Beginning of Essay
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 movemen ....

Middle of Essay
.... contributes to Helga’s desire to leave, she is also stirred with “an overpowering desire for action of some sort” (4). Instead of staying in Naxos and fighting a battle against the institute’s conservative attitudes, Helga chooses to flee an unpleasant reality. This exemplifies the “fight or flight” animal instinct that is said to control behavior in situations that become overwhelming. Instead of fighting, Helga time and time again chooses to leave what becomes unbearable to her. Once the decision is made to leave Naxos, Helga feels “like a person who had been for months fighting the devil and then unexpectedly had turned aro ....