Passing Nella Larsen Summary
In the short novel "Passing," Nella Larsen depicts the struggles of African American women in the 1900s, highlighting the intersecting forces of race and gender in society. After Irene and Clare reunite at a restaurant while both are "passing" to get in, Clare reveals she's married to a wealthy white man from America. She must tread carefully, especially when it comes to revealing her identity as an African American. Months later, at Clare's house, her husband, John Bellow enters the room and greets his wife with the racist statement, "Hello Nig," which hints at knowledge of her heritage. However, it later revealed he was innocently commenting on her changing skin tone over time, oblivious to any racial implications. However, the surprise that