User:Hchan624/sandbox

An Honors Paper which is approved by Connecticut College has mentioned that the lack of security in Irene’s psychology is originated from “the threat of racism” which happens everywhere in her life and suffers from “the instability and terror of racism in all its forms” throughout the novel. Either her relationship with her husband and Clare, or her experiences in the African American society are experiencing such “threat”. Clare's presence in Irene's life makes Irene senses the insecurity of her marriage with her husband, Brian. Yet, Irene passes only to avoid getting in trouble and make sure her family is living a secured life. Whereas, Clare's situation with her husband does not know her racial identity, which creates insecurity of the marriage. More importantly, Irene said that she places security as the first priority in her life, on top of race and friendship in the novel.

Irene has a strong desire to stay in New York when her husband mentions about moving to Brazil, and her strong desire reflects her psychological insecurity. As New York is the most familiar society to her, it creates anxiety when she may or may not leaving New York. Due to the fact that New York is still a white society, even she is familiar with the place as an African American. Yet, Irene’s middle-class life is secured from her husband’s financial support as a doctor for his occupation. Therefore, her husband’s intention of leaving New York causes Irene to feel insecurity.