This essay will focus on how Nella Larsen's novel Passing engages with thematic identity. Before continuing, it is worth defining identity in order to understand how this definition works and does not work in Passing's analysis. According to the Oxford Dictionary, identity means “being who or what a person or thing is”, it is “the characteristics that determine who or what a person or thing is”. A person retains a sense of identity or the feeling of belonging to a culture or people. The characters in Passing do not adhere to this definition. Larsen explores the complex issue of racial identity and identification in his novel Passing. The novel not only refers to the sociological appearance of black people pretending to be white, but it also discusses the loss of racial identity. Even though they try to tolerate the identities assigned to them by society, they have lost the sense of belonging; they are detached and isolated from their race. With the abrupt end to the failure of both protagonists, Larsen illustrates that “overcoming,” while useful in gaining acceptance, ultimately limits a person's independence until death. Nella Larsen was the daughter of a white Danish mother and a black Westerner. Indian father. Her father died when she was young, and her mother remarried a white man. Now she was the only black member of an otherwise white family and was struggling with her identity herself. Little is known about his childhood, but Larsen was a highly visible member of Harlem's literary community in the 1920s. Harlem Renaissance was a flourishing of African American culture, particularly in the creative arts and focused primarily on Harlem, New York. At the time, it was known as the...... middle of paper...... it could even lead to his death. To others, Clare seems relaxed and content, but she is not. The day she can fully interact with the African American community will never come as long as she lives in a society separated by a racial boundary. Passing by Nella Larsen demonstrates how important identity is to an individual. Through imagery, language, and tone, Larsen illustrates that “passing” can seem glamorous; however, this sacrifice is not without consequences. Clare and Irene are not free to embrace their full identities. They will always remain a threat to those who come into contact with them. By carefully choosing characters detached from black society, Larsen's struggles with duality are evidently portrayed and she reflects herself. The novel's plot and characters are affected by its confusion over racial transmission and identity..