Clare Kendry’s Secretive Affair with Brain Redfield Adam Dalloul 11th Grade

“And that little straightening motion of the shoulders. … Clare Kendry! So that was it! Impossible. It couldn’t be” (Larsen 91). The first mention of Clare and Brian’s affair is brought up during a dinner at Irene’s house, where Brian invites Clare to a party without Irene’s knowledge. After Irene finds out, Irene concludes that Brian and Clare have been having an affair. Although Irene’s assumption here is solely based on mere observations of Brian’s invitation to Clare and subtle shifts in Brian’s movements and has no basis in retrospect, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that an affair is, in fact, occurring between Clare and Brian.

In Nella Larsen's novel Passing, there are detailed accounts of events that occur throughout the book in which descriptions are grounded in realism, providing vivid and realistic descriptions of characters and events. However, amidst this detailed portrayal, the story lacks clarity regarding the true nature of events, such as Clare’s supposed affair with Brian. This challenges readers to navigate the intricacies of the narrative and highlights Larsen's unconventional storytelling techniques.

Clare’s selfishness makes her willing to do anything she wants, including pursuing a...