Explore the complexities of racial identity in 1920s Harlem with Passing, a captivating drama on What's After the Movie. Childhood friends Irene and Clare reconnect, but their bond is tested by Clare's choice to "pass" as white. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, tragedy strikes, leaving viewers pondering the true cost of societal expectations.

Understanding the Context

From a general summary to chapter summaries to explanations of famous quotes, the SparkNotes Passing Study Guide has everything you need to ace quizzes, tests, and essays. Passing is a 2021 historical drama film written and directed by Rebecca Hall in her feature directorial debut. Adapted from the 1929 novel of the same name by Nella Larsen, set in 1920s New York City, the film follows the intertwined life of a black woman (Tessa Thompson) and her white-passing childhood friend (Ruth Negga). The meaning of PASSING is the act of one that passes or causes to pass; especially : death.

Key Insights

How to use passing in a sentence. In 1920s New York City, a Black woman finds her world upended when her life becomes intertwined with a former childhood friend who's passing as white. Passing: Directed by Rebecca Hall. With Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland, Bill Camp. "Passing" follows the unexpected reunion of two high school friends, whose renewed acquaintance ignites a mutual obsession that threatens both of their carefully constructed realities.

Final Thoughts

Below is the full text of Nella Larsen's novel. PDF, EPUB, and Plain Text versions of this text can be found here. Editor's Introduction to Passing + Excerpts from Contemporary Reviews Adapted from the celebrated 1929 novel of the same name by Nella Larsen, PASSING tells the story of two Black women, Irene Redfield (Tessa Thompson) and Clar...