Themes in Larsen's Passing In Nella Larsen's Passing, we are privy to Irene Redfield's commentary on her encounters with Clare Kendry. Irene presents herself as a wealthy, well educated, sophisticated woman and a respected member of the Harlem community. Conversely, she describes Clare as traitor to her people (the Harlem society) and socially undesirable due to the fact that she passes as white and marries a white man. Although Irene expresses great contempt for Clare, she also possesses a deep admiration for her. This "admiration" could also be translated into sexual desire or lust. Throughout the novel, Irene attempts to rationalize her myste