It is very clear in this section that Rene is angry with Claire, feeling as if she has been manipulated, as in when Claire invites herself to the NWL dance. However, it is also evident that she sort of allows herself to be led on, captivated by Claire story, and I would guess, her ability to cry at the drop of a hat. Furthermore, it seems Claire realizes this, constantly saying that Rene is kind and good, much better than her etc. Knowing that appealing to Rene’s sort of ‘motherly nature will allow her to live that life vicariously.
Like wise, the end of part II definitely seems to be foreshadowing something, which I can only assume is bad. It is clear that Claire doesn’t value her role as a mother, and she herself says she would do whatever she had to get the things she wants (124-125.) Additionally, she even jokes that she may one day kill her husband because her condition makes her unhappy (107.) While I don’t expect Claire to kill anyone by the end of this book, I do assume that violence is going to happen, probably when her racist husband finds she is actually African American.
Interestingly, while race, and obviously ‘passing’ is the subject of this novel, I definitely agree with the class comments on Wednesday that this book is also about the lives of women in general. Maybe intended to point out that all women, or all wives or mothers, share certain concerns or experiences. I think this is evident in Irene, as she seems always to be thinking first and foremost of doing what is safe or right for her children, and what may provide the most stability in her marriage. In fact, as she begins to form a relationship with Claire it seems she does worry more about the fate of Margery than Claire does. If this book was intended to reach a white audience, I imagine these similarities would lead white women to a at least more sympathetic view of the plight of African American mothers. Although, this book is most certainly geared towards a more wealthy group, as even sympathetic, up-lift minded Irene has a black maid, and only seemed to participate in NWL dances out of a sense of duty. Perhaps mirroring what Nella Larsen saw in her own friends and community.
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2 comments:
I agree that the irene defintly has a motherly nature unlik clare that does not value her motherhood. I do also think that there will be violence by the end of the book with clare if her husbadnfinds out she is african american.I also thinkthat the books general idea is about women and their relantionships with people.
I was kind of shocked that Claire had the audacity to invite herself to the NWL dance. It just proves how little regard she has for others. I feel like Claire keeps proving to us how selfish she is.
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