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
“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
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: 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
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
