We have discussed Nella Larsen’s novel Passing, a seminal text of African American literature. Published during the Harlem Renaissance, Larsen’s second novel deals with the complexity of race through the rekindled friendship of two light-brown-skinned women, both of whom are able to pass for white. Race relations were of significant importance to writers, especially Black writers, of Larsen’s era. Larsen’s novel, nonetheless, can be read as an exploration of several other themes: sexuality, patriotism, marriage, the experiences of women during the 1920s, identity, and class. We have discussed the novel from a number of the aforementioned perspectives, evaluating the use of symbols, motifs and major themes, the settings, and the contradictions within characters. In a 6-8-page research paper, examine the novel by choosing one of the suggested topics below.
This paper is designed to teach you the following skills: to gain a broader understanding of the novel by referring to outside sources, to learn to incorporate your own voice/analysis alongside those of the experts’, and to practice employing MLA guidelines of citation and documentation. Keep in mind: you are writing an argumentative, not an informative, research paper.
Paper Prompts
Many of the characters go through changes in the novel, but Claire’s path—from a poor teen raised in the south side of Chicago to a woman sharing the prejudices of her blatantly racist white husband and, finally, a frequent guest at several parties in Harlem—stands out most. Find unifying details, events, or symbols to follow her character development throughout the novel.
