passing - marriage

Question 1

blackmer

Answer 1

• racial passing can be seen as metaphor for sexual passing (lesbianism)
  
  • homosexuality was more frowned upon than race??
• idea of taboo - clare going against societal norms makes her more appealing (forbidden fruit idea)

scene where clares husband doesnt know irene is white = assumption of heterosexuality

Question 2

Wall - husbands

Answer 2

passing = denial of required of women who conform to restrictive gender roles
rely on husbands for material possessions, security, identity
- each is reflection of husbands class status
bennet -jack bellew is chance to escape

Gertrude looks like the butcher’s wife she is; her feelings could not matter.”

“Put all the blame on him” as “you didn’t tell him you were colored”
“an expression of rage and pain”

“Black scrimy devils”
Brian - “Unhappy, restless, withdrawn”
“forever wanting something that he couldn’t have”

DAISY “string of pearls” in this case is analogous to a dog leash and symbolizes Daisy’s desire for security

Question 3

blackmore

Answer 3

• text itself is passing - homosexual romantic plot is disguised
• irene + brian = business-like relationship, sexless marriage in which neither are attracted to the other
  “he slept in the room next to hers at night”
  • intimations/subtext of homosexual desire on the part of Brian - “queer” desire to go to Brazil (irene is not sure that its ‘just brazil’, escaping to place that is less harsh about homosexuality)

“Notion of Brian’s going off to Brazil”
“Unhappy, restless, withdrawn”
“forever wanting something that he couldn’t have”

- appearance “saving” from effeminate (as if disguising)
- “queer restlessness” "brian doesn't care for ladies"