The Complexities of Passing


Dear Nella Larsen,

While Clare Kendry epitomizes the image of a mysterious and complicated character, Irene's character and thoughts are even more perplexing and startling. To start off, although Clare embraces the idea of "passing" for white and Irene condemns this, Irene herself uses some of the benefits of her fairer skin but then adopts Black culture in her Harlem community. Clare plays an important role in revealing Irene's contradictory thoughts and decisions surrounding her sexuality, race and gender roles. I wonder what inspires Irene's character- it's such an honest portrayal of the complexities of Black women during the 1920's that I feel she is modeled after a personal story in your life, Nella. Also, the conflicting desires of Clare and Irene inspire discourse on which path for passing Black women was the most "right." To choose complete immersion in the white community? Or only when it was convenient? That makes me wonder if Brian and Irene's economic success in Harlem possible for Black families. Was passing for white ever needed- especially in a mostly Black population of Harlem? I also wondered if the reader should truly sympathize Clare's "tragedy" of passing for white and not being in tune with the Black community-- isn't lighter skin a form of privilege in many communities? This book does a great job of inspiring debate about a past often ignored and almost indescribable due to the fact that passing was such a unique experience with a multitude of stories.


-Kaela

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