Passing

How does Clare's presence affect/disrupt Irene's life? *please include quotes if possible*

While reading the book, I noticed that Irene admired Clare (almost in a romantic/sexual way), but her disapproval of Clare's lifestyle blinded her. She sees Clare as cowardly, promiscuous, and childish. When Clare came back into her life, Irene there was so much tension in her life (almost as if Irene wanted Clare gone). Please explain ways in which Clare disrupted Irene's life.

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Clare's largely successful attempt to "pass" as white despite her black ethnic heritage is the core of Larsen's novel. In terms of temperament, Clare is dramatic, outgoing, and willing to take risks; after all, she marries and has a daughter with a white bigot, John Bellew. Yet at the same time, Clare is eager to keep her link to African-American society vital. As Passing progresses, she gravitates to Irene Redfield--who was Clare's childhood friend in Chicago--and immerses herself in upscale Harlem life as an alternative to the affluent white society she once so eagerly sought out.