Desmond Tutu once stated, “A person can only be a person if other people …. are involved.” Tutu’s main point is that a person can only be influenced and influenced by other people. It is the actions and reactions of others that create personality, depth, character and depth. Irene Redfield (Nella Larsen) is the protagonist in Passing. She embodies Tutu’s quote. She lives a life where her husband, children, and the greater race she is related to, and adheres to strict social rules to preserve harmony in her community. Clare Kendry is her peer and she disrupts that balance. Clare makes individualistic decisions, which Irene considers a threat to Irene’s vision for a society in the community everyone belongs to. Clare is Irene’s worst nightmare. Clare’s existence affirms Irene’s views, but it also threatens Irene’s safety, comfort, predictability, as well as security.

Clare and Irene have completely different ideas about safety. This can threaten each other’s security. Irene’s security depends on her husband, her kids, and the greater Black community. She is always part a group identity. Irene says that Brian and Irene get in a fight over their son. Irene then states that Irene only wants Brian to be happy. All other plans and ways she considered as threats to her security were not hers. (90). Irene is known for her self-sacrifice. This quote speaks volumes. Irene dedicates her entire life to helping others. The use of the term “menaces,” to describe all plans not related to her husband’s happiness, is an example of this. Irene defines safety for herself through the expression “security of place, substance”. She is committed to her husband’s happiness and that of her children. Clare, however, is governed by her personal security and her identity is not tied to the needs of others. Clare shares her differing lifestyles with Irene. “Rene, it’s not safe” (125). Clare’s inarticulacy and ease of expressing these emotions reveals her selfish, individualistic nature. Clare’s extreme egotism is evident in her use of all-encompassing words like “anything” or “anybody”. She would harm no one to achieve what she desires. Clare is also shown to be selfish, but safe by her use of the term “not safe”. Irene wants to distance herself form Clare due to their differing definitions about safety. Clare however is more motivated to return to the black community. Clare, Irene and their different definitions and beliefs of safety make them both bind to each other. Each of their differences gives them purpose. Clare wants Clare to be further away from Irene. Clare sends Irene a note, but she doesn’t seem to care much about her race. She was only a member of it (76). Irene’s unquestionable, confident tone demonstrates Irene’s strength in spite of Clare’s disrespect. Irene does not waste her time on Clare. Clare reminds Irene of her devotion to her race. Clare is then isolated from the group. This quote is so concise and clear that it shows Clare’s treason towards the race. It gives Irene an outlet and excuse to get away from people who don’t dedicate their lives to their race. Clare’s lifestyle gives Irene a reason to be vocal against her actions and reminds her that she is right. Clare starts crying when Clare is having difficulties and Irene asks Clare if she knows. You could not have known. You’re free. You’

You are happy. And… safe” (100). Clare gave Irene this powerful, clear and concise statement. Irene desires to be happy, free, and safe. Clare acknowledges this to Irene as a sign that her sacrifices are worth it. Irene’s ideas about safety and freedom are bound together because Irene wouldn’t have the opportunity to share such firsthand experiences with white people. Clare is an integral part of Irene’s race and community. Irene feels fulfilled and confident in her life because she interacts with Clare.

Clare’s honest, unfiltered, honesty exposes Irene’s flaws and makes her isolate herself from Clare. Irene was a good mother to her children and kept her marriage intact. However, there were many issues in the novella. She tries to erase the memory of Clare and Brian’s affair when she becomes suspicious. She distracts herself while at a house party and doesn’t confront the fear. She didn’t want any empty space in her time where her mind would instantly return to the horror …” (138-9). Irene is able to detect her husband’s cheating and then distract herself by making tea. This shows that she has an inexplicable ability to hide her emotions. She doesn’t care if her marriage is at stake. She just tries to ignore it and continues her daily life. She uses repressing and refusing to accept this truth and avoiding any threat psychologically. Later on, she further illustrates this by saying that “it hurt.” It was horrible. It didn’t matter if nobody knew. It would be as if everything could continue the way it was before. If the boys could be safe” (147). Clare’s pain is brought out of her head by Clare. She can recognize her emotions and express what she feels. Her thought process ends with her decision to suppress her emotions once more, indicating her inability to risk her security and life. Irene’s dilemma is solved by hiding her feelings and continuing her service to everyone but herself. This implies that she is almost indestructible to other people, but not to herself. Finaly, the novella reveals that Clare is an actual threat to Irene’s safety, predictability and comfort. Irene realizes that Clare can be an annoyance and a burden in her life. This soil was the best for her, and she wouldn’t be uprooted. Clare Kendry (169-70) was not the reason she grew up. The novella’s end refers to America’s dream and American identity, which Irene believes in. Clare is the only thing that can prevent her from living the American lifestyle she desires. She is her connection to America. She continues to push away the things that threaten her lifestyle and lifestyle.

Clare is killed by falling from a window at the end. It’s unclear what caused Clare to die, but it is obvious that Clare died symbolically. Clare is the only character of the novella to take full control over her life and destiny. Clare is more confident than Irene. She doesn’t fear individuality or self-reliance. Clare can also threaten the society where she lives. Irene, on her part, prefers to hide the truth to live in a predetermined, safe, and comfortable world. Clare’s tragic death shows that you cannot be truly free or safe if your conformity to society’s norms is not an option. Because to perpetuate any social constructs, people must believe in them and support them.

One person can’t disrupt an ideology-homogeneous society.