Sofia Bock

Abstract:

Throughout Nella Larsen’s Quicksand, Helga Crane travels near and far, never truly finding her purpose or sense of belonging. As she searches for her voice and place in the world, however, she comes across a church and hears singing from a distance. As a result, her body and soul becomes drawn to Christianity as she finds her place within the world (even if it was just temporary). While some may simply see this instance and chapter within Helga’s life as solely a religious awakening, I argue that it was a sexual one as well. After hearing and feeling her faith grow in congregation with her community, she learns to love herself, her body, and those surrounding her. In this specific moment and beyond, Helga enters a state of contentment, empowerment, and freedom as sex and religion intersect simultaneously and beautifully through embracing her gender, identities, and bodies within this religious setting. Because of this, Helga experiences numerous moments of pleasure as she describes the various sounds and feelings that arise with the sermon and songs she hears, creating a sense of sensuality and eroticism on several occasions.