Summary Of Passing By Nella Larsen

Passing The novel, Passing by Nella Larsen, tells a story of two African- American women’s who work hard for the American dream. Larson demonstrates certain conflicts such as betrayal, jealousy, lies, race, and sexuality. Clare Kendry and Irene Reinfield were childhood friends, but when Clare’s father died, she moved away with her aunts and Irene never saw her again. Both Clare and Irene are light skinned who may pass as white. Irene stays with her race while Clare abandons her race by passing as white. Irene works hard for her American dream and as a black woman it is very difficult to become a successful middle class worker during the 1920s. As Irene struggles for her American dream, Clare, finds the easy route by passing as white and marrying

Irene believes passing is offensive, however she passed in order to go inside the Drayton. As Irene is sitting down at the Drayton she notices an attractive women that she describe as “dark, almost black, eyes and that wide mouth like a scarlet flower against the ivory of her skin” (6). Irene acknowledges Clare smiling at the waiter as she describes “too provocative” at first she did not think much about it. Eventually Clare goes up to Irene and they begin to talk to each other. As Clare got the attention of the waiter, she commands two teas and cigarettes, Larson stated “that odd upward smile. Now, Irene was sure that it was too provocative for a waiter” (10). Irene figures out Clare is black and realized that Clare is passing, which upsets Irene. Larson expresses how surprised Irene was to see Clare, “‘But I’m not surprised to see you. Rene… In fact, ever since I’ve been here, I’ve more or less hoped that I should, or someone. Preferably you, though. Still, I image that’s because I’ve thought of you often and often’” (11). This statement by Clare expresses on how much she missed Irene. Irene begins to tell Clare about her marriage and kids, but Irene is reluctant to ask about Clare’s life. For Clare, her desire is to reconnect with Irene again. She starts by inviting Irene to dinner and for some tea, but Irene explained “that it wouldn’t be possible because she wouldn’t be free for tea, or luncheon or dinner” (14). Clare is curious that Irene does not passed, “Tell me, honestly, haven’t you ever thought of passing,” Irene responds directly, “‘No Why Should I?’” (19). For Irene, her thoughts on passing is insulting for the race, however, Irene shows hypocrisy because she is passing as white at the Drayton. . When Irene finally accepts Clare’s invitation for tea, Clare’s husband, Jack Bellow, a white successful businessman enters the room and refers Clare as “nig.” Jack renders numerous of racist