The Tragic Fate of an Unrequited Childhood In reading Quicksand written by Nella Larsen one may come to the end of the book with a reaction much likewhat! Then, in frustration, throw the book down, lean an aggravated head back, and continue to ponder the books in its entirety. One may wonder how a promising life could end in such a sad way. Where did Helga Crane go wrong? What could she have done differently? Along with these questions, a reader may feel strongly enough to condemn Helga to her fate. Others may be sympathetic. Either way, close analysis will show that Helga Crane courageously through her actions and opinions tries to listen to her true self, but unfortunately, a rocky childhood mixed with her complex personality combine to, in the end, make her a tragic heroine. In the very beginning Helga makes choices that are aligned with her true self. In Naxos, she is not happy. She feels like it is a place that is distasteful to her personality because of its air of self-rightness and intolerant dislike of difference (262). So, she decides to leave. This is the mark of an individual who is confident enough to realize when a situation in her life is no longer suitable. Although her decision happens quickly, it is not without merit. So, she decides to go see the dean of the school to resign the following day.It is in his office where the reader begins to recognize the personality flaw that taints her life. She goes in with great intentionsto quit a situation that is causing her pain and then find an environment less stifled and more suited to her own ideals. However, after explaining to Robert Anderson her reasons for leaving, Anderson then explains to her some very basic yet realistic facts of life. He says, Some day youll learn that lies, injustice, and hypocrisy are a part of every ordinary community. Most people achieve a sort of protective immunity, a kind of callousness, toward them. If they didnt, they cou...
