Identity is a mirror of the image constructed by society. Identity is a unique and true form of self. Individuals, such as mixed-race biracial people who do not easily fit 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 belittled with the term “passing.” Passage refers to the ability of a member of one social group to be accepted as a member of another, of different ethnicity, race, gender, social class and age, typically with the aim of being accepted. “Passing,” evident in Nella Larsen’s “Passing” and Carl Van Vetchen’s “Nigger Heaven,” alludes to crossing the color line and abiding by racial norms. Nella Larsen's Passing addresses the issue of skin color and performance through the character of Clare Kendry, an attractive mulatto woman who manages to escape poverty by passing as a white woman. She marries a rich white man who also believes she is white. His journey across the color line was entirely successful until his association with people of color and his tragic end. Similarly, Carl Van Vetchen's Nigger Heaven reiterates the same issue of passing and features the character Dick Sill, who understands as a mixed biracial man, the benefits of passing in a racist American society. Both Clare Kendry and Dick Sill are supporters of the transition, however, with this choice both seem conflicted by the dilemma of living detached from their racial or cultural identity. Clare is biracial, a blonde, light-skinned woman who grew up orphaned by her white aunts, who obscure her racial origins. Clare Kendry supported the switch, her character was way beyond the color line… in the middle of the card… for a white woman. Death must be easy for Clare and is more noticeable because she even marries a black-hating white man named John Bellew. Once again it is Clare who benefits from marrying a wealthy white man for economic stability. John doesn't even know Clare as black, he even calls her "Nig" joking that she's getting darker as the years go by. (Larsen45). Although Clare enjoys passing and its benefits, she wishes to associate with people of color. As Clare approaches her life as a white woman, she simultaneously rejects her black identity. As a result, his desire to be black becomes a desperate desire to be part of the black community. She is ultimately substituting Irene's company for the general black culture that she lacks. Clare, who leaves and has a deep desire to be among blacks again, demonstrates this unconscious attraction she has towards her former race..