions of homoerotic subtexts in the novel, the primary focus of
their relationship is on themes of envy, resentment, and the psychological and emotional toll of
passing. Irene's loyalty to Clare is tested, and she is forced to confront her own moral values and
beliefs. The novel delves into the profound impact of morality, racial identity, and the complex
relationships that exist within and between racial groups. While there are themes of sexuality and
desire in the novel, there is no clear evidence that Irene and Clare are lesbians. The relationship
between Irene and Clare is primarily characterized by the complexities of passing, racial identity,
and the psychological and emotional dynamics between the two women.
The significance of "passing" in the context of the Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance was a period of African American cultural, artistic, and intellectual
flourishing, characterized by a redefinition of American perspectives on race and the emergence
of the "New Negro," who was assertive and self-confident[1].
Within this context, the theme of "passing" in literature, such as Nella Larsen's novel "Passing,"
expanded on the conflict of twoness to explore the effects of mixed heritage and the challenges
faced by individuals who could pass as white[1]. "Passing" allowed individuals to sidestep racial
barriers and gain advantages, but it also carried psychological and emotional consequences,
reflecting the complexities of racial identity and the societal pressures of the time[2]. The practice
of passing during the Harlem Renaissance was a response to the segregation and racism of the
era, and it became a significant theme in literature, reflecting the tensions and desires of
individuals within a society defined by racial boundaries and prejudices[3][4]. Overall, "passing"
in the context of the Harlem Renaissance served as a lens through which to examine the
psychological, social, and cultural implications of racial identity and the pursuit of individual
fulfillment amidst societal constraints[5].
Useful References
Goodspeed-Chadwick, Julie. “Sexual and Identity Politics in Nella Larsen’s Passing: Woman as
Commodity.” The Griot: Official Journal of the Southern Conference on Afro-American Studies,
Inc., vol. 22, no. 2, 2003, pp. 99-104.
https://www.gradesaver.com/passing/study-guide/themes
https://eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu/murphy16/2016/04/11/the-significance-of-passing/
http://criticallyspeaking-nellalarsen.weebly.com/passing-defined.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragic_mulatto
https://studycorgi.com/unhappy-marriages-in-passing/
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/english-literature/american-literature/passing-bynella-larsen/
https://www.boisestate.edu/presidents-writing-awards/race-gender-and-sexuality-in-nellalarsens-passing-an-exploration-of-performed-identity/