Podcast
Questions and Answers
How did Irene feel when she got that second letter?
How did Irene feel when she got that second letter?
Anger, surprise, yearning
What did Brian catch Irene doing that made him say, 'the times, alas, the times!'?
What did Brian catch Irene doing that made him say, 'the times, alas, the times!'?
Swearing
What did Brian recommend that Irene do?
What did Brian recommend that Irene do?
Nothing. Let Clare miss her.
What did Clare say was Brian's answer to everything?
What did Clare say was Brian's answer to everything?
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Which son was Irene concerned about in the car with Brian?
Which son was Irene concerned about in the car with Brian?
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Which son did Irene say was very 'speculative and withdrawn'?
Which son did Irene say was very 'speculative and withdrawn'?
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What was Irene worried about Junior for?
What was Irene worried about Junior for?
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When Clare showed up, what made Irene no longer angry?
When Clare showed up, what made Irene no longer angry?
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What was Irene's maid's name?
What was Irene's maid's name?
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What was not Irene's maid's name?
What was not Irene's maid's name?
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What term was repeated quite a lot throughout chapter 2?
What term was repeated quite a lot throughout chapter 2?
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What did Clare say her reason was for writing the letter?
What did Clare say her reason was for writing the letter?
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Who is Hugh Wentworth?
Who is Hugh Wentworth?
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When Clare was mad, what did she say that she could just do to Jack?
When Clare was mad, what did she say that she could just do to Jack?
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How did Irene describe Clare at the end of the chapter?
How did Irene describe Clare at the end of the chapter?
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Study Notes
Emotional Responses
- Irene experienced a mix of anger, surprise, and yearning upon receiving a second letter from Clare.
- Clare's unexpected visit prompted a change in Irene's emotions, alleviated by Clare's kiss.
Interactions with Brian
- Brian caught Irene swearing, leading him to comment, "the times, alas, the times!"
- He recommended that Irene take no action regarding Clare's situation and implied she should allow Clare to handle her own affairs.
Family Dynamics
- Irene expressed concern over her son Junior, particularly about his humor surrounding sexual topics.
- Ted, another son, was described as "speculative and withdrawn" by Irene, raising concern about his behavior.
Clare's Characteristics and Actions
- Clare claimed her motivation for writing to Irene was driven by loneliness.
- She characterized Brian's attitude as the "instinct of the race to survive and expand," reflecting her views on his practicality.
Maid and Household
- Irene’s maid was named Zulena, highlighting the distinctions in her household staff, as Francesca was incorrectly assumed to be her maid.
Themes and Repetition
- The term "safe" was frequently reiterated throughout chapter 2, hinting at underlying themes of security and instability in the narrative.
Other Characters
- Hugh Wentworth, identified as an author, is presented as a character attending the NWL dance and making contact with Irene.
- Clare expressed intense emotions, including a dark thought of violence towards Jack when upset, indicating the complexity of her character.
Overall Character Analysis
- At the chapter's conclusion, Irene's description of Clare as "selfish, wilful, and disturbing" encapsulates her conflicted feelings towards Clare and foreshadows tensions in their relationship.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key concepts from chapters 1 and 2 of Nella Larsen's 'Passing'. This quiz covers the main emotions and interactions between characters, helping to deepen your understanding of the text. Ideal for students looking to review important details.
