Passing Flashcards
“Everything must be paid for.”
This is a line repeated twice, in which Clare is chided for the choice she’s made, and the second time Irene criticises her for not following the social rules
“Clare Kendry cared nothing for the race. She only belonged to it.”
Irene considers Clare’s duty to her race, Clare’s choice to pass contradicts everything Irene stands for, even though she will also pass throughout the novella
“She grew from this soil, and she would not be uprooted.”
In the final chapter, Irene admits that Clare and Brian are having an affair and decides to remain determined to ensure her own security. Irene refuses to move away from America and give up, despite the discrimination her family faces.
“Money’s awfully nice to have […] it’s even worth the price.”
In Chapter 2, Clare (or, Larsen) uses this moment to point out the potential benefits of passing, and that Clare is aware of what she’s losing.
“I nearly died of terror […] for fear that she might be dark.”
In Chapter 3, Clare and Gertrude share their joint fears of having darker-skinned children, as they’d want them to have as many advantages as possible in life (by being able to pass)
“Stepping always on the edge of danger. Always aware, but not drawing back or turning aside.”
Ch1 Irene’s first assessment of Clare to the reader, about her contradictory reckless and bravery
