Summary Of Passing By Nella Larson

In the novel Passing, the author, Nella Larson, uses Clare and Irene to express the struggles and hardships that Black people faced in the 1920’s in America. During these rough times, some Black people chose to “pass” to escape the struggles that they faced during this time. However, this choice could sometimes put them in a more dangerous situation. In the novel, Clare chooses to pass, and she marries a very racist white man. This puts her in two predicaments. First, if her husband were to find out that she was passing, it wouldn’t end up well for her. Second, she gets detached from the Black community, where she was raised. In the book, Clare tries to reconnect with her race, but Irene doesn’t welcome her with open arms. “No, Clare Kendry cared

Clare’s decision to pass creates a difference between the personalities of Irene and Clare. Irene thinks that Clare has a very narcissistic personality, and can convince anyone into doing anything. Irene doesn’t like Clare, but Clare always finds a way to get to Irene. For example, when Irene says “What was it about Clare’s voice that was so appealing, so very seductive? (pg. 34)” Irene thinks that Clare has a way of always getting her way due to her voice and looks. However, when Irene encounters Clare’s racist husband, Jack, in New York, “She was caught between two allegiances.Herself. Her race. (pg.101).” She could alert Clare that Jack was back in town, when he was supposed to be in Philadelphia, or she could let Clare get caught, and finally get her out of her life. She decides not to tell Clare, resulting in the death of Clare. When Clare comes into the picture, Irene's relationship with her husband weakens. They begin arguing, and Irene senses a feeling of discontent with Brian. One day, the family is talking about the inappropriate things that Junior is learning in