Jealousy In Nella Larsen's Passing

In Nella Larsen’s short story, Passing, jealousy plays a prominent part in the relationship between Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, the two main characters. Both women strive to secure their place in a highly judgemental society; they are filled with envy for the other's successes and insecurities about their own lives. While each woman has a relatively successful life, they analyze each other's lives, uncovering something that they are missing out on in their own life. This sense of envy persists throughout the story, from the subtle jealousy that Irene displays when seeing Clare living as a white woman to the threats that Clare's presence poses to Irene's marriage and social standing. By using the presence of jealousy, Larsen highlights

Both women are biologically biracial, but on the outside, they appear as if they are white. Clare chose to embrace the fact that on the surface she appeared white. Everyone in her current life has no idea that she is partly a black woman; they are all fully convinced she is white. If the truth that she was black came out her future, her relationships, and her marriage would be destroyed. Although Clare knows the major effect of the consequences of someone finding out, she believes that the benefits of being white are worth the risks. Similarly, Irene can pass as white to people who do not know her, but Irene chooses to embrace her ethnicity rather than hide behind her ability to pass. She is part of a community where all are welcomed and respected despite their races, a place where she can be true to herself. She knows that there are differences between living a white life and a black life, but she does not accept the risks of living a lie as a “white” woman. She especially does not accept the risks in Clare's case as her husband is an aggressive racist. Their backgrounds are the cause of the initial conflict between Irene and

From the start of their meeting, Clare feels a level of jealousy for Irene’s stability and popularity. While Clare must conceal her racial identity, Irene can display hers without consequences, making Irene more desirable in the eyes of society. Clare is envious that Irene doesn't have to lie or pretend. She is also jealous of Irene's marriage. Clare's husband is continuously bashing black people calling them things like “dirty devils” unknowing that his wife is black. Clare also expresses her desire for another child like Irene has, but she fears that if she has another child it may come out darker and reveal her lie. Clare becomes an active member of Irene's life while she is away from her husband because she has the opportunity to be around people like her. As a result, Clare comes to rely on Irene for her affirmation and for being a part of a racially accepting