Nella Larsen's Passing has many themes explored throughout, but the one in particular I want to focus on and analyze is LGBTQIA+ themes in the story.
From the Beginning
"An attractive-looking woman, was Irene's opinion, with those dark, almost black, eyes and that wide mouth like a scarlet flower against the ivory of her skin." (p. 15-16)
From the beginning of this story, there are passages and quotes that represent this theme. The quote above is only a few pages in. The main character, Irene, has noticed Clare, an old friend of hers. However, Irene doesn't recognize her. Because this story is from limited third person point of view, we know that the description of Clare in this passage is from Irene's perspective. Irene's observations of Clare seem to be more than simply noticing. The type of language used is poetic and could be taken as a romantic interest.
Appreciation of Appearance
"Irene studied the lovely creature standing beside her..." (p. 18)
Usually, when the phrase "lovely creature" is used in novels, it is to describe one person looking at another person to whom they are sexually and/or romantically attracted.
"What was it about Clare's voice that was so appealing, so very seductive?" (p. 34)
Irene finds Clare's voice appealing. It is possible that Clare has the type of voice that is appealing to most people, but more likely, Irene is attracted to Clare. When people are attracted to each other, they start to find almost all, if not all of the aspects and traits of that person attractive. It is worth noting that in this particular scene, Clare and Irene are on the phone. Clare is trying to convince Irene to come to tea with her to her house and talk with Clare and her friends. It is a casual conversation, but Irene is entirely focusing on Clare's "seductive voice".
"...she stood at her window frowning out into the dark rain and puzzling again over that look on Clare's incredibly beautiful face." (p. 46)
The phrase "incredibly beautiful", when used to describe a person in a story, is usually used when one character is describing their love interest or their romantic partner.
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