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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
Passing Down: Nella Larsen's Questioning Of Eugenic Ideology, Sky R. Mcleod
Passing Down: Nella Larsen's Questioning Of Eugenic Ideology, Sky R. Mcleod
Anthós
This article looks at Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel Passing and examines how eugenic ideology of the time period are explored and critiqued through the story and characters. The novel follows two light skinned black women who grew up together and are reunited as adults. This reconciliation takes place under the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance where the expectations of New Negro womanhood mix with a growing wave of eugenic thought and practices. In the 1920’s many influential thinkers, including black leaders such as W. E.B. Du Bois, were convinced that the only way to move the human race forward was …
Dignity, Respect, And Freedom, Lindsey Abercrombie
Dignity, Respect, And Freedom, Lindsey Abercrombie
Anthós
This paper looks at Irene Redfield, a character from Nella Larsen's Passing, analyzing how dignity is prioritized above all else in her life. Viewing Irene through the lenses of race, sexuality, and class, this paper delves into the intricacies of Irene's mind, attempting to contextualize her by her overt and repressed desires. Passing is a nuanced novel with complicated characters. Many scholars have attempted to understand the symbolism Larsen has imbued the novel with, producing insightful works to challenge the reader's initial perceptions of the novel and the characters. Through taking a deep-dive into Irene's mind, readers can become …
The Power Of An Unreliable Narrator And The Distortion Of Fear In Nella Larsen’S Passing, Sonia Comstock
The Power Of An Unreliable Narrator And The Distortion Of Fear In Nella Larsen’S Passing, Sonia Comstock
Anthós
This article studies Nella Larsen’s Passing through the unreliable narration of the novel’s key character, Irene. It goes on to explore her relationships and her judgements, which expose the twisted nature of her psychology and demonstrate that Irene is driven by fear and resentment. Irene hates the act of wanting and constantly crushes her husband’s aspirations, yet deeply desires the other focal character of the novel, Clare. She lies to herself about her tense, racially fraught relationship with her husband, as well as her repressed homosexual attraction towards Clare. These lies, combined with her deep-seated fear and hatred of desire …