Sunday, October 21, 2007
Passing
I would first like to say that this book is a nice change from what we have been reading lately. It is much easier to read. I was shocked by the part of the book where Clare introduces Irene to her husband. I was surprised that Clare even wanted to introduce a friend of hers to her husband. Clare knew her friend was African American and she knew her husband disliked African Americans so much. I was surprised thaat she would put her friends in such an awkwatd position. He even goes so far as to say that it isn't that he "dislikes them, he hates them". It is actually ironic in a way because he has no idea that the the three women he is surrounded by are actually African American, he is even related to one. Irene is extremenly upset by thier ocnversation because he is being prejudiced toward her race, but she feels like she can't say anything because then she would be exposing her friend who is "passing". It was a difficult position for her to be in and it was inconsiderate of Clare to put her in that position.
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I was completely shocked by this particular part in the novel as well. Like you, I could not believe that Clare put Irene in such an awkward situation (what a friend!). Trying to sympathize with Clare, maybe we could infer that Clare put Irene in that situation to show Irene how oblivious her husband is and how she longs for someone to know who she really is.
I was also shocked at the part in the novel when Clare introduced Irene and Gertrude to her husband knowing that he is racist. I still do not understand Clare’s motivation behind this meeting. It may have been possible that Clare’s husband happened to come home before the ladies could leave, however, Clare almost seemed excited for Irene and Gertrude to meet him. Clare placed the women in a very difficult and unfair position.
Yeah, Clare is definitely out there. Very self absorbed and there's definitely something she wants from Irene. It's becoming more clear as the story progresses. I keep waiting for that big revelation.
I don't think Clare thought twice about the position she was putting Irene in by introducing her to her husband. I think this shows the selfish side of Clare, which is how I believe she was as a child. I also think Clare could have assumed that Irene has been put in these kinds of position before because she can pass as white, which she is doing in this particle situation. I was extremely surpised about how Clare's husband acted. I felt like he didn't respect the situation he was in and didn't respect that the three women were meeting together for tea.
It is really surprising that Claire would put someone she considers a friend in such an uncomfortable situation. I think it shows how confused Claire is about race. I also thing it shows how selfish her character is.
After the end of the novel I find it funny he is put in the same situation. At the start he is in a room of all black people, but does not know it. At the end he is again put in a room full of black people, but this time knows it. He seems to watch his temper a little more after being reminded about this.
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