What is the theme in Quicksand and Passing by Nella Larsen?

Repressed sexuality is another theme in the book."Quicksand": Helga Crane has a complex set of problems in terms of her sexuality. Although others recognize an exotic quality in her, she is inclined to hold back sexually because she does not want to be identified in that way. She is offended by Axel Olsen's insinuations and tells him that among her race, gentlemen do not speak that way to decent women. She held James Vayle at a distance sexually. When she finally reached the point of wanting intimacy after the kiss from Dr. Anderson, he rejected her. Of all the men with whom she could have been intimate, Helga ends up with Pleasant Green, who seems repulsive and unattractive to her.