Passing by Nella Larsen

This novella is part of the Harlem Renaissance, a literary movement of the 1920's featuring a flowering of poetry, music, novels and performances expressing the African American experience and view of the word in contrast to the simultaneously occurring Lost Generation. Set primarily in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City in the 1920s, the story centers on the reunion of two childhood friends—Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield—and their increasing fascination with each other's lives. The title refers to the practice of racial passing, which is a key element of the novel. Clare Kendry's attempt to pass as white for her husband, John (Jack) Bellew, is significant and is a catalyst for the tragic events.
Larsen's exploration of race was informed by her own mixed racial heritage.

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Meeting ID: 840 5399 3992 Passcode: 966292