“Passing” and “passing” stories have been a great topic in literature and in the movie scene since the beginning of the 20th century. That does not mean that “passing” has not been a topic in life before, but the literary interest in it began much later.
There are stories and movies about race “passing”, class “passing” and gender “passing”, but class passing does not seem to be too interesting, as there are millions of people pretending to be richer or better than they actually are; it is almost a normal thing in society today. It does not make you suffer hard when you’re not as rich or famous as you would like to be, although it makes you suffer in other ways when you are really poor. But this is not the main topic of class “passing” anyway, the suffering of the poor.
Race and gender “passing” are much more interesting, but not because the people suffer in those stories, but because it takes a great and strong character to race- or gender-“pass”. Race and gender “passing” are much harder to perform than class “passing”.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the topic
1.1 Why did I choose it?
2. Duncan Tucker’s “Transamerica”
3. Langston Hughes’ “Passing”
4. How “passing” is depicted in the movie
5. How “passing” is depicted in the text
6. Comparison of “Transamerica” and “Passing”
6.1 How has the people’s reaction changed from the 20th to the 21st century?
Objectives and Thematic Focus
This essay explores the concept of "passing" by comparing its manifestation in literature and film through a 20th-century short story and a 21st-century motion picture. The central research objective is to analyze the similarities and differences between race-based "passing" and gender-based "passing," investigating how motivations, societal pressures, and personal identities evolve across different eras.
- Comparison of race "passing" (Langston Hughes) vs. gender "passing" (Duncan Tucker).
- Analysis of the psychological and social implications of "passing" for the individuals involved.
- Examination of the internal and external challenges faced by characters attempting to conceal their origins.
- Evaluation of changing societal reactions to "passing" from the 1930s to the 2000s.
- Investigation into how the medium (text vs. film) influences the depiction of the "passing" experience.
Excerpt from the Book
Comparison of “Transamerica” and “Passing”
As I have mentioned before, race and gender “passing” are two very different things, but it seems like both “passing” stories, are in a way two sides of one “passing”, but each one leading to the opposite direction. In the following part I will show how the “passing” character in the movie or text behaves, feels or is treated while “passing” and then compare it with the other story step by step.
First of all, Bree from “Transamerica” is actually a man, namely Stanley, and passing for a woman until her final surgery is done. Jack from “Passing” is a black man passing for white. So both stories deal with totally different ways of “passing”, but are still comparable in terms of contraries and similarities.
Bree tries anything to deny her family, because they do not support her in the first place and she feels like in her new life, there won’t be any space for Stanley’s family or a family that wishes Stanley back. But there is to say that her mother is the worst one in the family according to her behaviour towards Bree. Her father does not really care about it and her sister seems to have known it for all her life.
Jack, on the other hand, has to deny his family to keep covered; people would find out he is black when they saw him with his family. His mother is the only one in his family who really supports him and helps him like on the day when they met on the street and she did not show that she was his mother. Jack’s brother and sister are not seriously against his “passing”, but they are jealous because they are too dark to “pass” for white. So one character denies his family to get the “passing” done completely and the other has to deny his family to keep the “passing” up, to not be discovered.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to the topic: This chapter introduces the cultural phenomenon of "passing" regarding race, class, and gender, setting the stage for a comparative study between a literary text and a film.
1.1 Why did I choose it?: The author outlines the rationale for selecting these specific works, emphasizing the inner perspective and the opportunity to contrast 20th-century racial dynamics with 21st-century gender transition.
2. Duncan Tucker’s “Transamerica”: A summary of the film's plot, focusing on the character Bree and her journey toward gender transition and reconciliation with her past.
3. Langston Hughes’ “Passing”: A summary of the short story, detailing the protagonist Jack’s decision to hide his racial identity to navigate a segregated society.
4. How “passing” is depicted in the movie: An analysis of visual and narrative techniques used in the film to portray the physical and emotional burden of gender "passing."
5. How “passing” is depicted in the text: An examination of how the letter format in the short story conveys the narrator's internal struggle with racial "passing" and the loss of his roots.
6. Comparison of “Transamerica” and “Passing”: A systematic comparison between the two works, highlighting the shared psychological costs and distinct motivations behind the characters' choices.
6.1 How has the people’s reaction changed from the 20th to the 21st century?: An exploration of how social tolerance and medical possibilities have reshaped the experience and reception of "passing" over time.
Keywords
Passing, Race, Gender, Transgender, Identity, Discrimination, Transamerica, Langston Hughes, Duncan Tucker, Social Acceptance, 20th Century, 21st Century, Psychology, Assimilation, Roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this essay?
The essay explores the phenomenon of "passing" by comparing how it manifests in different contexts, specifically looking at race in the early 20th century and gender in the 21st century.
What are the primary case studies analyzed?
The study centers on Duncan Tucker's 2005 film "Transamerica" and Langston Hughes' short story "Passing" from the 1930s.
What is the central research question?
The essay seeks to identify the similarities and differences between race and gender "passing" and how societal reactions to these acts have evolved over time.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a comparative analysis approach, examining the narrative techniques and character motivations within the chosen film and literary text.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body breaks down the depictions of "passing" in both mediums, analyzes the psychological states of the characters, and directly compares their experiences regarding family and societal status.
Which keywords define this academic work?
Key terms include "passing," identity, race, gender, transgender, social discrimination, and historical perspective.
How does Bree’s "passing" differ from Jack’s in terms of motivation?
Bree’s "passing" is driven by a deep-seated gender dysphoria and a need to align her external appearance with her internal identity, while Jack’s "passing" is primarily motivated by economic survival and professional advancement during the Great Depression.
Does the film "Transamerica" suggest that "passing" is a permanent act?
The essay suggests that while gender "passing" often leads to a point of full integration after surgery, race "passing" remains a role that must be maintained indefinitely to avoid exposure.
- Quote paper
- Jennifer Koss (Author), 2007, “Passing” Stories in Literature and Film in the 20th and 21st Century. Duncan Tucker’s "Transamerica" and Langston Hughes’ "Passing", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148933
