The Pursue of Security In Passing, Larsen explores the options African American women had and the choices they made in 1920s. The novel’s plot delves into the relationship between Irene Redfield, the protagonist, and Clare Kendry, who is, arguably, the novel’s antagonist. Larsen uses race to highlight her characters’ need to pursue social security through marriage and friendship. Larson identifies Irene as a mother, a Black woman, a wife, but one striking identification remains exceptional: “American” (367). Larsen emphasizes Irene’s need for a permanent residency that she can identify with. In a way, Irene’s permanent residency in American “soil” symbolizes her security (367). Irene, unlike Clare, has already fulfilled her social role by having a husband, children, and a charitable work—she achieved all of that in America, which makes her ignores her husband’s desire of leaving to Brazil. She has already found her castle of security, which depicts any attempt of change as a threat. Unlike Irene, Clare struggles to find her role in life. Clare’s marriage is built on a lie; her daughter lives abroad in Europe; and she doesn’t feel belong to her husband’s white community, which makes her admits to Irene that she is “not close to a single soul” (242). Larson illustrates Clare’s vulnerability …show more content…
However pursing security is what motivates every party in this unique friendship. Irene sees Clare as a threat to her marriage that must be eliminated while Clare sees Irene and her family as an opportunity to achieve personal security. Hence, when their security interests intertwined, their friendships, racial bonding, and true identities are at stake. By the end of the novel, when Clare dies ambiguously, Irene clarifies that Clare—the threat— “just fell” (296). Her relief, although temporary, is