Passing by Nella Larsen

I am SO so good at choosing books that doesn't come with standard book club questions.  Thank you google - you are amazing!  I scrounged up some questions, and here is what I came up with.  (and they are NOT in chronological or even logical order)

Whose story is Passing?  Clare’s or Irene’s?

Why does Nella Larsen not specify who killed Clare, or if it was suicide, and why?  What do you think happened?

What is the significance of Irene recalling the death of Clare’s father? 

How does Clare feel about Irene?  Visa-versa?

What role does race play in the novel?  Why does Clare feel “bound and suffocated” by her race?  Can she really separate herself from her race?  Can someone really take on race or put it off?

In what ways do these women manipulate white America’s obsession with color and racial distinction? 

Under the constructs of segregation, what place is given for those of mixed-race heritage?

What is your first impression of Clare at the hotel?  What does this show you about how Irene feels about Clare?

Why does Clare decide to pass as white?  What does Irene decide not to pass?  Does Irene approve of Clare’s choice?

How does Irene’s and Clare’s choice of marriage affect their children? 

What role does Gertrude play in the story?

If you were in Irene’s situation at tea with John Bellows, how would you react? 

Why is Clare attracted to Irene’s life?  What are her motivations?

Was Clare having an affair with Brian (Irene’s husband) or not?

Was it Irene’s responsibility to warn Clare of seeing John Bellows while with Felise Freeland?

Many people suggest that Irene was in love with Clare, do you think her admiration/hate relationship indicates lust?  Or is it natural female jealousies?  

This site was the most helpful, thank you Ms. Bond.

This was also helpful, but most everything else was copied from each other.