In the first video below, I discuss Nella Larsen’s biography, some literary devices, passing, ambiguity, and queerness in the 1920s. This video is longer and has more content and only one question (15 mins):
This second video expands on the first, offering specific passages and asking you to apply concepts from the first (8 mins):
Below are questions for a comment reply. Choose ONE question and write a comment reply of at least 2-3 sentences.
NOTE: The Comment reply was originally due June 27 at the start of class, but I was late uploading the video lecture. It will now be due June 28 by the end of the day. However, if you post by June 27 at 11:00 am, you will get 1 point extra credit.
- Can you spot a moment of free indirect discourse in the scene where Irene sees Clare staring at her and thinks Clara is a white woman scrutinizing her? What is it? What does the inner thought express, or what meaning does it bring to the scene
- Can you spot a moment of free indirect discourse in the scene where Irene looks over Clare and admires her beauty? What might Irene’s gaze tell us about Irene? What might it tell us about Clare?
- Why does Irene initially resent Gertrude’s presence at the “party”?
- What is the effect of repetition and/or description of the body in Larsen’s depiction of Irene’s uncontrollable laughter after learning that Jack’s pet name for his wife Clare is “Nig”?
- Open Question: What term or cultural practice discussed in the video helps you think about black womanhood and friendship in this novel? Why?
Related resources (from video lecture):
https://genius.com/Ma-rainey-prove-it-on-me-blues-lyrics
https://www.cinema.ucla.edu/collections/inthelife/history/lesbian-chic-20s
One thing I noticed as I read the first time was the lack of description or mention of Irene’s husband, yet the extremely descriptive and flattering depictions of Clare. The moments of free indirect discourse are all in the way Irene is constantly admiring Clare’s beauty and is so disturbed by her affection for Clare. Irene promises herself she won’t see Clare again yet she finds herself drawn to Clare going to see her again and again, doing Clare’s bidding, yet Irene is frustrated by her own responses. A lot of Irene’s thoughts and actions regarding Clare honestly remind me of the female queer experience previous to understanding your female desire, where emotions often get translated into frustration, confusion, and jealousy since you never learn to safely process admiration and sexual desire for other females.
I would have to agree with you Rose, regarding Irene’s persistent zeroing in on details about Clare. Their might have been a disconnect as a child for Irene that as an adult she is not able to process her emotions without lashing out. You get to see this as the story unfolds. Irene struggles with understanding how she feels about Clare and Brain. Her unprocessed emotions become actions.
2. Can you spot a moment of free indirect discourse in the scene where Irene looks over Clare and admires her beauty? What might Irene’s gaze tell us about Irene? What might it tell us about Clare?
One moment of free direct discourse that stands out to me when Irene looks over and admires Clare is when Larsen writes “A tempting mouth” (Larsen 45). To me this puts a word to some of Irene’s feelings towards Clare. Often Irene seems frustrated with Clare or disgusted but I think that has a lot to do with the fact that Clare is an unattainable temptation to her. This line and the passage it is in shows the reader that Irene has conflicting feelings and her pull to Clare has a lot to do with attraction and love not just friendship. This line also demonstrates how not only Irene views Clare but others as well. Clare pulls people in without fully letting them know her in more ways than one.
What is the effect of repetition and/or description of the body in Larsen’s depiction of Irene’s uncontrollable laughter after learning that Jack’s pet name for his wife Clare is “Nig”?
The repetition in Larsen’s depiction of Irene’s uncontrollable laughter suggests a mix of shock, disbelief, and possibly even hysteria in response to what she witnessed. By employing this technique, Larsen intensifies the emotional response, effectively conveying the depth of Irene’s reaction. Additionally, the repetition highlights the tension between the expected amusement and the actual discomfort Irene experiences due to Jack’s derogatory name for his wife Claire.
Additionally, I think repetition helps us distinguish between a regular laugh and one that can be perceived as a coping mechanism. Without this technique, there might be a risk of misinterpreting Irene’s laughter as genuine amusement, which it is not. However, the extended length of the repetition creates a sense of unease in others, mirroring Irene’s exact feelings of discomfort.
I would have to agree with you Marine, the author Larsen wanted to make sure that we understood that this was an uncomfortable situation for Irene. Irene was clearly shocked at the situation she was in and by using repetition it allows us to fully understand the situation Irene is in and the risk Clare faces. This simple technique puts everything into perspective, the risk and the pressure.
1. What is the effect of repetition and/or description of the body in Larsen’s depiction of Irene’s uncontrollable laughter after learning that Jack’s pet name for his wife Clare is “Nig”?
Larsen repeats the word “laughed” four times which works to intensify the tension in the room once Irene finds out that Clare is married to an undeniably racist man. The description of Irene’s body sends the message of suffering. I think Irene’s laugh is a fight-or-flight response to this stressful and unpleasant situation. Jack’s comment directly attacks Irene’s feelings because she is proud of being black and embraces her blackness; however, she cannot defend herself and her race because, at that specific moment, she is passing as white. She reacts in this way because she feels that she is betraying herself and her race to protect Clare. Besides, her reaction might suggest an internal conflict because she does not only decides to “play along” to protect Clare. She also does it because calling out Jack would expose her, and that would cause her embarrassment.
Why does Irene initially resent Gertrude’s presence at the “party”?
I suspect she is Gertrude, a person who doesn’t dispute being black but won’t correct you if you erroneously assume she’s white since she doesn’t feel the need to say otherwise.I believe Gertrude’s ability to pass for white provided her with some advantages or opportunities, allowing her to maneuver through social systems in a different way than if her true racial identification had been more obvious. But has her situation changed her feelings about her own race? I believe that the anger stems from the complexities of racial identification. Gertrude developed animosity and considered blacks to be beneath her.
Why does Irene initially resent Gertrude’s presence at the “party”?
Initially reading the passage again it seems as if Irene is jealous of Gertrude in either of two ways, or maybe even both. One reason is because Clare invited her and that made her jealous. Another reason Irene might resent Gertrude is because she’s envious of the fact that she’s with a white man that knows she is black. Gertrude married a white man who knows her race and thus doesn’t have to hide anything and has had free will. This could perhaps spark resentment in Irene since her relationship with her husband feels forced/forged.
3. I think that one reason Irene initially resented Gertrude’s presence at the party was because Gertrude’s life was easier than her. Gertrude can pass as white like Clare, but unlike Clare she didn’t have to hide her true identity from her husband. Gertrude’s husband is white and he already knows that Gertrude is black. She doesn’t have to worry about anything because her husband accepts her no matter what. Gertrude can pass as a white to the world so she doesn’t have to face discrimination. The world would just treat her better thinking that she is white. Irene didn’t have that. She didn’t take this opportunity. She stayed true to her race and kind. She married a black man. Irene might feel alone because between her friends Clare and Gertrude, she is the only one with a black husband. And she also has to face hardship as a black woman.
Irene initially resents Getrude’s presence at the “party” because she is able to have the things that Irene doesn’t realize she desires. Getrude is living the life that deep down Irene wishes she could. Irene chooses not to pass and live her life as a black woman married to a black man. Despite being able to pass for a white woman like her childhood friends, Clare and Getrude.
5. Open Question: What term or cultural practice discussed in the video helps you think about black womanhood and friendship in this novel? Why?
The one that helped me a lot was the song “Prove it on Me Blues” by Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, and its simplicity in depicting emotion and depicting something unapproved, something different in the same tune and mood someone would describe something completely normal by the standards of the time. And what is song if not a way to show what you think to the world for all those like-minded to sing along?
In Nella Larsen’s novel “Passing,” the effect of repetition and description of Irene’s uncontrollable laughter after learning Jack’s pet name for his wife Clare is “Nig” serves several purposes:
Amplifying Irene’s Emotional Reaction: The repetition of Irene’s laughter and the description of it being “uncontrollable” emphasize the intensity of her emotional response. It suggests that the revelation of the derogatory pet name deeply affects her, causing a visceral and overpowering reaction.
Conveying Disbelief and Discomfort: The repetition of laughter may serve to highlight Irene’s initial disbelief and discomfort upon learning about the pet name. It underscores the shock and unease she experiences in response to the racial slur used by Jack to refer to Clare, a close acquaintance of Irene.
Illuminating the Tension between Irene’s Public Persona and Inner Turmoil: Irene’s uncontrollable laughter could be seen as a mask for her inner turmoil and conflicting emotions. The repetition and description of her laughter may reveal her struggle to maintain a composed exterior while grappling with complex feelings of anger, hurt, and betrayal.
Symbolizing a Release of Tension: Laughter, especially when described as uncontrollable, can serve as a release valve for tension or discomfort. In this context, Irene’s laughter may act as a way to momentarily alleviate the weight of the situation or the emotional burden she carries, offering a brief respite from the intensity of her emotions.
Highlighting the Power of Language: The description of Jack’s derogatory pet name for Clare as “Nig” underscores the power of language and its ability to wound and provoke strong reactions. The repetition of Irene’s laughter draws attention to the impact of racial slurs and derogatory language on individuals and communities, reinforcing the significance of linguistic choices and their consequences.
Overall, the repetition and description of Irene’s uncontrollable laughter after learning about Jack’s pet name for Clare in “Passing” heighten the emotional impact of the scene, convey Irene’s inner turmoil, and shed light on the power of language and its effects on individuals’ experiences and relationships.
4. Upon learning about Jack’s nickname for Clare there is an obvious discomfort coming from Clare and Irene. I feel as though the repetition of laughter in the scene describes the strained mindset that Clare lives with. It is a facade of a happy or healthy relationship when Jack is so clearly and comfortably racist. Not only is he racist in general, but to Clare’s face and in front of guests. The continuous laughter could also be a defense tactic from Clare. If is it too evident that she is uncomfortable by Jack’s nickname, it could cause issue between the two. The best course, in her eyes, is to laugh it off, even if it is strained and obviously forced.
4. What is the effect of repetition and/or description of the body in Larsen’s depiction of Irene’s uncontrollable laughter after learning that Jack’s pet name for his wife Clare is “Nig”?
The effect of the repetition and description of the body in Larsen’s description of Irene’s body serves to compound just how insidious the entire scenario is, the fact that Jack does not know that his wife is in fact a Black woman, and Clare is precariously teetering on this metaphorical tightrope where her balance is dependent on him not finding out. The repetition keeps the reader from forgetting what exactly is happening.
5. Open Question: What term or cultural practice discussed in the video helps you think about black womanhood and friendship in this novel? Why?
The discussion on “respectability politics” and how it stemmed from Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham’ writings helped me further my understanding of how black womanhood came to be seen as this pillar that needed to be maintained in order to test just how far they’ve come within social and political changes. Through this understanding, I’m able to better think about the characters Irene and Clare.
In Nella Larsen’s novella “Passing,” the effect of repetition and description of the body in Larsen’s depiction of Irene’s uncontrollable laughter after learning about Jack’s pet name for his wife Clare, “Nig,” contributes to the overall portrayal of Irene’s complex emotional state and the underlying racial tensions within the story.
Repetition is used to emphasize the intensity and duration of Irene’s laughter. Larsen writes, “She laughed and laughed, laughed as though she were not Irene, but someone else, as though she were she and not another” (Larsen, “Passing”). This repetition highlights the prolonged and uncontrollable nature of Irene’s laughter, suggesting that it stems from a mix of shock, disbelief, and discomfort.
What is the effect of repetition and/or description of the body in Larsen’s depiction of Irene’s uncontrollable laughter after learning that Jack’s pet name for his wife Clare is “Nig”?
Irene reacted the way she did because she was appalled and uncomfortable by the husband’s nickname for his wife and her causal response to it. The husband is openly racist and believes that his wife is not Black, this causes Irene to worry for her friend and causes her uncontrollable laughter. The laughter can also be seen as Irene’s defensive behavior to his negative remark about African Americans.
3) Irene, at first, detests Gertrude’s attendance at the “party” because of an apparent feeling of racial betrayal. Irene suspects that Gertrude chooses to pass as white and allows others to assume she is of that racial group, even though she is aware of her black heritage. Irene is led by Gertrude’s actions to believe that Gertrude gains privileges and opportunities unavailable to openly black people by passing as white. Irene’s disdain originates from a blend of disappointment and a feeling of selling out, as she deciphers Gertrude’s activities as her dismissal of racial personality and a disassociation from the battles of the African American population. She believes Gertrude sees other black people as inferior and looks down on them. While these translations depend on the given data, perceiving the intricacies of distinguishing racial proof and individual motivations is fundamental.
1. “It was the idea of being ejected from any place, even in the polite and tactful way in which the Drayton would probably do it, that disturbed her.” (pg 19)
The meaning that this scene brings is Irene’s comfort and advantages of being racially ambiguous. This specific inner thought expresses the embarrassment that comes with being escorted out of an establishment. She says she’s not ashamed of being black. This is slightly contradictory because the reason there’d be embarrassment is that she’d be “exposed” as being black (because, in these times, there’d be no other reason for her to be escorted out).
2. Can you spot a moment of free indirect discourse in the scene where Irene looks over Clare and admires her beauty? What might Irene’s gaze tell us about Irene? What might it tell us about Clare?
At the Drayton Hotel, Irene notices Clare entering the hotel lobby and observes her with a mixture of emotions. The detailed description of Clare’s physical appearance, including her figure, hair, and facial features, suggests that Irene is captivated by Clare’s beauty. Irene takes note of Clare’s alluring presence and acknowledges her attractiveness. Irene’s reaction to Clare’s beauty may also reveal a mixture of emotions within herself. It could imply a combination of admiration, envy, and possibly even a hint of insecurity. The mention of other people being equally captivated by Clare’s presence suggests that Irene might feel a sense of competition or unease regarding Clare’s appeal. The attention Clare receives from the majority of people in the lobby indicates that Clare possesses a certain magnetic quality. Clare’s beauty and charisma draw the attention of those around her, highlighting her ability to command a room and leave a lasting impression on others.