Passing by Nella Larsen tells the story of the reconnection of two childhood friends whose lives take divergent paths. Through these characters, Larsen weaves a cautionary tale about the consequences of a double life and the harms associated with internalized racism. Through Clair and Irene, Larsen conveys to readers the consequences of wanting to live as a bicultural individual in the early 20th century. Claire represents the archetypal character known as the tragic mulatto, as she brings tragedy to everyone she meets. Irene represents someone struggling with internalized racism; catalyzed by Claire's re-entry into his life. Larsen juxtaposes the two characters to demonstrate the inescapable nature of social regulations. Clare attempts to escape the social barriers imposed on African Americans, and she does so, but not without consequences. Through diction, tone, and imagery, Larsen conveys to readers that "passing" may seem glamorous, however, the sacrifice one makes to do so is not without consequences for themselves and those who are dear to them. Tragic mulatto characters such as Clare carry unforeseen circumstances. horrors when they make the selfish decision to reintegrate into the world they so desperately wanted to escape. Larsen makes this point clearly through the diction she uses to describe the destruction of self-esteem that Irene experiences once Clare inserts herself back into Irene's life, and the situations in which Irene finds herself as a direct result of Clare. Before Clare comes back into her life, Irene is a self-confident, independent and confident woman; however, she quickly becomes self-conscious, dependent and hesitant. Seeing Clare at the hotel, Irene is struck by Clare's attractiveness...... middle of paper...... this is not without consequences. Clare, and those who choose to pass, are not free to embrace their full identities and will always remain a threat to those they come into contact with. Clare embodied the archetypal character of the tragic mulatto, as she brought tragedy to her own life and the lives of everyone she came into contact with. Clare's presence forced Irene to confront feelings of internalized racism, and therefore feelings of inferiority. Through diction, tone, and imagery, Larsen conveys to readers that "passing" may seem glamorous, however, the sacrifice one makes to do so is not without consequences for themselves and those who are dear to them. Larsen does not allow his readers to believe that once a member of the dominant group, life is not without pain and suffering. Every action, even one that seems to make life easier, has consequences.