Jealousy In Nella Larsen's Passing

Jealousy – its presence, its impact, its existence in society – is closely connected to numerous negative images and emotions. From fear to rage, envy sheds light on changes in not only relationships, but also internal morality. In Nella Larsen’s Passing, the potential interpretation of positive images surrounding Clare’s physical attributes as sexual attraction should be comprehended as jealousy.

As the novella unfolds, the author reveals various characteristics that the protagonist simply cannot achieve due to her physicality and ethics. For example, many female characters show the desire for security in their lives as seen when Irene admits that “security was the most important and desired thing in life” (76). Both Clare Kendry and Irene
The author continually associates the color red and fire to anger, which becomes quite evident as the story approaches its final chapters. Once Irene discovers potential infidelity, both the color red and the image of fire begin to appear frequently in regards to Clare. The aspect of anger indicates that Irene does not hold positive emotions towards her friend. For instance, the cigarette scene seems to prognosticate the outcome of Clare Kendry (78). Like the lit cigarette, Clare is described to have worn a bright red dress and to have fallen out of the Freelands’ window (79). Moreover, “…full, red lips… It was that smile that maddened Irene” proves the association of red and Irene’s increasingly uncontrollable anger (79). Although “full, red lips” can be viewed as genuine admiration, the fact that it infuriates the protagonist indicates that she is actually envious of Clare’s beauty. This pattern is significant because it both captures the reader’s attention and allows Larsen to fully convey the subtle emotions of envy in Irene to the audience. All of this could be viewed as the effects of jealousy, which often consist of hatred and