Identity is a mirror image constructed by society. Identity is an individual and true form of self. Individuals, such as mixed-race people, who do not fit easily into a racial category, are forced to choose which side of the color line they are willing to exist on. The reality of racism for these biracial people is lessened with the term “Passing.” Passing refers to the ability of a member of a social group to be accepted as a member of another, of an ethnicity, race, gender, social class and social group. different ages, generally with the aim of being accepted. “Passing,” is evident in Nella Larsen’s “Passing,” and in Carl Van Vetchen’s “Nigger Heaven,” it alludes to crossing the color line and upholding racial norms. Nella Larsen's Passing addresses this issue of skin color and play through the character of Clare Kendry, an attractive mulatto woman who manages to escape poverty by passing herself off as a white woman. She marries a rich white man who also believes he is white. His journey across the color line is a complete success until his association with people of color and his tragic end. Similarly, Carl Van Vetchen's Nigger Heaven reiterates the same issue of overcoming and playing with the character Dick Sill, who understands as a mixed biracial man, the benefits of overcoming in a racist American society. Clare Kendry and Dick Sill are both advocates of overcoming. However, with such a choice, both seem conflicted with the dilemma of living detached from their racial or cultural identity. Clare is biracial, a pale-skinned blonde woman who grew up orphaned by her white aunts, who obscured her racial origins. Clare Kendry advocated death, her character went well beyond the color line ... middle of paper ...... to be a white woman. The death must be easy for Clare and it is most obvious because she even marries a white man who hates black people named John Bellew. Once again, Clare is the one who benefits from marrying a rich white man for economic stability. John doesn't even know black Clare, he even calls her "Nig" joking that she gets darker with the years. (Larsen45). Although Clare appreciates the passage and its benefits, she longs to associate with people of color. As Clare turns toward her white life, she simultaneously rejects her black identity. Therefore, his desire for blackness turns into a desperate need to be part of the black community. She ultimately replaces Irene's companionship with the global black culture she misses. Clare's passage and her deep desire to be among blacks again proves this unconscious attraction she has for her ancient race...