Determinism in Nella Larsen’s Quicksand Essay - 1355 Words

Determinism in Nella Larsen’s Quicksand During the Harlem Renaissance, many literary works concentrated on celebrating African American heritage. However, many other writers also began concentrating on the darker theme of naturalism. Nella Larsen’s Quicksand illustrates many elements of this movement. These include a biological determinism, where man is conceived of as controlled by his primitive animal instincts and a sociological determinism, whereby the weak are destroyed and the strong survive in a world of struggle and chance. Helga Crane, Larsen’s protagonist in Quicksand, illustrates the elements of both biological and sociological determinism in her inability to suppress her natural animal instinct to flee uncomfortable†¦show more content†¦Clearly, Helga is internally struggling with her sexual desire for Dr. Anderson by disguising it with anger towards him. However, instead of confronting these emotions, Helga again allows her natural instinct of flight to take over in order to deal with th e situation. Helga also illustrates her inability to control the instinct of flight in Copenhagen. During her stay, she is â€Å"incited to make an impression† and to â€Å"inflame attention and admiration† (74). Helga’s desire to attract attention is overshadowed by her internal struggle with her natural instincts. In Copenhagen she â€Å"instinctively†¦wanted to combat this searching into one thing which, here, surrounded by all other things which for so long she has so positively wanted, made her a little afraid. Started vague premonitions† (79). Helga is searching for happiness but she intuitively knows from her premonitions that her search is futile because of her inability to remain in a place that becomes uncomfortable. By the time Helga’s desire to leave Alabama is evident, it is clear that Helga’s natural instinct to constantly escape the reality of her life has become her downfall. This time, she has responsibility towards her children who â€Å"she wanted not to leave – if that were possible† (135). Perhaps, when â€Å"she began to have her fifth child†, Helga decides to stay in Alabama, thereby fighting the inner demons that have controlled her life (135).