Charles Baudelaire In Nella Larsen's Passing

A man who walks the streets observing his surroundings in the 19th to the 20th century would be defined as a flaneur, this French word translates literally to a stroller or a dawdler. A flanerie, would translate to stroller in the same way flaneur does, however at the time, negative connotation associated with the word often misconstrued it. The female version of this idea, the flanerie, when looking at aspects and evidence of Clare’s character in Nella Larsen's “Passing” are many when defining the word without negative connotation. Clare would not be defined as such when looking through the lens of the time period, however with today’s definition, Clare fits the bill. Though Clare has the ability to pass through, she is still limited in other people's definitions of her, such as with her friend Irene. Her limitations come when others inhibit her, however Clares’ flaneur like qualities allow her a confined free life. However Clares’

Though this definition comes from a man, purely defining her as such in a sexual viewpoint type way of society, rather than looking at her intellect and individual circumstances. In no way is there any evidence that a flanerie would have intentions of selling her body with sex. Though shown later, a flanerie such as Clare dresses classically and nicely for the time period, though some would describe her as promiscuous this only proves the oversexualization of women's bodies didn’t merely start with short shorts and tube tops. The only similarity is that they (a prostitute and flanerie) both walk the streets and can both observe their surroundings. Though a prostitute is looking for something other than an intellectual experience. Also, a flanerie has the luxury of being able to roam around without finances being a constant thought. In “Passing” Clare experiences both of her cultures and in no way is it shown she is looking to sell