Similarities Between 'Recitatiff And Passing'

One of the most obvious themes in both "Passing" and "Recitatiff" is prejudice, social status and the huge role that race plays in the novels. In "Recitatiff" racism is first introduced when Twyla's mom states that the people of Roberta's race "never washed their hair and smelled funny." Mary expressing that to Twyla shows how she was prejudice to the contrary race. Very similar in "Passing" Clare acts prejudice against her own race stating that white society is more superior and that more light-skin women should pass as white. It is stated that Clare lives a very luxurious life along the side of her husband that she likes to make known to most. In many occasions it is interpreted that Clare believes she's better than Irene because of her luxurious

In "Recitatiff" the novel begins where Twyla and Roberta are both children and both struggling to grow into young adults having no choice because of the absence of their mothers. The childhood vs. adulthood theme also relates to their mothers because in their situation childhood and adulthood are very fluid. Those concepts are fluid relating to their mothers because they were unable to fully mature and grow into adulthood and provide proper care for their daughters. The novel fast forwards to where Roberta and Twyla have an encounter as adults. Roberta and Twyla are on opposing sides regarding school integration and continue to make childish signs while also bickering as if they were still children. It is significant to recognize that both characters are adults while still remaining children at once. Using the same approach with some difference "Passing" succeeds to show the importance of childhood and adulthood. Irene reminisced back to when Clare was a child and her drunken dad verbally abused her while she calmly proceeded to sew her dress. That childhood memory later relates to Clare's mood shifts as an adult. Irene discusses how her father didn't like to tell her information about Clare's father when she was a child. She also mentions that there were a lot of rumors about Clare when they were younger when she decided to run away. Clare later asks Irene about those rumors once they're adults. Irene is influenced by her father and decides to not tell Clare about rumors. The importance is to acknowledge that both characters are influenced in their adulthood by their childhood