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Double Identity In Nella Larsen's Passing

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The above quote is from the Nella Larsen’s PASSING, FINALE chapter. It shows Du Bois double consciousness (actually triple in here) concept about a character lacking one unified identity. The character that symbolize Irene Redfield is in dilemma facing with a choice between three unsatisfactory options. The first option is exposing the identity of Irene’s childhood friend, Clare Kendry, who had an affair with Irene’s husband. By selecting this option, and telling Clare’s white husband that Clare is ‘colored woman’, Irene makes best decision for herself . The second option Irene has to choose from is the socially constructed race that “suffocated her”. Irene is an African-American woman ‘passing as white’ as Clare is. So if Irene chooses to

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