Question

In passing by Bella Larsen, discuss the character of Clare Kendra and what attributes Larsen gives her. What do those attributes do? Why might they be important to the development of the story?

a) Clare Kendra is portrayed as independent and assertive.
b) Clare Kendra is depicted as reserved and passive.
c) Clare Kendra exhibits resilience and adaptability.
d) Clare Kendra is characterized by arrogance and insensitivity.

Answer 1

Clare Kendra in 'Passing' by Nella Larsen is best characterized by her resilience and adaptability, traits that are crucial to the novel's exploration of race and identity. These attributes enable Clare to navigate between different social contexts, which is pivotal for the development of the story.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the novel Passing by Nella Larsen, the character of Clare Kendra is highly significant for the narrative’s exploration of themes of race and identity. Clare is one of the two light-skinned African-American women central to the story, who chooses to pass as white. Unlike the character options b) and d) given, Clare Kendra is not reserved, passive, arrogant or insensitive. Instead, c) resilience and adaptability best describe Clare's attributes, as she navigates the rigid racial boundaries of her time by passing into a white society. The attributes Larsen gives Clare reflect her own experiences with racial identification and class division, having lived in various cultural contexts herself.

Clare’s resilience is clear in her determination to maintain her deceit in the face of potential exposure, while her adaptability is evident as she moves between different social circles. These characteristics are central to the plot, as they add complexity to the issues of race and identity and heighten the tension in the story. Clare's ability to pass affects her relationships, particularly with her childhood friend Irene Redfield, and poses questions about authenticity and self-identification, which are important to the development of the story.

Answer 2

In "Passing" by Nella Larsen, Clare Kendra is portrayed as independent and assertive. This characterization adds depth to her personality, influencing the story's dynamics and highlighting the complexities of racial identity and societal expectations thus option A is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Larsen crafts Clare Kendra as an independent and assertive character, navigating a society with rigid racial boundaries (option A). Clare's assertiveness challenges traditional expectations of Black women during the time the novel is set. Her independence becomes a crucial element in the story, driving the narrative forward as she negotiates her identity in a racially divided society.

The attributes of independence and assertiveness in Clare Kendra are important for the development of the story as they create tension and conflict. Clare's choices and actions defy societal norms, especially in the context of racial passing. Her assertiveness leads her to make bold decisions, contributing to the story's exploration of racial identity and societal expectations.

Moreover, Larsen's portrayal of Clare Kendra as independent and assertive serves to question and challenge societal norms, making a powerful statement about the limitations placed on individuals based on race and gender. Through Clare's character, Larsen prompts readers to reflect on the impact of societal expectations on personal agency and the complexities of navigating identity in a prejudiced society.

In essence, Clare Kendra's attributes play a pivotal role in the narrative, shaping the story's thematic depth and encouraging readers to critically engage with the societal constructs depicted in "Passing."