In the Passing, the concept of self-definition is extensively explored through the character of Clare Kendry. Self-definition refers to an individual’s ability to explain themselves on their own terms, without being restricted or influenced by societal expectations or limitations. Clare Kendry, a biracial woman who ‘passes’ as white in order to navigate a racist society, constantly grapples with her identity and struggles to define herself. Clare attempts to achieve self-definition by consciously choosing to pass as white, which grants her certain privileges and access to opportunities denied to people of color. However, her attempts at self-definition ultimately lead to a sense of emptiness and a profound feeling of inauthenticity. Other characters in the novel, such as Irene, also strive for self-definition in their own ways. Irene seeks to define herself through her role as a mother and a wife, while other characters like Gertrude challenge societal norms and expectations to carve out their own identity. Ultimately, Passing depicts the complexities and challenges of self-definition and raises questions about the sacrifices and consequences that come with such pursuits.
Me: Do you think the Passing is a fiction novel?
Wall: No this wouldn’t be. This novel would be more informative. This is an inevitable tragedy for these mulattoes of self definition.
Hutchinson: No. I believe that Larsen’s point of view is misunderstood due to the way it is explained. Larsen’s purpose was to give perspective on her racial cultural discrimination that she experiences.
Me: Do you think that Larsen’s personal experiences have affected how her novel was written?
Wall: Yes. I know that this is the reason it was so challenging for Clare for find self definition.
Hutchinson: I would have to agree with wall, that Larsen’s life influenced how she wrote her novel and Clare’s story. Her point of view can lead to confusion on her interpretation of Passing.
Quote 1: “She saw before her the degraded spectacle of a woman who was eating her own heart as surely as ever the captive eagle had devoured the liver of Prometheus.”
This quote supports Wall’s point of the novel by highlighting the internal struggle that the protagonist, Irene, experiences as she navigates the complexities of identity and passing. It depicts Irene as a woman torn between her desires and the societal expectations placed upon her. The comparison to Prometheus, a figure from Greek mythology who was punished for his rebellion, further emphasizes the burden and torment Irene feels.
Quote 2: “They are like a gulf that separates both of them from ordinary mortals.”
This quote complicates Wall’s point by presenting the passing characters, such as Clare, as distant and isolated from the rest of society. While Wall suggests that passing can be a means of escaping societal constraints, this quote suggests that it can also create a sense of detachment and otherness. It challenges the idea that passing is a straightforward solution to the challenges of being black in a racist society.
Quote 3: “It was all absurd. Anything might happen. It was all absurd.”
This quote undermines Wall’s point by revealing the chaotic and unpredictable nature of passing. While Wall explores the complexities of passing, this quote suggests that it is ultimately a futile and absurd endeavor. It raises questions about the unattainability of true acceptance and the toll that passing can take on an individual’s mental and emotional state.
Overall, focusing a reading of Passing through selected quotes helps to highlight the nuanced and multi-faceted aspects of the novel. It allows for a deeper understanding of Wall’s exploration of identity, societal expectations, and the consequences of passing. I personally look at the novel as informative on racial cultures. It does make sense to me because I am biracial so I can personally relate to many point that was made in this model. It is not a distraction the way she connects herself to the novel. It adds more meaning to the novel.
The concept of “Wall” can have different interpretations depending on the context. In some cases, it can represent a barrier, obstacle, or division between different entities or individuals. In the book “Passing” by Nella Larsen, the concept of passing refers to the act of an individual with a mixed racial background presenting themselves as a member of a different racial group. This passing can involve creating a figurative wall between the person’s true racial identity and the identity they are pretending to have.
In the context of passing, the concept of wall can relate to the idea of hiding one’s true identity and building a façade or barrier between their true self and the society they are trying to fit into. The character Irene in “Passing” is aware of the wall that others build in order to pass, and she struggles with whether or not to confront this issue directly. This examines the complexities of race, identity, and the societal pressures that can lead individuals to construct walls between their true selves and the world.
In my own response to “Passing” and the concept of wall, I would say that it highlights the importance of authenticity and acceptance. It suggests that individuals should feel comfortable and free to express their true identities without fear of judgment or prejudice. Building walls to hide one’s true self can lead to internal conflicts and a sense of disconnection from one’s own identity. By embracing and celebrating diversity, we can break down these walls and foster a more inclusive and accepting society.
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