As to why the others did
not reveal that Irene had killed Clare
, it was exactly the same reason that Irene found herself unable to reveal Clare’s secret to her husband. They are, “caught between two allegiances” (98).
Why does Clare Kendry pass as white?
The title refers to the
practice of “racial passing”
, and is a key element of the novel; Clare Kendry’s attempt to pass as white for her husband, John (Jack) Bellew, is its most significant depiction in the novel, and a catalyst for the tragic events.
Did Clare Kendry kill herself?
Clare Kendry’s death was not a suicide
; the one person who had constant and progressive reason for the murder Clare was her supposed friend, Irene Redfield. One of the main suspects in the death of Clare Kendry is her longtime childhood friend, Irene Redfield.
Why is the ending of passing ambiguous?
The ambiguity is actually greater than a simply dichotomy.
Clare’s death might have been an accident
. Irene greatly values self-restraint in herself and does not likely disrupting the status quo. Her reactions to whatever occurred, both the blocked memories and lack of regret, are consistent with her personality.
Is Clare Kendry white?
The novel follows two African-American women, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, who are both able to “pass” as
white
women.
Why does Irene push Clare?
Irene definitely has a motive to kill Clare
, but so does John Bellew, who is very racist and who has not realized until that moment that his wife is African American. Clare might also have thrown herself out of the window in desperation, as she knows that her life, as she has lived it, is now over.
Is Irene attracted to Clare?
Irene is a black middle class female who is proud of where she is from but
nonetheless desires and has feelings for Clare
. Irene struggles with her personal identity.
Does Brian cheat on Irene in passing?
Brian cheats on his wife,
Bellew is fine with his being killed
. As to why the others did not reveal that Irene had killed Clare, it was exactly the same reason that Irene found herself unable to reveal Clare’s secret to her husband. They are, “caught between two allegiances” (98).
What happens to Clare at the end of passing?
The ending of Nella Laren’s Passing is famous for its ambiguity and obscurity; the death of Clare Kendry is never clear defined and vaguely stated. Despite this deliberate equivocation on the author’s part, there is definitive evidence hidden within the text that Clare’s death is in fact
a homicide
.
Why does Clare break the teacup?
Clare claims it’s something from her past she simply hasn’t known how to get rid of—the same sentiment she uses to explain her inability to shake Clare’s social presence. As Irene watches the party guests lavish Clare with attention,
she becomes so angry she drops the cup
and it shatters.
Is Brian Redfield black?
Unlike his wife Irene,
Brian is dark-skinned
and so cannot pass for white. He figures that as Brazil is more of a multi-racial country than the United States, he’ll find acceptance there.
How does Irene View Clare?
Irene’s light skin allows her to pass as white when she is alone. … Irene, however, harbors antipathy toward Clare for ambiguous and complex reasons. She eventually convinces herself that
Clare and Brian
are having an affair, but also may have repressed feelings for Clare herself.
How does Irene feel about Clare?
Irene is working very hard to maintain herself as a respectable person and to feel as if she is in charge of her life, so she sees
Clare as spoiled and childish
; as she spends more time with Clare, her irritation increases.
Who is Brian in passing?
Brian is
a doctor in New York City and Irene’s husband
. Brian is a reserved man who longs to move to Brazil from the United States to escape the country’s dangerous racism. Brian does not enjoy his work as a doctor.
