still “one tends to pity, in spite of her ruthlessness, this poor, mixed-up child of a bad background, married to an [African American] hating white husband” (Davis 98). Clare does not seem to have “any proper morals or sense of duty” because she is forced to fight dishonestly in order to get what she wants (Larsen 210). Society does not offer her any other options to be a successful woman.Although Clare Kendry’s plight might at times illicit pity, her actions occasionally appear to be incredulous. She can also be described as “hard, amoral, and utterly selfish in her search for happiness or, at least, contentment” (Davis 97). One instance that illustrates this is when Clare doubts the intentions of an acquaintance who becomes Jewish. She does not accept the idea that “everyone doesn’t do everything for gain” because “it [does not] occur to [her]” (Larsen 169). Obviously, Clare’s intentions always depend on what will be gained by her personally. Her selfishness is also apparent when she allows her husband to call her “Nig” in the presence of Irene and Gertrude. Irene finds it “hard to believe that even Clare Kendry would permit this ridiculing of her race by an outsider, though the chanced to be her husband” (Larsen 170). Even when Irene reminds Clare of the implications her return to the African American community might have on her daughter, Clare tells Irene that “being a mother is the cruelest thing in the world” (Larsen 197). Clare’s insensitive reactions to what is going on around her illustrate another side of her character that is hard to pity. Like Irene, Brian Redfield’s feelings towards Clare appear to be ambiguous. It seems as if “his own attitudes toward her move from rejection to attention” (Ravitz 395). When he first becomes aware of Clare’s desire to return to the Afri...
