Irene
What is Irene's last name?
Redfield
Who said this quote?
"'And now, 'Rene dear, that I've found you, I mean to see lots and lots of you...Come to dinner with us tonight, won't you?...Come tomorrow instead, to tea.'" (Larsen 23).
Clare Kendry said this to Irene when they first met at the Drayton Hotel. This shows the reader that Clare is very persistent and wants to reconnect with Irene.
What is Clare's view on passing? Do you think passing is something she needs to do or wants to do?
She hides her identity and passes on the daily basis. She lies to her husband and child about who she is. In the beginning of the book it says that she hated being poor not black, so maybe passing is her way of escaping her poverty
Where does Brian wish to live in? (bonus if you can explain why he wishes to move there)
Brazil
What is the literary device that best describes John Bellew, an incredibly racist man, marrying Clare without knowing that she's from African descent?
Dramatic Irony
How many children does Irene have and what gender? (Bonus: double points for names)
Two boys, Brian Jr. and Ted
Who said this quote?
"'You got me wrong there, Mrs. Redfield. Nothing like that at all. I don't dislike them, I hate them'" (Larsen 40).
John Bellew said this to Irene in the hotel room. This quote shows Irene and the reader that John doesn't know about Clare's true identity and if he finds out, things might turn deadly for Clare.
We see Irene's children in the book but not Clare's, where is her daughter? How does this portray Clare as a mother?
Her daughter is in Switzerland. Clare sees her daughter as something that is preventing her from being her true self.
What is Brian's occupation?
He is a doctor
What literary device best fits Clare's letter? What is it saying?
Symbolism: The letter symbolizes Clare herself through it's extravagant appearance and ability to stick out from others.
What does Irene throw outside the window before Clare falls out?
A cigarette
Who said this quote?
"'Well, just let me tell you, I won't have it. And you needn't think I'm going to let you change him to some nice kindergarten kind of a school because he's getting a little necessary education. I won't!" (Larsen 60).
Brian Redfield said this to Irene about Junior learning mature subjects from the older students in his school. This bickering that Irene and Brian have shows the reader that each of them think differently, which often leads to conflict between them throughout the story.
What is Clare's dad's name and how did he die? How do you think this affected the way Clare passes?
Bob Kendry died in a saloon fight. because of her childhood trauma, Clare sees passing as a way to escape her past. This can be why she passes on a daily basis.
In the novel, Brian says "Lord! How I hate sick people, and their stupid, meddling, families, and smelly, dirty rooms, and climbing filthy steps in dark hallways"
What does this reveal about Brian's character? (answer does not have to be exact)
Brian actually does not like his job at all and he is extremely insensitive. He is also extremely dissatisfied with his life.
When Clare's face is compared to an Ivory mask, what literary device is being used and what is it saying?
Metaphor: The Ivory mask comparison is a metaphor for Clare passing/pretending to be white when she's actually not.
What is the name of Irene's friend who hosts the final party at the end of Part 3?
Felise Freeland
Who said this quote?
"'Oh, the dollar! Don't be a fool, Clare. I don't care where you go, or what you do. All I'm concerned with is the unpleasantness and possible danger which your going might incur, because of your situation'"(Larsen 71).
Irene Redfield said this to Clare about her asking to go to the N.W.L Dance. Irene is scared for Clare because she doesn't want John Bellew to find out that Clare has been hanging around or even associating with African Americans.
How does Clare view the Black community in Part 1, 2 and 3 of the book?
In Part 1 she is passing and is trying to hide her tie to the Black community until her encounter with Irene. In Part 2 she goes to a party in Harlem and is more interested in the Black community. In Part 3 she loses interest in hiding her true self and wants to be a part of the Black community.
(Discussion Question) Why do you think Brian and Clare developed an emotional relationship?
I believe that it is because both characters have parallel lives. They are both unhappy with their current lives and are being held back by other people to do what they want or move to a different place. (i.e; Irene holding back Brian and Clare's daughter holding her back from moving to Harlem).
When the cup drops and breaks when Irene is angry, what literary device is being used and what is it doing? (Bonus points if you can name the other example for this literary device and what it's specifically doing.)
Foreshadowing: The cup falling and shattering when Irene is angry is foreshadowing Clare's death. The other example for this is when Irene throws the cigarette out of the window.
What is the name of the fundraising dance event Irene is involved with in Part 2?
The Negro Welfare League (NWL) Fundraising Event
Who said this quote?
"'If it wasn't for her, I'd do it anyway. She's all that holds me back...if our marriage is broken, that lets me out. Doesn't it?" (Larsen 106).
Clare said this to Irene about how the only thing keeping her from leaving John Bellew and moving to Harlem is Margery, but does she really care about Margery or does she only care about herself and being able to do whatever she wants?
If Clare would've never found Irene at the hotel, do you think her husband would've found out about her passing? Do you think she would've wanted to reestablish her ties to the Black community?
This is open for interpretation. In my opinion, Clare was not content with her life and she would've looked for a tie back to the Black community.
(Discussion Question)
Do you think Brian resents Irene for not fully understanding the discrimination he faces in comparison to hers?
I think that because Irene can pass, it automatically puts her in a more privileged position compared to Brian. This may contribute to Irene's lack of understanding of Brian's desperation of moving out of the U.S. I do think Brian resents Irene invalidating his concerns and his experiences.
In the finale Brian says "...keep to the walk with those foolish thin shoes." In other words, he's telling Irene and Clare to keep away from the snow. What literary device is being used and what is it saying?
Metaphor/Symbolism: The snow represents white people/culture and the thin shoes represent the thin line Irene and Clare are on when they are passing around white people. Just as they might get hurt from the snow, they might also get hurt by white people.