Passing Nella Larsen's Novel Passing Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 654 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

Page 1 of 2

By passing as white, Clare has been able to float in and out of various social worlds and as a result has gained status and power. In contrast, Irene has dedicated her life to helping eliminate the mindset that would cause someone to want to "pass" as white. Irene's racial consciousness is a part of who she is, and her character is defined by her racial pride.

The novel's title also refers to Clare's passing away at the end of the novel. Her death is somewhat mysterious, but it seems as though Irene pushed her friend out of the window. Irene may have killed Clare because she felt threatened by her. Clare raised fears related to her sexual identity and also to her racial identity.

Irene also does not view her gender as being a potential source of power. Unlike Clare, Irene does not seem to draw power from her sexuality. Her marriage is sexless, and Irene seems to be sexually repressed.

Stuck Writing Your "Passing Nella Larsen's Novel Passing" Essay?

View All Our Example Passing Nella Larsen's Novel Passing Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

On the other hand, Clare is conscious of her sexual power, and the power of her beautiful body. Irene finds Clare extremely attractive and is threatened by her feelings. Even if Irene were conscious of being sexually attracted to Clare it is unlikely that the two would have developed a romantic relationship because they both identify with being heterosexual. In some ways, Irene has "passed" as being straight.

Larsen's novel can be viewed simply as a book about friendship. Even without exploring the issues related to race, Passing is about how friendships that are formed in youth do not always pass the test of time. As young girls, Irene and Clare can be considered innocent. When they reminisce, the memories are pleasing, soft, and innocent. Clare and Irene did not yet understand how race would impact their personal identities, or how their identities would be affected by race, class, and gender......

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Passing Nella Larsen's Novel Passing" (2010, April 08) Retrieved May 22, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/passing-nella-larsen-novel-passing-12410

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Passing Nella Larsen's Novel Passing" 08 April 2010. Web.22 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/passing-nella-larsen-novel-passing-12410>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Passing Nella Larsen's Novel Passing", 08 April 2010, Accessed.22 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/passing-nella-larsen-novel-passing-12410
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example