Nella Larsen's

Themes of Sexual and Racial Tensions in Nella Larsen’s Passing In Nella Larsen’s Passing, we are privy to Irene Redfield’s commentary on her encounters with Clare Kendry. Irene presents herself as a wealthy, well educated, sophisticated woman and a respected member of the Harlem Community. Conversely, she describes Clare as a traitor to her people (the Harlem society), and socially undesirable due to the fact that she “passes” as white and marries …

…sexual aspects, and rely solely on racial issues to discern its meaning, then an important aspect of the novel remains unexplored. Questions: 1. Did you feel sorry for Clare after the incident with her husband, when he spoke of black people? 2. On page 210, do you think Larsen uses foreshadowing when Clare says, “Why, to get the things I want badly enough, I’d do anything, hurt anybody, throw anything away. Really, ‘Rene, I’m not safe.