Read “Passing” By Nella Larsen and Answer Questions and Write
Essay

Answer all 15 of the following short answer questions that deal with the novella Passing. In each of your answers, use complete sentences and make
sure to provide as much detail as possible. One to two word answers will NOT be accepted.

1. Why does Irene go to the Drayton Hotel?
2. Why has it been so long since Irene and Clare have seen each other? What are some of the rumors about Clare that Irene has heard in the
   meantime?
3. Clare also invited another woman for tea, how do Clare and Irene know her? What do Clare and this woman have in common?
4. What are Gertrude and Clare worried about with their children? Why does Irene not have this same concern?
5. Why do you think Irene chose to stay silent when Clare’s husband John Bellew arrives and starts making racist comments?
6. Describe Irene and Brian as a couple. Their marriage? On Brian’s career? On living in New York City? On raising their children? (Be specific for
   these.)
7. When Clare arrives to talk to Irene about not answering her letter, what are the reasons Irene presents against Clare’s involvement with the Black
   culture of New York City?
8. Why does Clare want to attend the Negro Welfare League dance? Why does Irene decide to invite her?
9. Why are events like the Negro Welfare League dance so well attended by both White and Black people? According to Irene, what reasons do both
   Whites and Blacks have for being in attendance at these events?
10. How has Clare and Irene’s relationship changed from the beginning of Part Two to the end of Part Two? Give examples.
11. After learning why Clare shows up to tea uninvited, Irene says, “Clare Kendry! So that was it! Impossible. It couldn’t be…Clare! How sickening.”
    Why is Irene so irate? And what does Irene believe she has just figured out?
12. At the end of Part 3: Chapter 2, what does Irene decide must happen in order to deal with Clare?
13. How does John Bellew figure out that Irene Redfield is Black?
14. In Part 3: Chapter 4, what topic does Brian bring up at the dinner table? What reasons does Irene have for not wanting her sons to hear? What
    reasons does Brian have to disagree?
15. Unknown at the time, Irene comes to the actual realization of why she does not tell anyone about her run in with John Bellew. What is it? What
    would it mean for Irene if Clare was “free”?
    Compose a five paragraph essay, based on the following prompt provided. In the essay be sure to answer every part of the question, and to back up
    what you say with examples/quotes from Passing.