Nella Larsen’s novel, Passing, provides an example of
some of the best writing the Harlem Renaissance has to
offer. Nella Larsen was one of the most promising young
writer’s of her time. Though she only published two novels
it is clear that she was one of the most important writers
of the Harlem Renaissance movement. Her career as writer
probably would have lasted longer, but she was accused of
plagiarizing her short story, “Sanctuary.” She was
eventually cleared of any wrong doing, but the accusation
deeply tarnished her reputation as writer. It is truly a
shame that the first African-American woman to win the
Guggenheim Fellowship was forced out of writing by scandal.
Before being haunted by scandal, Nella Larsen played
an intricate role in the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem
Renaissance was a movement that started toward the end of
World War I and lasted through the mid 1930’s. It was the
first notable movement of African-American writers and
artists in the United States. It was given the name
“Harlem Renaissance” because the movement was centered in
the Harlem district in New York City. More
African-American writers and poets were published during
this period in the United States than ever before. Not
only were African-American writers being published more,
but they were also getting a great deal of recognition for
their work. The body of work characteristic of this time
period showed a heightened sense of racial consciousness.
African-American writers during this time were not only
seeking to counteract racial prejudice, but were also
perpetuating the cultural heritage of Africa. Some of the
major writers born from this period include Langston
Hughes, Claude McKay, Jean Toomer, Countee Cullen, Neale
Hurston and of course, Nella Larsen.
The writing of the Harlem Renaissance explored a
variety of themes and genres. The writer’s experimented
with a wide variety of styles as well. Langston Hughes for
instance explored the lives of working-class
African-Americans. Jean Toomer explored what life was like
for very poor African-Americans. Countee Cullen on the
other hand explored the problem of racism and the
definition of Africa for African-Americans. Nella Larsen
explored the restrictions faced by African-Americans
according to their skin color.
Nella Larsen’s novel, Passing was her second as well
as last novel and was published in 1929. To get a better
idea of what this novel is about, one must understand what
exactly “passing” is. Passing is when African-American men
or women with light skin pass themselves off as white in
order to enjoy the privileges that were afforded to white
people during this period in American history. The Plessy
vs. Ferguson ruling of “separate, but equal” was still in
effect at this time in history. Therefore, one could
understand why it could be advantageous for
African-Americans who had light enough skin to pass
themselves off as white.
Passing is narrated by the character, Irene Redfield,
who is a middle-class, light-skinned African-American woman
who deplores “passing.” She is married to a doctor, with
whom she has two sons, who is too dark to “pass.” Irene is
somewhat self-consciously proud of her African heritage.
Irene’s life is going along as usual when she runs into a
childhood friend. Her old friend’s name is Clare Kendry.
Clare Kendry is a light-skinned African-American woman who
“passes” for white. In fact she is even married to a white
doctor. Ironically, Irene runs into her at a rooftop
restaurant where she herself is “passing” to evade the heat
wave.
The characters in Passing, are faced with the
confusion of which race to identify with. They are trapped
in limbo between two worlds: white and black. These
feelings of being denied privileges if they identify with
African-American society and being allowed privileges if
they “pass” as white causes them to feel lonely and feel as
though they are not truly part of either race. If they
“pass” they will be allowed to exercise all the privileges
that come along with being white during this period of
history in America. If they decide to identify themselves
as African-American they will be denied many of the most
basic privileges given to American citizens.
This book explores the trap that light-skinned
African-Americans are put in by the Plessy vs. Ferguson
ruling of “separate, but equal.” This ruling is in
reality, separate, but not anywhere near equal. Passing
proves this to be true. African-Americans would not even
entertain the idea of “passing” if they were not being
denied certain rights and privileges.
This book is a valuable account of the tragic
consequences of being denied racial identity due to a court
decision and a society which perpetuates this unfounded
prejudice. Is it better to deny one’s racial heritage or
accept it and identify with it. This book shows how both
choices are loaded with a number of adverse consequences.
After reading Passing, the reader will see that this is by
no means a black and white issue, but rather a complex
series of stages of gray. Whether you are familiar with
Harlem Renaissance and this period in history or this is
your first journey into exploring what society was like in
the 11920’s you stand to learn a lot from Nella Larsen’s
classic, Passing.
Bibliography
Larsen, Nella. Quicksand and Passing. Rutgers State University, 1986
Другие работы по теме:
Power Essay Research Paper Power is as
Power Essay, Research Paper Power is, as anyone will tell you, a tantalizing addiction. The natural human craving for power derives from the simple ideals of a genuflecting mass of humanity; bowing, scraping, praising and carrying out one?s every whim. The sheer exhilaration of controlling, manipulating, and yes, even hurting someone is almost too much for out feeble minds to overcome.
Gatsby Vs Passing Essay Research Paper The
Gatsby Vs. Passing Essay, Research Paper The 1920’s Woman Women prior to the 1920 s were usually described as proper and prim mannered. This was during a time when women were basically powerless, because they were being controlled by men. During the 1920 s though, females began to show some boldness and started to move away from the stereotypes that were placed on them, and strived to live their lives according to their own version of the American Dream.
The Moral Story Essay Research Paper Once
The Moral Story Essay, Research Paper Once upon a time there was a beautiful Dancer who lived in Mexico City. Raquel: What was she called? Maria: She was called Bella. Raquel: Oh. (Raquel s prettiest doll is called Bella.)Bella was the loveliest dancer in the world, and all the people wanted her to come and dance at their parties.
Tuesdays With Morrie Essay Research Paper This
Tuesdays With Morrie Essay, Research Paper This book is an intriguing description of an old mans battle with death. More specifically that man is suffering from Lou Gehrig?s disease or amyotrophic
College Level Physics Essay Research Paper I
College Level Physics Essay, Research Paper I feel the future of transportation lies in space travel. People can go any where in the world and can do anything but travel in space. This is do to the incredible cost of space travel. The use of massive amounts of fuel for departing and re-entering the atmosphere contributes a high percentage of the cost.
Nella Larsen
’s Passing Essay, Research Paper The Harlem Renaissance was a turning point for many African Americans. A vast amount of literature was created specifically for this group during this era. It was a period when the African American “was in vogue” and “white thinkers and writers were devoting a considerable amount of attention” to them (Taylor 91, 90).
The Tragic Fate Of Helga In Quicksand
By Nella Larsen Essay, Research Paper The Tragic Fate of an Unrequited Childhood By Darcy Jo Gaugler In reading Quicksand written by Nella Larsen one may come to the end of the book with a reaction much like??what!?? Then, in frustration, throw the book down, lean an aggravated head back, and continue to ponder the books in its entirety.
Passing Essay Research Paper The Root of
Passing Essay, Research Paper The Root of Jealousy In Nella Larsen s Passing, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry show us a great deal about race and sexuality in the 1920s. Both are extremely light-skinned women of African-American descent. However similar they appear to be, their views on race, a very controversial issue at the time, differ significantly.
Child Morality Essay Research Paper The Child
Child Morality Essay, Research Paper The Child as a Moral Philosopher In this Article ? The Child as a Moral Philosopher,? psychologist Lawrence Kolberg gives a clear description of his theory of moral development. Kolberg uses the studies of seventy-five American boys of varying ages. He also uses boys from other cultures for instance Great Britain, Canada, Taiwan, Mexico and Turkey.
Ideas That Go To Washington Essay Research
Paper People?s ideals have a certain innocence about them, just as people themselves do. The ideals held by the respective characters in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Passing, all vary in degrees of innocence. The ideals of most men are innocent at the core, but have become jaded and hidden behind the cynicism and realization of maturity.
Descriptive Essay Essay Research Paper Person He
Descriptive Essay Essay, Research Paper Person: He stands five foot five. His hair is blonde and brown. His eyes are brown as well. He listens to punk music, Nofx being his favorite band. He likes to go fishing in his grandmother’s back yard, and hunt as well. He is nice to all who are nice to him. He never turns down a friend in need, even if he is in need as well.
Failing Essay Research Paper The fear of
Failing Essay, Research Paper The fear of flunking is one of the many techniques a student can use to pass a class; this only depends on the person though. I believe that all students have a nightmare of failing a class. This pushes them to actually pursue in the academic. There are some students who simply do their best to reach their full potential, there are other students who fear failing and that is what unfortunately motivates them.
Determinism In Quicksand Essay Research Paper During
Determinism In Quicksand Essay, Research Paper During the Harlem Renaissance, many literary works concentrated on celebrating African American heritage. However, many other writers also began concentrating on the darker theme of naturalism. Nella Larsen s Quicksand illustrates many elements of this movement.
American Dream Essay Research Paper What is
American Dream Essay, Research Paper What is the AMERICAN DREAM? I concluded the matter of dreaming about life?s basics wants that are exclusive to North America. The American Dream is the following: Go to college, get a good job, and finally get your own family. If we think about it, the American Dream is indeed a UNIVERSAL DREAM.
Gun Control Essay Research Paper Are you
Gun Control Essay, Research Paper Are you ready to die? What?s more, are you ready to kill? When you hold a gun anywhere but the firing range you?d better be ready and able to use it or die. Don?t get me wrong; just because you carry a gun doesn?t mean people automatically start being violent towards you but if you get in a fight and someone realizes you have a gun it?s more than likely that they will pull one and shoot you if they have it.
The Sea Wolf Essay Research Paper The
The Sea Wolf Essay, Research Paper The crew of the seal hunting ship the Ghost stood in disbelief as they gazed upon their recently departed first mate. Then a most unusual thing occurred. The captain began yelling at the dead man like a raging storm. Oaths rolled from his lips in a continuous stream. And they were not nice and thoughtful words or mere expressions of indecency.
Sexual And Racial Tensions In Nella Larsen
’s Passing Essay, Research Paper Sexual and Racial Tension in Larsen?s Passing Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield are the two main characters in Nella Larsen?s Passing. We do not learn about the both of them by seeing or hearing the story from a neutral point of view. Rather, we are subject to envision the entire novel from behind the eyes of only one of these characters, Irene.
Pressures Of School Essay Research Paper Pressures
Pressures Of School Essay, Research Paper Pressures of School One day while I was in my honors English class at Brookhurst Jr. High School during my eighth grade year, my teacher wanted to talk to me all of a sudden. Mrs. Manneman said that if I didn t pull my C up to at least a B I would be dropped from the class. Having those few words in my mind made passing the class a more difficult process.
Description Of Mom Essay Research Paper There
Description Of Mom Essay, Research Paper There are those that come in to our lives and leave a special gift in our hearts. There are also those who are nothing but a passing memory. As for me, the person that has given me a special gift is my mother.
Federalism Essay Research Paper Due to the
Federalism Essay, Research Paper Due to the immense power of our federal government, people often argue that it is too powerful and should be lessened. Since the 1990?s there has been an effort to shift power
Automobile Accident Data Essay Research Paper Recent
Automobile Accident Data Essay, Research Paper Recent studies in automobile accident data shows that students who have fewer accidents also receive good grades in school as opposed to students with poor grades. In the future, we may see a Maine law that would issue temporary licenses to students, only to be renewed with proof of passing grades.
Handgun Essay Research Paper HandgunBecause the prison
Handgun Essay, Research Paper Handgun Because the prison population has doubled since 1984, it is really urgent for people to pay attention to the method of decreasing the crime rate. Basically, it is true that “locking people up is obviously not the answer to the crime problem. Training and educating people is one answer.” (Los Angeles Time, Joseph Mayfield) But training and educating people to lower the crime rate may only work under some conditions.
Sea Wolf Essay Research Paper Sea WolfWolf
Sea Wolf Essay, Research Paper Sea Wolf Wolf Larsen was a character in the book who never made it all the way through the book, but he tried very hard. He was a very strong, brutal man
History Of Lacrosse Essay Research Paper What
History Of Lacrosse Essay, Research Paper What is Lacrosse? Summary: Lacrosse is the oldest sport in North America, and dates back to the 1400 s. Lacrosse did not become well know until the 1600 s.
The Panther Essay Research Paper The language
The Panther Essay, Research Paper The language of the poem conjures many images and develops an entire story in itself. The vision of the panther, his line of sight, is filled with, ?the constantly passing bars,? his steady strides, pacing back and forth. ?There are / a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world,? displays the panther?s state of mind, no escape beyond his never changing world.
Life Altering Essay Research Paper He was
Life Altering Essay, Research Paper He was on the basketball team and I was the statistician. We were two high school students doing our job for the team. He didn?t know me, and I didn?t know him. Then one day he walked into my Spanish class. I was frightened to death to talk to him, so I wrote him letters and started giving them to him during the passing period.
Euro
– Currency For Europe Essay, Research Paper This is the European Commission’s internet site dedicated exclusively to the euro – one currency for Europe. Whether you are a citizen interested in your future currency, a specialist working on technical preparations for the changeover, or a surfer passing by; this site has useful and interesting information in all eleven official languages of the European Union.
Alwayz And Forever Essay Research Paper Alwayz
Alwayz And Forever Essay, Research Paper Alwayz and Forever in my heart you will stay. My love for you grows with each passing day. Always and Forever I will remain faithful and true.
Infinity Essay Research Paper Throughout all of
Infinity Essay, Research Paper Throughout all of the stellar cosmos, there is only one absolute (debatable): Infinity. Humans are leaves on a giant tree called ?Life?. Where humans bud in the spring, blossom during the summer, then fade away and die during the autumn, the tree will last an eternity as a memento of the past, a reminder of the present, and a positive sign for the future.
Independence Day Relfection Essay Research Paper Independence
Independence Day Relfection Essay, Research Paper Independence Day! A day of celebration for all ages and races. Independence Day was the day in which the nation of Stars and Stripes became free and independent from the British. A day when the 13 colonies united to become one. It’s now a day when Americans commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence by kicking back and having a cold one.