Dearest Clare,

I have yet to find the words to fully explain what has happened between us, but nonetheless, I will try. Your sudden and unexplained appearance in my life has made me deal with many issues that I had thought would never have to. Now that you have passed from this world, all I am left with is questions. So many questions that I fear will never be answered.

Oh why did you seek me out after that first fateful meeting? Did you really understand the consequences of your actions? I can only imagine what you were thinking flouncing around Harlem knowing how your husband is so vehemently opposed to Negroes. even though you are one yourself. When I first met you, you said how you had everything you could ever want, but soon you revealed to me you your loneliness and intense fear. But that is the price that one must pay when one passes from one race to another, you knew that from the start. To gain the benefits of one life, you had to leave the comforts of another.

I am saying anything of this as a way to condemn or shame you, but to ask why. If you were so unhappy in your life, why then did you come into mine and take from me the security I have worked so hard to build? As you and I discussed, I too could have gone down the same path as you and passed, but I chose to stay true to what I am. You could have done the same, but instead you acted without thought, destroying the lives of everyone around you.

Clare, I may never understand why acted so, but I can forgive you for my own sanity. That night at the party, I stood right by you as you fell from the window. I could have easily reached out to stop you, but I did nothing. There will always be a special affection for you in my heart and because of this, I am asking your forgiveness in return. You have finally passed on to place where you can be free to be whomever you please, and I hope that you finally find the peace and happiness you have been looking for.

With Love,
Rene

Questions:

1. Neither Helga from Quicksand nor Irene from Passing actually passed, yet how was their appearance affect the fluidity of their respective identities?

2. In looking at both novels, what message do you think Nella Larsen is trying send about passing? Is it dangerous, necessary, understandable, desirable?