Irene in my eyes

The impression that I have of Irene after reading through the pages of Part two is that she is as selfish and self absorbed as we have come to believe that Clare is through the numerous story's told from Irene's point of view. Although this does seem to be true that Clare is somewhat narcissistic, Irene's seems to be completely unaware that she herself has some of these characteristics as well which makes her come across as somewhat hypocritical.

     Now that I have stated my new perception of Clare I will give the premises that led me to this "conclusion". Irene seems quite keen on putting her husbands desire to move to a new land out of his mind, "it would die. Of that she was certain" (p 58). It seems as if the only reason she truly wishes for the family to remain in America is so that she can live the lifestyle she values so highly. A lifestyle that allows her to attend dances, administrator them and mingle with those of the higher class. An example of this is when she speaks of Hugh Wentworth, "Irene inclined her head. On her face was a tiny triumphant smile. "Yes the Hugh Wentworth. D'you know him?"" (p 69). Another example of Irene's ego-centrism is when she is is preparing to be seen by Clare upon her unexpected house call. She constantly speaks of Clare's beauty and we see her prepping herself at a time so close to bedtime just to speak with a lifelong acquaintance, "she stood up... ....smoothing out her dress... At the mirror she dusted a little powder on her nose and brushed out her hair". I don't believe for a minute that Irene simply did not speak out for her fellow African Americans as Jack put them down repeatedly simply to insure Clare's safety. That may have played a small part in the matter but I think that it was her own safety and approval that actually assisted her in keeping her tongue on the matter (39-43).

     Although these are not the only examples that led me to believe that Irene is as full of herself and her own happiness as I pictured Clare to be I feel like they provide a good range of diversity for you to better understand my stance on this matter.