"Quicksand" and "Passing"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Larsen's novels "Quicksand" and "Passing", focus much of their attention toward the enigmatic, frustrating confines of race in early 20th century American culture. It looks at how racial identification and awareness becomes complicated and ultimately causes life-changing conditions for the three main characters in Larsen's novels, Helga Crane, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry.

From the Paper:

"Born to a Danish mother and Caribbean father, Helga Crane's mulatto complexion, which allows her access to both white, upper-class European society and the upwardly mobile confines of black culture during Harlem's Renaissance, ultimately leads her to motherhood in the deep South, embroiled in the same inner-racial conflict and unhappiness that has plagued her entire existence. In each of Quicksand's various settings, from an all-black schoolhouse in Alabama to Copenhagen's patronizing social scene, Helga finds that "if you couldn't prove your ancestry and connections, you were tolerated, but you didn't "belong"" (Larsen 12). While she is undoubtedly met with cautious acceptance in each of her various habitats, it is Helga's own misgivings surrounding her background, however, which are most important in determining her constant, self-imposed alienation. "

More papers on "Quicksand" and "Passing":

• Analytical Essay # 58965 : "Quicksand" and "Passing" by Nella Larsen"
• Analytical Essay # 66911 : "Nella Larsen Character Comparison"
• Research Paper # 72330 : "Trademark Law: Passing Off"

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