” Incited. That was it, the guiding principle of her life in Copenhagen. She was incited to make an impression. She was incited to inflame attention and admiration. She was dressed for it, subtly schooled for it. And after a while she gave herself up wholly to the fascinating business of being seen, gaped at, desired. “
Helga had been several places before she made it back to Denmark. She was finally now in Copenhagen. Though she was originally from this place she had Vague memories. Helga was influenced by her aunt and convinced that she was to be and dress in a certain fashion. Being in Denmark shaped Helga Cranes personality in various ways. Denmark was unlike Harlem, where race was of great importance, or from Chicago where she had previously been also. In Denmark the men were different, white for that matter. It just seemed that in the beginning of her quest back to Denmark she was looking for a piece of herself that maybe she had never encountered.
In Copenhagen she was aggravated with the impression that was to be made. This impression didn’t seem to be a racial one, like of that everywhere else it seemed, but more of an impression of class. Helga seemed to become more accepting of herself after a few minor changes to her wardrobe. Every place that Helga had been was a contribution to the development of her character, but none similar to Copenhagen. Helga was able to get in touch with her white side, but was actually able in Denmark to be proud of her dark skin. Being back in Denmark helped, her sense of fashion and gave her the attention that she thought she desired. Turns out that after all of the happiness she had found, and the feeling of acceptance, there was still something about this place that Helga was not satisfied with. Though. Denmark, Copenhagen was, yet another temporary venture it helped Helga to learn things about herself that she never knew.
