For this blog I decided to focus on the character of Clare. She is a very dynamic character and seems to have many layers to her. I think that understanding Clare is an important element to understanding the novel. In class we discussed Clare’s inconsideration towards others. The first sign of this inconsideration came when Clare stared at Irene to the point where it made her uncomfortable. To stare at someone without being polite enough to look away is one small example that seems to be representative of a bigger issue. Clare’s insensitivity only continued to get worse. The part in the novel where Clare invited Irene and Gertrude over to her home to meet her husband was a truly despicable scene. I could not believe that Clare would subject her friends to her husband’s racism. Clare was completely insensitive to the women’s feelings. Then when Clare wrote a letter to Irene after the incident, I was sure that she was going to apologize for her husband’s behavior but instead she only expressed her gratitude toward Irene for coming over. Clare is also a very manipulative character. I see her manipulation as a pattern that will develop throughout the novel. Clare has been able to clearly manipulate her husband into believing that she is white. She will also continue to draw Irene into her game for her own purposes.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Passing
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4 comments:
I agree with you Courtney. Clare is a dynamic character. She is almost like an onion. Perhaps Nella Larsen should have decribed Clare as Onion like instead of Catlike.
Perhaps the reason however that Clare does not feel the emotional side in the book is because of her childhood. She grew up with two white aunts and her father was killed. As the novel progresses you start to see the emotional side to Clare and her passing. I feel that this is because Irene really is Clare's portal into the colored world. I also hope that Clare gets figured out just because I don't think that any marriage should be based on a lie.
I think that the idea to focus mainly on Clare and her inconsideration was a good idea. There is so much that could be noted throughout the novel. The whole first scene with her staring at Irene was quite odd because you would think that if you think someone looks familiar you would look but not completely stare at them nonstop. I know that would make me feel extremely uncomfortable! You make a good point where you say you couldnt beleive Clare would subject her "friends" to her husbands racism. I cant either. She is extremely manipulative and has a way of making Irene feel completely guilty and always give in. Its a very interesting "friendship" they have.
I dont hate Clare as much as you do. I dont know her personally but from what i have read she jests in her own disguise and is not very happy with herself. I dont know what she should do to change but her recognizing that what she has chosen in life is not what she really wants is the first step towards change. Clare doesnt seem like a malicious person and she is not intentionally manipulative. I just wonder one thing... is that her on the front of my book cover? Because if it is im wondering who thinks shes pretty...no that must be Irene because it looks like a middle aged Michael Jackson!
You wrote: "It seems to me that Larsen is choosing to portray Clare, who is consumed with material wealth and white luxuries stemming from her ability to pass, as a manipulative and vain character."
I think this is definitely true, and I would also argue that by the end of the novel, Irene comes to realize that she too is beginning to pass for some of the same reasons that Clare did originally. I venture that Irene is almost as vain as Clare, and this becomes visible to the reader as the novel progresses.
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