Exploring 'Passing' by Nella Larsen

Exploring 'Passing' by Nella Larsen

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify and discuss the central themes in 'Passing', recognize and explain the significance of recurring motifs, and analyze and interpret the symbols used in the novel.

What do you already know about the themes and motifs in 'Passing'?

Analysis of 'Passing' Themes

Racial identity and passing, friendship and rivalry, marriage and infidelity, social and class mobility, racial and cultural heritage.

Exploration of Motifs in 'Passing'

Color and light, duality and dual identities, masks and disguise.

Interpretation of Symbols in 'Passing'

The teacup, the red dress, the window, the Harlem Renaissance setting.

Understanding the Complexity of Racial Identity

Fluid nature of racial identity, societal impact, visibility, and perception.

The Role of Friendship, Rivalry, and Social Dynamics

Emotional tensions, jealousy, competition, societal reflections.

Marital Challenges and Personal Identity

Marital stability, trust, fears of infidelity, external pressures.

The Impact of Social and Class Mobility

Aspirations, societal influences, discrimination.

Cultural Heritage and Assimilation Conflicts

Embracing one’s culture vs. conforming to societal norms.

The Use of Color and Light to Represent Identity

Nuances of visibility, perception, racial contrast.

Duality and the Struggle with Dual Identities

Layered identities within individuals or societies.

The Significance of Masks and Disguises

Concealment of true identity, performative nature of social roles.

Symbolism of the Teacup, Red Dress, and Window

Fragility, boldness, barriers between worlds.

Harlem Renaissance as a Backdrop

Cultural vibrancy, social change, contrast with societal norms.

Key Elements of 'Passing' by Nella Larsen

Racial Identity and Passing, Friendship and Rivalry, Marriage and Infidelity, Social and Class Mobility, Racial and Cultural Heritage, Color and Light, Duality and Dual Identities, Masks and Disguise, The Teacup, The Red Dress, The Window, The Harlem Renaissance Setting.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.