Sunday, October 21, 2007
Passing
I really enjoy reading Passing so far. It's nice to take a break and read another novel; to me they're alot easier to read. Clare is an interesting character. She somewhat annoys me at times. I can definitely see that maybe she's ashamed of who she really is and passes as white all the time. Her husband seems like a jerk and he doesn't even know she has any black in her at all. I wasn't a fan of him at all. The novel is very interesting so far. The whole thing with Irene and Clare is somewhat interesting, you can see how "bossy" I guess Clare is. I thought it was really interesting that while they were all together...Clare, Irene, and Clare's husband, he was talking about the blacks. I guess because that is how Clare chose to live her life...but I feel that she should not have put Irene in that position. It was also interesting how Irene had to not say anything about the truth for both her and Clare.
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9 comments:
I to am enjoying this book and also like novels better then poetry. I agree with your post 110%. I too stated in my post that I think Clare is ashamed of who she really is. I don't think anyone was really a fan of Clare's husband either. People just don't think before they speak and he is one of these people. When Irene doesn't say anything to him about his wife being black it shows the self control she has. She could have ruined Clare's marriage, but she doesn't.
The incident between Clare's husband, Clare, and Irene is an example of Clare's inconsideration. In many situations and scenes I can see Larsen illustrating the personality differences between Clare and Irene. While Clare is spontaneous and inconsiderate, Irene is just the opposite. As everyone seems to point out, Irene could have advocated for her race against Clare's husband, but she kept it to herself for Clare's sake.
I enjoy this book as well. It is as if we the reader get a glimpse of something so secretive. I thought Clare's husband was extremely rude and irrational (a complete jerk)too. Clare's character is definitely interesting, and her manipulations bother me a lot. However, I also am intrigued by Clare.
I have to also agree, I would much rather read a novel then poetry. It is so much easier to follow and you are not trying to rewrite every line so you can understand it!
But as far as Clare and Mr. Bellew, I was wondering why she married him. Obviously Clare’s goal was to pass as a white woman, which she apparently did very well, and clearly fooled many. Why not marry a man, let’s see, who is not a bigot! I am sure there were other rich men of the time that would marry such a beautifully stunning women. And also, why have a child with him. Was this still just part of her selfishness, but what does she really gain from being married to this man, and having a daughter that she really doesn’t seem connected to.
I find it Ironic that Irene is so adament about uplifting the race and looks down on Clare for passing, but in the same breath she has to do it at the top of the hotel to drink tea and when at the party. She is of course forced into it, but she accepts it and does it even though it is against her value system.
I agree that Clare comes off as pretty overbearing at times and puts Irene in uncomfortable situations. I actually find Irene to be the less likable character though, because she never stands up for herself with Clare and is constantly judging others for their choices, often hypocritically.
I still wonder if Clares husband had any idea that she had any black in her. It doesnt make much sense for his comments and her nickname for him not to at least have a subconcious idea. i know he acts surprised... but he just didnt want it to be revealed or maybe he was waiting for that? Only the author knows, but it def. seemed like he was messing w. claire and irene and there other friend at that encounter at their house. I dont support Clares husband.. but she shouldnt be with him, its terribe that she allowed herself to "pass" and hide behind such a racist, who made a mockery of what she really had part of her... Was she that dissapointed in being black? I think we simply have to blame the aunts although they appeared to play an insignificant role in the book.
I am enjoying the book so far as well... it is a nice chamge from the more serious novels and poems we have been reading. I agree that the relationship between Clare and Irene is interesting. I find it most interesting that Irene cannot seem to say no to Clare. She will have a speech all rehearsed in her head about why she can't go to tea or something but as soon as she sees Clare she is agreeing to tea as though she wouldn't even consider not going. I wonder if it is about getting attention. She certainly gets no attention from her husband so maybe Clare is the only person that pays any attention to her.
You commented that Clare is sort of the bossy character...but I'm curious to hear who you think is the bossier one after finishing the book. It almost seems to me that Irene and Clare undergo a role reversal towards the end of the novel, and Irene seems to want control over all the situations. Regardless, they are both very complex women, very unsure of their societal roles and confused about how to conduct themselves.
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