Introduction: Marriage is ultimately the main goal of The Woman of Colour. Olivia only moves to England because she must marry her cousin in order to receive her late father’s inheritance. The plot follows her journey with Augustus, their wedding, and ultimately their separation. Even though this is an arranged marriage, Olivia is on a quest to find love and she does in fact fall … Continue reading Marriage
Introduction: God plays a very interesting role in Olivia’s journey in England. All alone, young, and in a foreign land, Olivia needs to believe in a greater force and trust that she will turn out alright. She continuously explains how her trust in God allows her to be as strong as she is. This use of God is very common, but Olivia complicates her relationship … Continue reading God
“Black” as a negative and othering descriptor Throughout the 1808 novel The Woman of Colour, the anonymous author uses the word “black” to label negative situations and characters of color as others. The term “black” is frequented by the novel’s white characters like little George and Augustus Merton to categorize individuals of color as a different sect of humans who are exotic and inferior to … Continue reading Black
In the context of the long 18th century, the term “lady” refers to a woman, one who is refined, higher up in social status, classy, and usually wealthy. Within The Woman of Colour, A Tale, lady is often used to refer to both Olivia, our protagonist, and the women she finds herself surrounded by in England. The difference lies in the intentions behind each person’s … Continue reading Lady
The term “will” can be defined in many ways—and its versatility is in part why it is such a rich term within The Woman of Colour, A Tale. It is the auxiliary verb used to describe a future action, persistence, consent, and inevitability. It is the noun used to describe the document left behind after someone passes, instructing what to do with the things and … Continue reading Will
A prevailing theme within Olivia Fairfield’s story is her faith and how that shapes her journey. She is forced to balance a new home with very little security and guidance, but faith gives her what she is lacking. Olivia is able to turn to God and the Christianity that she is practicing to better understand herself and her situation. One term that is commonly used … Continue reading Pray
Something that Olivia Fairfield goes back and forth on throughout her journey in England is her independence. While she is sure of herself and finds ways to be her own person, she is still unable to experience the true feeling of independence. Her whole life has been her doing what she is told without being able to fight back and do what she wishes to … Continue reading Independence
Olivia Fairfield is thrown into a new environment where she must balance all of the new dynamics thrown her way. One of the most prominent dynamics she struggles to balance is the power that individuals hold over her. This issue is especially seen when looking at her relationship with men in her life and how she speaks about them. Specifically, how she uses male pronouns … Continue reading He, Him, His
