Questions and Answers
What profession did Bob Kendry have?
Janitor
Why did Bob Kendry enter a drunken rage?
Clare stole money to make a red frock for her Sunday school's picnic
How is Clare described after her reaction to her father's death?
Catlike, hard with little to no feelings, but sometimes affectionate and impulsive.
What is Irene Redfield's reaction after she reads Clare's letter?
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What are the names of Irene Redfield's sons?
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What did Irene want to buy for her two sons?
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What is the physical aspect repeated by Irene throughout the second chapter?
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What is the first thing Irene notices about Clare when she sees her on the balcony?
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How does Irene finally recognize Clare?
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How long had it been since the pair had last seen each other?
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When was the first time the black community saw Clare after she 'disappeared'?
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How did children react to 'passing' when it was discussed?
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Did Clare ever regret leaving?
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What is the name of Clare's husband?
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Where does Irene invite Clare?
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Who did Clare stay with after her father died?
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How did Clare's aunts likely describe her after she ran off to get married?
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How does Clare attempt to convince Irene to try and 'pass'?
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Which of Clare's features does Irene recognize as 'negro'?
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What prevents Irene from wanting to see Clare again?
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Study Notes
Bob Kendry
- Profession: Janitor
- Entered a drunken rage after Clare stole money for a red frock for a picnic.
Clare's Character
- Described as catlike; she has a hard exterior with minimal feelings but can be affectionate and impulsive at times.
- Admits to regretting her decision to leave, expressing sorrow for not returning home.
Irene Redfield
- Reaction to Clare's letter includes feelings of humiliation, resentment, and rage.
- Concerns about her appearance and presentability are evident throughout the second chapter.
- She has two sons named Brian Junior and Theodore and wishes to buy them a mechanical airplane and a drawing book.
Reunion of Clare and Irene
- It's been 12 years since Clare and Irene last saw each other.
- Irene first notices Clare on a balcony, specifically her peculiar and provocative smile towards a man.
- Clare's laugh is the distinctive feature that helps Irene recognize her.
Social Context
- The first sighting of Clare by the black community occurred during dinner at a fashionable hotel, where she was with white individuals.
- Children in the community react to discussions about "passing" with wonder, but also skepticism and unacceptance.
- Clare stayed with her aunts, who were white, following her father's death and was thought by them to be "living in sin" due to her marriage.
Clare's Influence on Irene
- Clare persuades Irene to consider passing as worthwhile, stating it is "worth the price."
- Irene is hesitant to see Clare again due to her low opinion of Clare's loyalty to family and the black community.
- Irene recognizes Clare's "negro" feature through her eyes, highlighting the complexity of identity.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the first two chapters of 'Passing' by Nella Larsen. This quiz covers key characters, events, and descriptions that shape the narrative. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the text!
