The word “outcast”, although not dispersed by name throughout The Woman of Colour, plays a large role in Olivia’s journey and overall experience. This is particularly exemplified in Olivia’s time in England where she is ostracized for being Black. While there, she experiences racism and hate on a level not experienced by the white characters around her. Thus, it is important to understand just how … Continue reading Outcast
When looking at the word “gender” in The Woman of Colour, I think it is important to focus particularly on the way in which Olivia’s gender alone plays a role in her experiences. During this time women had strict societal expectations, various limitations, and often faced disadvantages. This is exemplified in Olivia’s interactions with men, specifically those in a higher position of power than her. … Continue reading Gender
The Woman of Colour is an epistolary novel at heart and thus explores letter writing within the novel’s main character, Olivia. Without even thinking about it, Olivia is using her hands as a channel to write and regress into her life back in Jamaica. In addition, the novel also holds slavery and racism at its core. Thus, these hands also embody the labor and cruelties … Continue reading Hand
“Poor” in conjunction with “black” As previously discussed in this project, the repeated use of “black” as a negative and oppressive descriptor throughout the novel conveys the chronic othering of black individuals during the Romantic period. Similarly, Olivia and Dido, her faithful black servant, often use the words “poor” and “black” simultaneously when referring to each other, further conveying the hegemonic perception of black socioeconomic … Continue reading Poor
Throughout The Woman of Colour, the use of the word “colour” is employed for multiple different meanings—both drawing on the racial connotations as well as blushing, makeup, and art. Colour is a homonym, and is also used frequently in a metaphorical sense. I want to note that within the context of this novel and society, I do not wish to identify anyone as c****red, as … Continue reading Colour
England is the physical country that Olivia is traveling to in accordance with the will of her father upon his death. More than its geographical location, I argue that the location carries different interpretations as demonstrated throughout the text of The Woman of Colour: A Tale. England represents a foreign home where Olivia is not wholly accepted by society and her extended family. This keyword … Continue reading England
Jamaica is physically a country in the Caribbean and the birthplace of Olivia Fairfield, the heroine of this novel. More than its geographical location, I argue that Jamaica carries different interpretations as demonstrated throughout the text of The Woman of Colour: A Tale. The country represents Olivia’s home and those she is closest to, including Mrs. Milbanke and the fond memories of her mother and … Continue reading Jamaica
While some may argue that the word “father” only has one meaning in its biological sense, I argue that the word carries different interpretations as demonstrated throughout the text of The Woman of Colour: A Tale. A pattern of repetition is significant in the context of this word for a plethora of reasons. Throughout history, society has deemed the father of the family the protector. … Continue reading Father
Whiteness as property: Angelina, Olivia, and Dido Throughout The Woman of Colour, the ways in which Angelina, a white woman, Olivia, a mixed-race woman, and Dido, a black woman, interact with one another convey the spectrum of racial marginalization during the long 18th century. Despite being equal human beings, I noticed a hierarchy in how each woman treats and almost worships whoever has higher social … Continue reading Whiteness
Introduction: The Woman Of Colour, A Tale is an anonymously written novel written about a young biracial girl named Olivia Fairfield in 1800s England. Olivia was born in Jamaica as a result of a secretive sexual relationship between her mother, an enslaved woman, and her father, her mother’s enslaver. Her mother died in childbirth and Olivia was raised by her father. When Oliva’s father died, … Continue reading Your
