Passing

“Not that she hadn’t immediately known who its sender was … Furtive, but yet in some peculiar, determined way a little flaunting.” 

This is one of the first glimpses we have of Clare’s determined, flaunting personality. As such, it foreshadows the events to come while highlighting Irene’s ambivalence about Clare.

“This, she reflected, was of a piece with all that she knew of Clare Kendry. Stepping always on the edge of danger. Always aware, but not drawing back or turning aside. Certainly not because of any alarms of feelings of outrage on the part of others.” 

This quote highlights Clare’s daring and dangerous nature. Moreover, it is telling in that Clare recognizes the danger, but takes the risk anyway. Again, this quotation functions to foreshadow the novel’s tragic ending. 

“There had been, even in those days, nothing sacrificial in Clare Kendry's idea of life, no allegiance beyond her own immediate desire.” 

Here, Irene portrays Clare as utterly selfish; a person who was consumed by the satisfaction of her own desires. This leaves no room for political or even personal allegiances, except as they help her to attain her goals.