65 pages • 2 hours read
Nella LarsenPassing
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1929A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Part 2: Re-EncounterChapter Summaries & Analyses
Part 2
Chapters 1–2 Summary
The first chapter of the second section opens in New York, with the letter Irene received in the novel’s first chapter. The reader learns that it is the combination of Clare’s attitude and John Bellew’s racism that prevents Irene from getting involved with Clare again. Thinking about Clare, Irene curses, and is surprised by her husband, Brian, who has entered the room without her noticing and now comments on her anger. Irene is late again, and attempts to distract Brian by showing him the letter from Clare. Irene finally gets ready and the two go down to breakfast, where they discuss Clare and her letter. Brian tells Irene that it is common enough for those who pass to eventually desire to socialize with people of their own race. Though Clare seems nice enough, Brian thinks it would be better for everyone involved not to encourage Clare. Irene agrees with him, and decides to write to Clare and tell her as much.
Brian then asks if Irene needs to go anywhere. He must leave for work, and the conversation shifts to his dislike of sick people and his profession as a doctor. Irene worries about Brian falling back into his old dream of leaving New York for Brazil. Throughout their married life, she has tried to discourage this desire, but realizes that she needs to find something else to distract him with. Irene asks for a ride to the printers so that she can handle matters for a Negro Welfare League dance that she is organizing, and devises a plan to divert Brian’s attention. En route, Irene shifts the conversation to the subject of their eldest son, Junior, specifically the fact that he has been hearing things about women that are unsuitable for his age. Instead of distracting Brian, however, Irene only manages to anger him. Brian says that it is perfectly acceptable for Junior to learn things from his friends. The two are unable to resolve the argument, and Irene slams the car door and walks into the printers. She had hoped to bring up the subject of Junior studying abroad in Europe, but realizes she must broach the idea differently, in time.
Though Irene has made up her mind not to see Clare again, and has stopped writing to her, she receives a sudden visit from Clare in Chapter Two. Though Irene is initially angry, she also feels happy to see her old friend. Clare asks why Irene didn’t respond to her letter, and Irene attempts to explain how difficult and dangerous it is, for everyone, for Clare to socialize with African-Americans in Harlem. When Irene receives a call from Hugh Wentworth, a famous white writer, about the Negro Welfare League dance, Clare is elated and wants to know more, both about Hugh and the dance. Clare wants to attend the dance, thinking it would be a safe way to socialize with other black people, as other whites will be in attendance. Irene instantly refuses, sensing danger, but Clare insists and is eventually invited.
Chapters 1–2 Analysis
Though Irene’s life appears orderly and free of drama, cracks begin to appear in the second part of the novel. In addition to Clare’s desire to rekindle their friendship, Irene must also deal with underlying issues in her own family. Irene’s husband Brian is a doctor, but he detests his job. He only really pursued medicine because Irene wanted him to. Brian dreams of leaving the violence and racism of America behind him and fleeing to Brazil. For Brian, Brazil is a symbol of new life. Irene does not want to leave America, however, and squashes this dream whenever she can. Though Irene believes she is doing the right thing for her family by staying in America, it appears that Brian has unresolved anger toward Irene for belittling his dream. This tension establishes the fragility of their marriage, which, in turn, helps to explain events later in the novel.
Clare’s presence is forced upon Irene once more, when she shows up at Irene’s apartment without being invited. Though Irene tried to be firm in her refusal of Clare’s friendship, as soon as she sees her, Irene feels elated. Clare again uses her charm and is invited to a party that Irene does not want her to attend. This scene further highlights just how determined Clare is to get what she wants. Even though her presence might cause others discomfort at the party, Clare insists on attending.
These chapters also illustrate Irene’s commitment to “uplifting,” as Brian calls it. She is actively involved in the African-American community, and is organizing the Negro Welfare League dance with Hugh Wentworth, a famous white writer. These glimpses into Irene’s personal life illustrate her determination to protect and advance the lives of black people in America, and why she finds fault in people like Clare and Gertrude who pass and think nothing of belittling their own people.
Chapters 3–4 Summary
The third chapter takes place on the night of the dance. Irene is running late again, and Clare arrives while she is dressing. Irene is annoyed that Clare has once again managed to change her mind. However, Irene also knows that she will be overwhelmed by her duties at the dance and will not have much time to give to Clare. The dance is very popular; Clare dances with both whites and blacks, including Brian, and seems genuinely happy. Irene finally has a break and discusses race and passing with Hugh Wentworth. Hugh is fascinated by Clare, but suspects she might be passing. Irene does not admit she is, leaving Hugh to wonder. When the dance is over, Brian offers to escort Clare home, but Irene has already asked the Wentworths to do so. As they are white, it is more “natural” for her to have arranged a ride with them.
By the fourth chapter, Clare has become a regular fixture in the Redfield house. Irene is embarrassed and annoyed, especially because Brian’s attitude to Clare has changed; while he initially advised Irene to discourage Clare, he and the kids have begun to enjoy Clare’s visits. One day, Clare and Irene discuss what might happen if she is exposed and Clare breaks down. Clare reveals that she cannot stay away from the people she loves, and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that she can still be a part of her own community. These words seem ominous to Irene, but she shakes off her discomfort.
Chapters 3–4 Analysis
Clare’s natural charm makes her a favorite at the dance. Hugh Wentworth, who is usually good at spotting when someone is passing, is unable to tell with Clare. He compares Clare to someone from a fairy tale. During her discussion with Hugh, Irene suggests that the desire of some white people to socialize in the black neighborhood of Harlem is motivated not by a sense of interest in black culture or respect for African-Americans, but rather by a sense of repulsion. They are afraid of what they see, but attracted to the grotesque, the unknown. Irene’s summation enthralls Hugh, who is inclined to agree with her. Irene also makes the astute observation that it is much harder for whites to pass as black, than for blacks to pass as white.
Irene has another premonition of disaster when she asks Clare what she will do if she is exposed. The look on Clare’s face seems to foreshadow a danger that Irene doesn’t fully understand. She knows that Clare is reckless, however, and tries her best to minimize the damage by reminding Clare of her responsibility to her daughter. Increasingly, Irene finds herself imploring Clare to be careful, but Clare seems to be spiraling out of control, caught in the grip of her desire to return to and be a part of the African-American community.
