# Race and Belonging in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by Nella Larsen.

The characters grapple with their connection to the Black community, as seen in Clare's yearning to return to 'her own people' and Irene's conflicted sense of duty and loyalty to the race despite her desire for security.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/chapters/ii): Annie Poole's decision to hide Jim Hammer is explicitly tied to his race and the threat of white violence.

## Links

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