# Female Friendship and Rivalry in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by Nella Larsen.

The complex bond between Irene and Clare oscillates between affection, jealousy, and competition, reflecting the tensions of shared history, racial identity, and desire for the same man.

## Where it surfaces

- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/chapters/iii): Irene's mixed feelings of admiration and jealousy toward Clare's beauty and social ease highlight the tension in their friendship.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/chapters/iv): Irene's complex feelings toward Clare—admiration, resentment, and unease—highlight the tension in their friendship.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/chapters/i): Irene's jealousy of Clare highlights the tension between their friendship and Irene's fear of losing Brian's affection.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/themes/female_friendship_and_rivalry
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/themes