The Disguised Mask of Race, Gender, and Class

Abstract

The Disguised Mask of Race, Gender, and Class By Genesis Diaz I | Introduction acism has occurred throughout American history from when the founding fathers decided that slaves were three fifths of a person to when African-Americans were segregated and categorized as ‘colored.’ Gender roles are often demonstrated to show which sex a female or a male belongs in. Nella Larsen writes about the issue of Af- rican-Americans “passing” in 1929 and the consequences of living that life in the story of Irene and Clare. In Larsen’s novel, Passing, the reader becomes familiar with the term, exploring what it is for an African-American being able to ‘pass’ as white. The color of someone’s skin was the prominent focus in the 1920s. This was a factor that often advanced those with white skin or limited the opportunities of black individuals. Throughout Amer- ican society, there has been a general struggle of identity in issues of gender and race. Both Irene and Clare struggle with those same issues in the novel, further trying to fit into a mold and have their true intentions. Passing takes place in 1929 during the Roaring Twenties and the Harlem Renais- sance. The protagonists in the novel are Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield. They both have hidden secrets about who they really are. Clare is a mulatto who is able to pass from her race and conceal her true black background. Irene is a black middle class female who is proud of where she is from but nonetheless desires and has feelings for Clare. Irene struggles with her personal identity. Once Clare and Irene have their second encounter Clare is intrigued by Harlem—where Irene lives—and decides she is tired of living a lie. Clare spends most of her time in Harlem where the epitome of culture and art are emerging. Irene suspects that Clare may be having an affair with her husband Brian. Irene becomes jealous of Clare to the point where, when at a party, Clare’s husband finds out about Clare’s race. Clare later dies, but her death is unclear. Larsen leaves the reader to wonder if Irene pushed her or if Clare committed sui- cide. Larsen demonstrates the limitations that an individual can have regarding the race, which factors on social status. Larsen also depicts the image of a woman and the gender roles that women needed to display in the 1920s. R II | Historical Context The economy had been thriving due to the overproduction of goods. The prosperous use of credit and surplus of revenue was known to be the Roaring Twenties. Money and power became a huge factor for industry. The booming economy became the aftermath of the Progressive Era. The Harlem Renaissance was a time period that brought in much art prestige to the black community. There had been a fluctuation of art, literature, poetry, and painting. There had been a negative cultural misrepresentation of black culture up to that point but art do- nors wanted to sponsor the authentic black image.