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Passing by Nella Larsen: Summary and Study Guide

Nella Larsen's 1929 novel 'Passing' is a cornerstone of Harlem Renaissance literature that examines the psychological and social complexities of racial identity. The story follows two childhood friends who reconnect as adults, leading to a collision of their very different lives and choices.

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Plot Overview and Narrative Arc

The novel is divided into three parts: Encounter, Re-encounter, and Finale. It begins with Irene Redfield, a light-skinned Black woman living in Harlem, receiving a letter from her childhood friend, Clare Kendry. The two had met by chance at the Drayton Hotel in Chicago, where both were 'passing' as white to gain access to the venue. While Irene uses passing as a temporary convenience, she learns that Clare has married a wealthy, deeply prejudiced white man who is unaware of her African American heritage. This initial meeting sparks a dangerous fascination between the two women as Clare begins to reintegrate herself into Irene's social circle in New York.

Key Character Dynamics

Irene Redfield serves as the protagonist and unreliable narrator. She prizes security, social standing, and her comfortable life in Harlem with her husband, Brian. In contrast, Clare Kendry is portrayed as daring and manipulative, willing to risk everything to satisfy her longing for the community she abandoned. As Clare spends more time with the Redfields, Irene becomes increasingly paranoid, suspecting an affair between Clare and Brian. This tension highlights the internal conflict between Irene’s desire for safety and Clare’s thirst for a life without boundaries.

Major Themes and Symbols

The primary theme is the fluidity and performance of identity. Larsen explores how 'passing' is not just about race, but also about class and social performance. The novel also delves into the theme of jealousy and the psychological toll of living a double life. Symbols such as the white silk dress and the broken teacup represent the fragility of Clare’s facade and the impending destruction of the characters' carefully constructed worlds. The setting of the Harlem Renaissance provides a backdrop of cultural awakening that contrasts sharply with the stifling nature of Clare’s secret life.

The Ambiguous Ending

The novel concludes with a dramatic confrontation at a party when Clare’s husband, John Bellew, discovers her true identity. In the chaos that follows, Clare falls from a window to her death. Larsen deliberately leaves the cause of the fall ambiguous: was it an accident, a suicide, or did Irene push her out of a desperate need to protect her own life and marriage? This ambiguity is a frequent subject of classroom discussion and essay assignments, as it forces readers to question Irene's true motivations and state of mind.

What does 'passing' mean in the context of this novel?

In this context, passing refers to the practice of a person of color presenting themselves as white to navigate a segregated society and gain social or economic advantages.

Why is Irene Redfield considered an unreliable narrator?

Irene is considered unreliable because the story is told through her biased perspective. Her increasing jealousy and obsession with Clare cloud her judgment, making it difficult for the reader to know the objective truth of the events.

How does Nella Larsen use the setting of Harlem?

Harlem serves as a symbol of Black cultural identity and refuge. For Clare, it represents the home she misses, while for Irene, it is the space where she performs her role as a respectable member of the Black middle class.

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