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
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
“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
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
