The Woman of Colour: A Tale

Content Warning: This section of the guide refers to enslavement and discusses scenes from the source text that include anti-Black slurs, outdated and offensive terminology, and racist sentiments and language.

“I say our, for though the jet has been faded to the olive in my own complexion, yet I am not ashamed to acknowledge my affinity with the swarthiest negro that was ever brought from God’s coast.”

By reflecting on her feelings about her own race and the race of those around her, Olivia demonstrates that she is conscious of race politics and that she does not feel any shame about being a person of color.

“An unportioned girl of my colour, can never be a dangerous object; but in the habits of intimacy which our present situation naturally produces, confidence usurps the place of common-place politeness, and I insensibly talk to Honeywood as I should do to a brother.”

Olivia continues to think about her own social presence as a woman of color, specifically in the context of her relationships with men. This quote also highlights the way relationships and interactions change according to geographical location: In this case, because Olivia and Charles are in the middle of a long ocean voyage, they are able to develop a unique kind of platonic emotional intimacy.

“Mrs. Milbanke, I do not wish to be uncharitable or harsh in my judgement; but did we not every day see matches made in Jamaica, for which gold was the only inducement?”

Here, Olivia openly acknowledges that problems can arise for couples whose marriages exist primarily as financial partnerships and foreshadows potential issues she and Augustus may experience if they end up marrying. This quote also points out that life for wealthy West Indians is not that different from life for wealthy Brits.