ed to racial prejudices. These talks reminded Helga of her own childhood that was tainted by racial prejudices, but at the same time her own mother was white. She could not bear it. She basically could not get over the confusion of her own childhood. It is always here in her life where she becomes restless. So, because of her inability to deal with her mixed emotions, after receiving money from her uncle, she decides to fly off to Copenhagen. In Copenhagen she was basically a doll, and she loved it. It gave her a profound sense of self-importance. Yet, she gradually become discontent again particulary after her aunt started to pressure her about finding a suitable mate. It was as if she didnt feel good enough to be loved. She loved that her difference was enhanced, but only socially. Romantically, she held convictions that caused her to shy away from a match with a white man. When Axel Olsen proposes to her she profusely denies him, But you see, Herr Olsen, Im not for sale. Not to you. Not to any white man. I dont at all care to be owned. Even by you (324). Her relatives are outraged at this. This is a contradiction in her. She wants to be around white people, that is supposedly why she leaves Harlem, but she holds the same thoughts that caused her to dislike Anne. Again, her childhood causes her discontent. Her relatives sense this in their questioning, Come now, Helga it isnt this foolishness about race. Not here in Denmark. Youve never spoken of it before. It cant be just that. Youre too sensible. It must be something else (327). Helga decides to go back to Harlem because of what she learned, Im homesick, not for America, but for Negroes (328). This is important for her self-awareness.In Harlem, things are more relaxed, but she realizes she needs love. Yet, this love is displaced in Robert Anderson who is now fixed up with Anne. She had the chance to love him, but she denied it for stubbornness long ago. ...
