Blog no. 12 11/29 Clare and Irene

Blog no. 12      11/29              Clare and Irene   
            The friendship between Clare and Irene (here we will assume that it is platonic) reveals Nella Larsen’s main purpose of the novel about defining black heritage. When the two friends reunite in Chicago, and it was time for Clare to go, it was stated:
            “A moment passed during which she was the prey of uneasiness. It had suddenly occurred to her that she hadn’t asked Clare anything about her own life and that she had a very definite unwillingness to do so. And she was quite well aware of the reason… “Please, not so soon, ‘Rene,” Clare begged, not moving. Irene thought: “She’s really almost too good-looking. It’s hardly any wonder that she—” (13-14).
Irene spent her childhood in Chicago, but moves to Harlem bringing her husband Brain and her

two sons Junior and Ted. Her dialog exchanges with Clare and making judgements from her “passing” one, shows the surface level value of the friendship and two, Irene defines gives a narrow definition of what It means to be black through her judgements on Clare’s character. As Irene stated ‘It had suddenly occurred to her that she hadn’t asked Clare anything about her own life and that she had a very definite unwillingness to do so’ this initial reluctance did not hinder her from what was really important. It all revolves around Clare’s appearance, as even her own husband, Bob Kendry (asshole) does not know she is part African-American. This interaction is the beginning for Clare to become more immersed with the high society of Harlem, with the help from her childhood friend Irene. The question is not how one can appropriately fit into society, but how they can accept themselves for others to accept them as well.

Comments

  1. Cassie MckenzieNovember 30, 2017 at 9:17 PM

    Yes, I agree that throughout this entire book most of the characters crave acceptance in any way shape or form, whether that be love (the affair), Passing, not passing, etc. But, as I said in my blogpost, I think that everyone gets so wrapped up in their own personal desires that the novel was bound to end with a tragedy. Irene should have confronted her fears. Brian should have payed attention to his wife. Clare should learn not to be so manipulative. John... is just evil and I don't think he even has the capacity to not be racist.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What We Hunger For: Deep Thoughts

"Just because you survive something does not mean you are strong." To be completely honest, this story was one that I could almost watch in my head. Perhaps part of that was because it was written vividly with strong imagery and diction; perhaps because I could see a reflection of myself in Gay's story. This year has been a transformative one for me, as I have learned to become more self-aware and acknowledging that there is immense power in naming our struggles. I am consistently told by my friends how "strong, courageous, and unfuckwithable" I am... which, I think, genuinely stems from my inability to be comfortable. I've survived too much. I've been exposed to and made it through too much... and apparently, the fact that I managed to make it "out" of those immediate situations is seen as strong. However, I am very thankful that Gay made the comment above. To me, I've always seen strength as how people cope with the long-term effects o...
Read more

A word is a word is a word

In "Bad Feminist: Take One," Gay opens up about her inner quarrels regarding her identification as a feminist. This is something I, too struggled with. At the time, the term was gaining a less than popular connotation, with a minority of the movement taking it upon themselves to spread their isolated belief that women rise above the equilibrium of society; they are superior to men and all men are inherently awful. It is easy to understand, then, why a young girl that does not share these extreme views and stereotypes may not want to be a placed beneath a spot light during such a tense situation, and would subsequently ditch the term. Ditching the term, for me at least, did not mean that I lost my way and would slowly evolve into the submissive, modest, and good woman deemed to be the ideal. Although, ditching the term is controversial and some may see it as a betrayal to the movement executed by a ‘ bad ’ woman. If the individuals remains true to their beliefs and conti...
Read more

Fifty Shades of Fantasy

I've never been too intrigued by all the 50 Shades of Grey concept. As a social work major, reading the first book in the series and watching the first movie with my aunt (yes- my AUNT...), all I could think of when I was exposed to that plot was the lack of focus on Christian's real need and outcry for help. The novel flips the 'usual' narrative of the woman being the victim and her inability to retain a healthy relationship, and shows us a man who seeks domination and control, which- some argue- is what women *really* want. I will not be the first to argue that point. In "The Trouble With Prince Charming," Gay references 50 Shades and how the author uses a disgusting sense of erotica that we can't help but be turned on by, to romanticise the idea of pure abuse, submission, and toxicity in the text. I will commend the story on one thing: Christian is adamant about consent. Mostly because it could result in a MAJOR lawsuit against him if ever interprete...
Read more