re might end up being free and “of all things that could happen, that was the one thing that she didn’t want” (Larsen 228). Irene realizes that Clare’s freedom might mean the end of her security, and she cannot let that happen. Instead, Irene believes that the death of Clare is the only way she will truly be free of her, foreshadowing the tragic ending of the woman who passes. Although it is not clear exactly how Clare falls from the window after John discovers her deception, just before the fall Irene discloses “that she couldn’t have Clare Kendry cast aside by Bellow…she couldn’t have her free” (Larsen 239). This reveals that Irene is very likely responsible for Clare’s death. Although the ambiguity surrounding the incident prevents determining “Irene’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” she seems to be the one character who benefits the most from Clare’s death (Tate 145). Like Clare, Irene will “do anything, hurt anybody, throw anything away” in order to “get the things [she] wants badly enough” (Larsen 210). In the end, the differences between Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield are overshadowed by their similarities revealing that their relationship is just as significant as the issue of passing. Clearly Larsen “is able to present her subject with wide perspective: a personal problem can be expanded to a racial problem, then to a universal one” (Sato 89).Nella Larsen’s Passing successfully deals with the plight of the “tragic mulatto” and the complexities of human relationships. Her literary contribution is significant because of her ability to confidently handle a sensitive racial issue while also exploring the ramifications of this issue on human relationships. It is clear that Larsen meant to include both the social and psychological aspects of passing in her novel. Because of this, Pass...
