Detailed AO3 (LIterary) Flashcards
Nella Larsen and the Harlem Renaissance
Nella Larsen emerged as a significant voice within this movement.
Her novel Passing delves into themes of racial identity and the phenomenon of “passing,” where light-skinned African Americans would present themselves as white to escape racial discrimination.
This narrative aligns with the Harlem Renaissance’s exploration of identity, racial uplift, and artistic expression.
Nella Larsen’s Personal Context
Nella Larsen’s own life intricately informs Passing.
Born in 1891 to a Danish immigrant mother and a West Indian father, Larsen’s mixed-race heritage positioned her uniquely within both Black and white communities.
Her marriage to Elmer Imes, a prominent African American physicist, granted her access to elite Black society, yet she often felt like an outsider due to her background.
Larsen’s Literary Career
Larsen’s literary career was brief but impactful.
She published two novels:** Quicksand in 1928 and Passing in 1929**.
Both works received critical acclaim for their exploration of complex themes related to race, identity, and gender.
In 1930, Larsen published a short story titled “Sanctuary” in Forum magazine.
Shortly after its publication, she faced allegations of plagiarism due to similarities between “Sanctuary” and “Mrs. Adis,” a story by British author Sheila Kaye-Smith.
Larsen denied these accusations, and the editors of Forum supported her, resulting in** no formal charges**.
However, the controversy **tarnished her reputation **and contributed to her withdrawal from the literary scene.
Perhaps illustrates the** continued attenuation of Black achievement despite the pervading movements of the period**
Guggenheim Fellowship and Later Life
In the same year, Larsen became the **first African American woman to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship, **which she used to travel and work on new writing projects.
Despite this achievement, the combination of the plagiarism scandal and personal challenges, including her divorce in 1933, led to a decline in her literary output.
She eventually** returned to nursing** and lived a relatively private life until her death on March 30, 1964.
Themes in Passing
Larsen’s personal history of navigating complex racial and social boundaries is reflected in Passing, which delves into the lives of two mixed-race women who can “pass” as white.
The novel examines themes of racial identity, societal expectations, and the personal costs of denying one’s heritage, offering a nuanced perspective on the African American experience during the Harlem Renaissance.
