Irene is seen here once again doing exactly the opposite of what she desires, introducing a different form of 'passing.' In Clare's case, she is passing to gain. Elaine K. Ginsberg says in the Introduction to Passing and the Fictions of Identity: "As the term metaphorically implies, such an individual crossed or passed through a racial line or boundary - indeed trespassed - to assume a new identity, escaping the subordination and oppression accompanying one identity and accessing the privileges and status of the other" (3). We see Clare passing in this way, but Larsen's construction of Irene's passing brings depth and duality to the term.

1. Ginsberg, Elaine K.. "Introduction". Passing and the Fictions of Identity. Durham and London: Duke University, 1996.

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