Question

Passing by Nella Larsen Discuss the character of Clare Kendry and what attributes Larsen gives her in the novel. What do those attributes represent? Why might they be important to the development of the story?

- A) Clare Kendry's attributes represent rebellion and defiance.
- B) Clare Kendry's attributes represent conformity and tradition.
- C) Clare Kendry's attributes represent mystery and intrigue.
- D) Clare Kendry's attributes represent innocence and vulnerability.

Answer 1

Clare Kendry in 'Passing' represents mystery and intrigue, reflecting themes of racial identity and class through her actions and choices. Her character serves as a catalyst in the novel, significantly influencing the narrative's trajectory and sparking discussions on race and identity.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Nella Larsen's novel Passing, the character of Clare Kendry is a complex figure who embodies attributes of mystery and intrigue. Clare's decision to pass as white and her willingness to move between racial identities highlight the nuances and difficulties of racial categorization during the Harlem Renaissance. These attributes facilitate critical discussions on race, identity, and belonging, making Clare a pivotal character in driving the narrative forward and engaging with the broader themes of the novel, such as racial identification and class division.

Larsen's personal history of living on both sides of the color line, along with her experiences in a mixed-race household and segregated institutions, influenced her portrayal of Clare. This character's actions and choices exemplify a rebellion against rigid racial classifications, while the consequences of these choices complicate the reader's understanding of identity. Clare Kendry's role in the story is crucial as it ignites the central conflict and serves as a catalyst for the book's dramatic events.