Nella Larsen addresses the racial identity crisis Helga has in Quicksand. It comments on the life of a mulatto girl in a strict southern black school who wants to find herself. Larsen treats Helga as the "tragic mulatto" from the beginning of the novel, clearly defining views on the racial characteristics of blacks. The tragic mulatto is the stereotypical idea of ​​someone condemned to the limbo between being black and white. Helga displays an inability to conform anywhere long enough to find out whether she is black or white. The main problem of the novel is society's guidelines that see things as black and white without a healthy middle. Helga's sexuality comes into play as she is unable to engage in relationships feeling that things are missing in her life. The struggle that is primarily in conflict is that of Helga's relationship with James and Naxos. This makes her frustrated because she is limited by herself and has to struggle with both James's ideals and her own. Larsen uses Axel Olsen as a figure who represents the white ideals present in Helga's battle. It characterizes what his “white” desires and personality should be. Part of the self-conflict is due to Helga's relationship with Dr. Anderson, apparently part of the battle of her black self. It's his opinions of her that keep her from truly doing what she wants, it's frustration that holds Helga back. Another very important aspect of this book in filtering the repression of Helga's repressed sensuality is her eventual marriage to the Reverent. The final aspect is his dress and the way he carries himself, he is initially repressed and slowly gets unleashed by her. These factors are all valid in showing the race conflict that causes repression and shows...... middle of paper ......g with the spiritual feeling of being black. This fact that she cannot find a balance is due to those around her such as James, Doctor Anderson, Anne, Axel Olsen and the Reverend. They're all on the black or white scale and she fits in between. The book never concludes his struggle, so there is still the question of whether he will ever find his identity. The Naxos school creates brainwashed ideas, even though it's clear she never agreed with them, she still can't escape the beliefs they held. Therefore it is stuck in a sort of limbo. Dr. Anderson is the only man she can truly identify with, but it is this desire for something more that prevents her happiness with him. Happiness is Helga's biggest issue, and while she can't seem to find a useful balance in concluding, she has the most important job of all of them of raising children, she is the influential role in their lives.