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The novel Passing written by Nella Larson was written reflecting the times of racial segregation and affluence of the majority white society. Written in the Harlem Renaissance era, passing, which meant an afro-American passing for a white is use to describe the focus of which motivated the author to create such a piece. It is a story of leaving ones life behind to gain a new with its benefits and privileges. Passing meant discovering the freedom attained, gaining a sense of power, hope, and the American Dream. To be afro-American in those times would mean giving up hope of ever having those dreams in the predominantly white society. However, we also see the perils and dangers that come with this lifestyle.
Passing was not just an escape to greener pastures but an avenue that could bring even more trouble and hurt with the discovery of true identity. Irene and Clare were childhood friends separated by the death of Clares father. After his death, Clare grew up on the West side of town with her white aunts, Edna and Grace. It was at this time she was kept a secret and was taught how to be white and enjoy the benefits of it. She was always told to avoid speaking about her ethnicity to her neighbors or never mentioning the South side of town (pg 27). Clare concealed her identity and shut out all of her past relationships except for Irene Redfield.
Irene, secure for the most part but still apprehensive of been a woman of color accepted it, and did not see a need to pass and play the role. She said, I have everything I want except, perhaps, a little more money. (p. 28) Upon catching up after their twelve year stint away from each other, Irene noticed a peculiar attraction that her and Clare shared for each other. Never the less, this deep attraction was drowned out by Irene's envious hatred because of the beauty that Clare possessed. They both had this in common; they both felt alienated and far from their husbands. Though little effort came from Irene's side the perseverance of Clare produced further meetings together. I feel Irene had a major part in the fall of Clare Redfield.
Irene's felt that her marriage was falling apart and in danger of dying. (pg. 58) She began to see more and more of Clare as she accompanied her and her husband Brian to tea parties and dances on the south side of town. It is over these outings together that Irene began to notice more and more of Clares abilities with men. She charmed and captivated them with her beauty and flirtatiousness and pulled them in through skillful speech. Irene noticed this several times throughout the final pages of the novel and her bitter envy, un-confessed to Clare brewed up inside her. Irene knew Clare was reckless and knew that she would go after anything that she desired with disregard to the feelings of others.
In the depths of Irene's heart she desired the liberal lifestyle that Clare lived. Irene could not figure out why she had helped Clare to conceal her identity from her husband. She too kept the deep secret from John Bellew that had the power to destroy Clares life. In ever-growing torment of seeing Clare dance upon the fringes of danger, Irene also began to notice the influence that Clare was having upon her own husband. She noticed that unlike before, when Brian stated that he wasnt too impressed with Clare and not caring much for her to defending Clare now against Irene. She noticed a liking that Brian was developing for Clare.
Irene had remembered what Clare said in the past Why, to get the things I want badly enough, Id do anything, hurt anybody, throw anything away, Im not safe. (pg. 81) It rang out in Irene's mind and tormented her until Irene's anger grew more and more. She pondered the temptation of exposing the truth to Clares husband. She wished for him to find out the truth so as to get rid of Clare once and for all. She even felt a sense of gratitude about John Bellew seeing her and False in town together in hopes that he would piece it together.
It was clear that Irene subconsciously wished for an end to Clare. It was the night of the tea party that clues pointed towards Irene's involvement in the fall of Clare. Just before growing up the flights of stairs leading to Felieses apartment, Irene noticed Clare clinging to Brians arm. She was looking at him with that provocative upward glance of hers, and his eyes were fastened on her face with what seemed to Irene an expression of wistful eagerness. (pg 109) This enraged Irene moreso than before as her insecurities grew and I believe it is at this point that Irene's longing for her to disappear reached its height. When John Bellew showed up at the house enraged to find Clare amongst a house full of afro-Americans, Irene could only think of how Clare Kerry could not be cast aside by Bellew.
She (Irene) couldnt have her free. (pg. 111). Even after the fall, Irene stayed upstairs justifying herself internally rehearsing the answers to the questions that would secure her innocents. Its at this point that I believe Irene proved her guilt and amide to believe that she had full part in Clares death.
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Research essay sample on Side Of Town Afro American
