Passing by Nella Larsen. Summary of the book.

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Passing by Nella Larsen – Summary of the Book

Passing is a novel written by American author Nella Larsen, first published in 1929. It tells the story of two African-American women, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, who have been lifelong friends despite their different social backgrounds. The book deals with issues of race, gender, and identity in the 1920s, and is considered a classic of the Harlem Renaissance literary movement.

Plot

Irene Redfield is a middle-class African-American woman living in Harlem in the 1920s. She leads a comfortable life with her husband, Brian, and their two sons. One day, she runs into an old friend, Clare Kendry, who she has not seen for years. Clare is living a much different life, as she is passing for white and has married a white man, Jack. Irene is shocked by Clare’s decision, but the two women remain friends, despite their different lives.

Irene finds out that Clare is in a tenuous situation, as her husband and his family are unaware of her African-American heritage. Irene is torn between her loyalty to Clare and her disapproval of Clare’s decision to pass as white. As their friendship grows, Irene and Clare find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations as they confront the realities of racial prejudice and their own identities.

Themes

Passing explores the themes of racial identity, gender roles, and the consequences of passing for white in the 1920s. It is a story of two African-American women who have to navigate a world that is hostile to their identities. The book also delves into the power dynamics between the races and examines the disparities between the experiences of black and white people in the United States.

The novel also engages with themes of friendship and loyalty. It examines the difficult choices that must be made when two friends have different points of view on a subject, and explores how loyalty can be tested in such situations.

Interesting Facts

  • Passing was the first book published by an African-American woman in the United States.
  • The novel is considered a classic of the Harlem Renaissance literary movement.
  • The book was made into a movie in 1981, starring Irene Cara and Vanessa Williams.
  • Nella Larsen was the first African-American woman to be awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in creative writing.
  • The novel was adapted for the stage in 2016, by playwright Lydia R. Diamond.

FAQs

Q: What is the book Passing about?

A: Passing is a novel written by American author Nella Larsen, first published in 1929. It tells the story of two African-American women, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, and explores themes of racial identity, gender roles, and the consequences of passing for white in the 1920s.

Q: When was Passing published?

A: Passing was first published in 1929.

Q: Who wrote Passing?

A: Passing was written by American author Nella Larsen.

Q: What is the setting of Passing?

A: The novel takes place in the 1920s, in Harlem, New York.

Q: What themes are explored in Passing?

A: The novel explores themes of racial identity, gender roles, and the consequences of passing for white in the 1920s. It also examines the power dynamics between the races and looks at the disparities between the experiences of black and white people in the United States.

Q: What adaptations of Passing have been made?

A: The novel was made into a movie in 1981, starring Irene Cara and Vanessa Williams. It was also adapted for the stage in 2016, by playwright Lydia R. Diamond.

Q: What awards has Passing won?

A: Passing was the first book published by an African-American woman in the United States. Nella Larsen was the first African-American woman to be awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in creative writing.

Passing is an important and influential novel that has been widely acclaimed for its exploration of racial and gender issues in the 1920s. It is a classic of the Harlem Renaissance literary movement and is an important book in the history of African-American literature.

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