Passing in Literature & Literary Theory

Passing: Etymology, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology

The term “passing” has its roots in Middle English, derived from the Old French word “passe,” meaning “a mountain pass” or “to pass through.” Over time, the term evolved to encompass various notions of transition, movement, and crossing boundaries. In the context of identity, particularly racial or social identity, “passing” has come to signify the act of presenting oneself as a member of a different social or racial group than one belongs to, often with the goal of gaining social acceptance or avoiding discrimination.

Meanings and Concept

Meanings	Concept
Physical Movement	It originally referred to physical movement through a space, such as traversing a mountain pass or road.
Social Identity	In the context of race and social identity, it involves presenting oneself as a member of a different group.
Deception and Authenticity	It implies a level of deception, raising questions about authenticity, acceptance, and societal expectations.
Intersectionality	It often intersects with issues of gender, class, and sexuality, highlighting the complexity of identity dynamics.
Cultural Commentary	The concept serves as a lens through which to analyze societal norms, prejudices, and the fluidity of identity.
Literary and Cinematic Themes	It is a recurring theme in literature and cinema, exploring the psychological and social implications of identity deception.
Historical and Societal Impact	It has historical significance, reflecting the challenges individuals faced in navigating societal expectations and prejudices.
Self-Perception and Identity	Passing prompts reflection on how individuals perceive themselves and the lengths they may go to conform to societal norms.
Ethical Considerations	Passing raises ethical questions about the choices individuals make in navigating societal expectations and potential consequences.
Evolution of the Term	The concept has evolved from its historical roots, adapting to contemporary discussions on identity and belonging.

The term carries a rich historical and cultural context, and its meanings extend beyond physical movement to encompass complex discussions on identity, societal expectations, and the fluid nature of human experience.

Passing: Definition of a Theoretical Term

“Passing” as a theoretical term refers to the act of presenting oneself as a member of a social or racial group different from one’s actual identity, often motivated by a desire for social acceptance or the avoidance of discrimination. This concept, deeply rooted in issues of identity and societal expectations, involves a deliberate navigation of boundaries, prompting critical reflections on authenticity, self-perception, and the impact of societal norms on individual experiences. The term is particularly significant in the analysis of race and social dynamics, revealing the complex intersections of identity, deception, and the historical and cultural contexts in which such acts occur.

Passing: Theorists, Works and Argument

Theorist	Notable Works	Key Argument
Nella Larsen	Passing (1929)	Larsen’s novel explores racial passing and the psychological complexities faced by African-American women in navigating identity and societal expectations.
W.E.B. Du Bois	The Souls of Black Folk (1903)	Du Bois’ work examines the concept of double consciousness, which is relevant to it, as individuals navigate the simultaneous awareness of multiple social perspectives.
Adrienne Rich	Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence (1980)	Rich’s essay addresses the societal expectations surrounding gender and sexuality, providing insights into the intersectionality within diverse identity contexts.
John Howard Griffin	Black Like Me (1961)	Griffin’s nonfiction work involves his personal experiment of darkening his skin to experience racial form of it, revealing the stark realities of racial discrimination in the 1960s.
Cherrie Moraga	This Bridge Called My Back (1981)	Moraga’s anthology, co-edited with Gloria Anzaldúa, discusses passing in the context of intersectionality, exploring the complexities of race, gender, and sexuality.
bell hooks	Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism (1981)	Hooks examines issues of race, gender, and identity, offering insights into the experiences of African-American women and their negotiation of passing within feminist discourse.

These theorists and their works contribute to its understanding from various perspectives, including racial dynamics, gender identity, and the social implications of navigating multiple facets of identity.

Passing: Major Characteristics

1. Deceptive Presentation: Passing involves deliberately presenting oneself as a member of a social or racial group different from one’s actual identity, often with the intention of gaining social acceptance or avoiding discrimination.
2. Identity Negotiation: Individuals engaged in passing navigate the complex terrain of societal expectations, negotiating their identity within the context of prevailing norms and prejudices.
3. Societal Expectations: The act of passing is deeply influenced by societal expectations and biases, reflecting the challenges individuals face in conforming to or subverting prevailing norms.
4. Intersectionality: Passing often intersects with various aspects of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, and class, revealing the intricate ways in which these elements interact and influence each other.
5. Psychological Impact: The psychological impact of passing involves grappling with questions of authenticity, self-perception, and the internal conflict that arises from presenting a different outward identity from one’s true self.
6. Historical Significance: Passing has historical significance, particularly in the context of racial identity, with roots in periods of intense racial segregation and discrimination.
7. Literary and Cinematic Themes: The theme of passing is a recurring motif in literature and cinema, exploring the personal and societal consequences of concealing or revealing one’s true identity.
8. Ethical Considerations: Engaging in passing raises ethical questions about the choices individuals make, the consequences of their actions, and the broader societal impact of challenging or conforming to established norms.
9. Fluidity of Identity: Passing highlights the fluid nature of identity, suggesting that identity is not fixed but can be adapted or concealed based on societal expectations and individual choices.
10. Social Commentary: Acts of passing serve as a form of social commentary, shedding light on prevailing prejudices, systemic inequalities, and the lengths to which individuals may go to navigate societal expectations.

Passing: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Passing
Postcolonial Theory	It is relevant in postcolonial theory, reflecting the complex negotiations of identity in the context of colonial legacies and power dynamics.
Feminist Literary Theory	In feminist literary theory, passing intersects with gender roles and expectations, highlighting how individuals navigate societal norms related to femininity and masculinity.
Critical Race Theory	Critical Race Theory engages with passing by examining how it illuminates racial constructs, systemic racism, and the impact of societal expectations on individual experiences.
Queer Theory	In queer theory, passing is relevant to discussions on heteronormativity and the negotiation of sexual identity, exploring how individuals navigate societal expectations regarding sexuality.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Psychoanalytic theory can explore the psychological dimensions of passing, delving into the internal conflicts, motivations, and the impact of societal norms on individual identity.
Marxist Literary Theory	Marxist theory may analyze passing in terms of class dynamics, exploring how individuals negotiate social class expectations and inequalities through deceptive presentations.
Narratology	Passing can be examined through a narratological lens, considering how it influences narrative structures, character development, and the overall thematic complexity of a literary work.
Cultural Studies	Passing is relevant in cultural studies, providing insights into the intersections of identity, societal expectations, and the cultural narratives that shape individual experiences.

Each literary theory offers a unique perspective on passing, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the concept within diverse social, cultural, and historical contexts.

Passing: Application in Critiques

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • Passing as Wealth: The character of Jay Gatsby can be analyzed as someone who engages in passing by presenting himself as wealthy and part of the upper echelon of society. This passing is a reflection of the American Dream and societal expectations during the Jazz Age.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
   • Passing of Racial Identity: The novel explores passing in the context of racial identity. Characters like Tom Robinson and Calpurnia navigate societal expectations by presenting themselves differently within the racial hierarchy of the segregated South.
3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett:
   • Racial Passing and Social Dynamics: The novel delves into it within the racial context, as African-American maids “pass” as subservient to navigate the racially charged social dynamics of the 1960s in the Southern United States.
4. Passing by Nella Larsen:
   • Exploration of Racial Passing: In this novel, it is at the forefront, with characters negotiating their racial identities. The critique can focus on Larsen’s portrayal of the psychological toll and societal consequences of passing in early 20th-century America.

In each critique, the analysis enriches the understanding of characters’ motivations, societal expectations, and the broader thematic explorations within the novels. The concept of passing serves as a lens through which to examine the characters’ experiences and the societal norms that shape their decisions.

Passing: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Passing	Presenting oneself as a member of a different social or racial group, concealing one’s true identity.
Identity Construction	The process through which individuals shape and express their sense of self, influenced by social and cultural factors.
Racial Ambiguity	A state of having features or characteristics that make one’s racial identity unclear or ambiguous to others.
Code-Switching	Adapting language, behavior, or appearance to fit different social or cultural contexts.
Performance Theory	The idea that identity is performative, enacted through behaviors, language, and expressions in social interactions.
Intersectionality	The interconnected nature of social categories, such as race, gender, and class, that shape individual experiences.
Cultural Appropriation	The adoption or use of elements from another culture, often without understanding or respect, and potentially reinforcing stereotypes.
Double Consciousness	A concept from W.E.B. Du Bois, referring to the awareness of one’s identity while simultaneously being aware of how others perceive them.
Societal Norms	Shared expectations and behaviors considered typical or appropriate within a given society.
Performativity	The idea that gender, race, and other aspects of identity are not inherent but enacted through repeated performances.

Passing: Suggested Readings

1. Butler, Octavia E. Kindred. Beacon Press, 1979.
2. Chesnutt, Charles W. The House Behind the Cedars. Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1900.
3. Ellison, Ralph. The Invisible Man. Vintage, 1952.
4. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
5. Griffin, John Howard. Black Like Me. Sepia, 1961.
6. Highsmith, Patricia. The Talented Mr. Ripley. W. W. Norton & Company, 1955.
7. Johnson, James Weldon. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. Dover Publications, 1912.
8. Larsen, Nella. Passing. Knopf, 1929.
9. Roth, Philip. The Human Stain. Vintage, 2000.
10. Senna, Danzy. Caucasia. Riverhead Books, 1998.

Theory Books:

1. Fanon, Frantz. Black Skin, White Masks. Grove Press, 1952.
2. Gates, Henry Louis Jr. Passing: Identity and Interpretation in Sexuality, Race, and Religion. Yale University Press, 1991.
3. Hughes, Langston. The Ways of White Folks. Knopf, 1934.