Blacks and whites were separated but were said to be equal. Despite this ‘equality’ many African American citizens tried to pass the colour line to improve their quality of life. In a time when this passing was so common, chauvinists often looked for other means to determine race. Some look for physical indications, but others, like Hugh Wentworth, just had an itch or talent for knowing. (Larsen 61) Hugh tries to determine Clare’s race at the Harlem dance, but despite his knack for it, he is unable to do so. Irene’s response to his inability is that “nobody can. Not by looking” (Larsen 61). Clare Bellew demonstrates this best, as she is not only able to convince everyone she meets that she is a white woman, but also her husband, a man who should know everything about
Blacks and whites were separated but were said to be equal. Despite this ‘equality’ many African American citizens tried to pass the colour line to improve their quality of life. In a time when this passing was so common, chauvinists often looked for other means to determine race. Some look for physical indications, but others, like Hugh Wentworth, just had an itch or talent for knowing. (Larsen 61) Hugh tries to determine Clare’s race at the Harlem dance, but despite his knack for it, he is unable to do so. Irene’s response to his inability is that “nobody can. Not by looking” (Larsen 61). Clare Bellew demonstrates this best, as she is not only able to convince everyone she meets that she is a white woman, but also her husband, a man who should know everything about