Passing Nella Larsen Summary

In Passing, Nella Larsen explores the options the 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. Even though race is a major theme in the novel, but a closer reading would conclude that pursing security in marriage and society is what drives every main character in the book. Irene Redfield, a complex biracial character, is married to a doctor, Brian, whose mind is occupied of leaving America in favor of his home, Brazil, where his children wouldn’t be judged on their skin color, given the fact that one of them is black. However, Irene ignores his dissatisfaction because …show more content…
Although it isn’t fully explained, Clare’s strange yearning for Irene’s friendship could be attributed to her fear from loneness since she is “not close to a single soul” (242). In other words, Clare believes that Irene’s friendships would give her what her marriage and society couldn’t: belonging. As Clare frequents to her house constantly, Irene finds her feelings towards her friend’s presence confusing. First, she is charmed by Clare’s smile, beauty, and elegance. However, she is surprised by her capability of deceiving her husband about her racial background. She is stunned of her lack of respect when her husband calls her “a Negro” as a joke (210). Then, she is astonished by Clare’s persuading skills when she asks to be invited to a party Irene organizes. Clare’s beauty, deceiving ability, lack of dignity, and manipulation skills lead Irene to think that Clare has an affair with her husband—despite the lack of evidence. She realizes that Clare is a serious threat to her security, but she is helpless to eliminate this threat out of her