Jealousy In Passing

Passing Essay

In the novel Passing by Nella Larsen, Clare Kendry and Irene Renfield present two different perspectives. During the Renaissance both these characters are able to pass as white, however Irene decides to stay in the African American community, and Clare decides to move on from her upbringing and join the white society. They come from the same background, but end up living completely different lives. Their relationship very much conflicts with the way they live their lives. When they finally meet again, immediately their real relationship begins to form. Clare and Irene’s relationship is formulated by their similar opposition, and jealousy.
Irene Renfield takes a more realistic approach at living her life in a time of
For the most part, this jealousy is one sided. Clare makes it seem as if her life is luxurious, and graceful when it happens to be the complete opposite. Her trips to Europe, and wonderful stories are all cover ups for her deepest fears. She does her best to weave her way back to the black community. While her Husband is away she tries to attend black events, and even get close with Irene's husband. So much, to the point where there is an assumed affair going on with Irene’s husband and Clare. While Clare reenters the african american community and lifestyle, Irene struggles to fit in. She feels as if her life is being crumbled bit by bit. Their opposition is only that they would wish to be the opposite person. “Sitting alone in the quiet living room in the pleasant firelight, Irene Redfield wished, for the first time in her life that she had not been born a Negro. For the first time she suffered and rebelled because she was unable to disregard the burden of race. It was, she cried silently, enough to suffer as a woman, an individual, on one's own account, without having to suffer for the race as well. It was a brutality, and undeserved. Surely no other people so cursed as Ham's dark children.” Irene feels as if her race is a burden upon her life. Their Jealousy can also be linked to their similar thoughts. Both Clare and Irene wished that they were flipped. Clare wants to be able to live
There are many different facets that are included in the way they feel about each other. There is an obvious attraction that has been placed upon Clare and Irene. No matter how many times they are separated, they always find a way to come back to each other, more engaged and attracted than ever before. Opposition between the two is seen more than similarities, but their opposition is what brings together their similarities and true