If you were to read the novel passing you would notice the slow psychosis of the character Irene. She seems to slowly become psychotic. She seems to be having much resentment for her husband. In essence it came down to who she really wanted to destroy. She saved her husband for the fact that he was the father to her two children.
Clare really needed to be destroyed in Irene's mind. Perhaps it's because their relationship was so complex she was jealous of the relationship between Clare and Brian. It seems as though her attitude towards Clare changes right after Brian invites Clare to a party. Her mental health slowly diminishes after that. She then thinks of herself only as a mother. On page on 144 she begins to only think of herself as an obstacle. Her idea that Brian and Clare are having an affair continue to overtake her mind, she even says on page 152 "Why spare Clare?" late on in the page she even questions her own race. For the first time she wished that she was not born black.
Page 156 of the novel shows Irene's contemplation to kill Clare. It specially states "If Clare should die! Then oh it was Vile! To think, yes, to wish that! She felt faint and sick. But the thought stayed with her she could not get rid of it." This passage suggests the sick and twisted mind of Irene. She wanted Irene dead but the thought of it made her sick. This novel should really be in a psychology class to study the psychology of women's minds.
The Best of the Brownies’ Book
I really enjoyed reading these passages. I specifically enjoyed "Dolly's Dream" by Nora Waring. It was about a young African American girl who wanted golden curls. As we all know having blonde curls is usually predominant in the white race. At six years old this is all Dolly wanted was golden curly locks.
This passage reminds me of everyday life. There is no young girl that thinks that they are perfect, we are constantly trying to change ourselves. I am reminded by a book I read a few years ago Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. "The Bluest Eye is about a young African woman who wants blue eyes. Essentially she goes crazy wanting these blue eyes.
These two pieces of literature remind me of the novel "Passing" and the "Autobiography of an ex Coloured man." It seems as though many blacks in the Harlem Renaissance wanted to be white or have white tendencies. I wonder why it would be so much better to have white features when you would have to sacrifice everything about your heritage to do so.
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5 comments:
I agree. Passing started as a book clearly about race and identity and the emotions and obstacles that people will endure. Then the last part of the book completely took a twisted turn towards infidelity and murder. I think this really takes away from the meaning and emotions that black people endure with their identities. Infidelity and murder can happen to anyone, but not anyone can choose or not choose to pass. Maybe Nella Larsen got writers block and just had to pull an ending out of her hat.
I dont know if Irene went crazy. I think she was too quiet in allowing her husband and Claire to go out alone together. I think if there was one thing in the enitre book that bothered me the most it would be this. If Irene was crazy she mostly kept it to herself. She went through alot but she really allowed herself to go through this. We cant complain about it because this was what made the book what it was.
I liked how in Dolly the idea of always wanting to change was brought up. I think this is a common thought by children. I think children who read this story were able to relate to Dolly, but in the end realize that it is okay to be different and don't need to have the "white stereotype look" to be accepted.
As I read your posting, I felt you had alot of good points. There was one point that stuck out to me though. It was the part where you start discussing Dollys Dream. You mention her being only six years old. it's amazing how in life there is that push for everyone to look the same or to have the look of supermodels or whatever. But at six years old, it's sad that she even had to think that she needed to change.
I liked your post about Passing. I really enjoyed this book. I like the change we see in Irene. She does a total 180. I too think she has gone crazy towards the end of the book, and with good reason too. I really think her husband, Brian, was having an affair with Clarie. I think that would drive any woman crazy. I don't think it would drive someone crazy to the point of killing another person, like i feel it did in this book. I really think Irene pushed Clare out of the window. She had motive and all the quotes you pulled help to support that idea.
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