"The House Behind the Cedars"

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper analyzes the character of African-American Rena in Chesnutt's novel, who is able to 'pass' herself off as white. Given the ethical circumstances of duress under which the heroine lives, the writer contends and explains why Rena's actions may be justified. This paper discusses early 20th southern society in America, which made a fetish of racial distinction. This paper details the plot and main characters of Chesnutt's novel, while focusing on the issue of 'passing' and how easy it is to misconstrue one's race. This book makes a powerful case against the practice of passing, which are detailed in this paper. The writer delves into the ethical ramifications of passing in a racist society and explains why Rena denied a fundamental part of herself by pretending to be white.

From the Paper:

"When Rena learns of the transience of George's affections and she falls ill. However, Rena recovers and vows goes on to work toward uplifting her race, although she dies at the end of the text, perhaps in a nod to the author's acknowledgement to the common cultural trope of the 'tragic mulatto.' But Rena is not condemned because she engages in 'passing' The House Behind the Cedars makes a powerful case against 'passing,' but not because it is unethical. Passing is not wrong ethically or morally in a racist society, and race itself is a fluid category. But by not identifying with her parentage heritage fully, Rena denies a fundamental part of herself and becomes tied to a man who is not worthy of her."

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