https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh Are Black women mere ‘spectral presences’ haunting the text? Does the novel make them visible? en-us 2022-02-21 06:54:13 UTC 2022-02-21 09:58:06 UTC hello@padlet.com lucyrook https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058456264 "that your Olivia could almost fancy herself a superior, instead of an inferior being, notwithstanding her colour! But, thank God, I am loved not feared by this child of nature" p.123: shows slight progression in that Caroline Lumley sees beyond her colour and doesn't confine Olivia's being to her race, this could make her more visible in that she is approached with equality by some, though not all, where she is not always just seen and not heard and considered and loved, I think it is significant that the writer shows that acceptance and equality is possible and that it can exist in everyone]]> 2022-02-21 09:46:46 UTC https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058456264 https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058462699 Olivia having to conform to what her dad expects from her shows that he does not want her to stand out. The two options given to her are there so she feels that she is getting a choice when in reality neither are what she wants. The choices are there for her to conform to society norms and so she can live what is seen as a comfortable life away from society where the man is seen as the person in charge. ]]> 2022-02-21 09:51:03 UTC https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058462699 https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058465504 The main point, I believe, in giving this novel a black perspective is to reintroduce this long lost black presence back into literature. The interactions between the English born and Olivia highlights the unjust treatment of her people. For example her conversation with young George shows us the inferiority that has been passed on from previous generations and the insinuation that that will continue unless taught otherwise. “And won’t yours and hers rub off?”. This quote said by George suggests that he is so unused to cultural differences he expects both Olivia and Dido to change to what suits him, a very common attitude for a white male in this period. Thus showing that although black presence is being introduced perhaps it is only successful in showing inferiority between races and not the equality that we should strive for. ]]> 2022-02-21 09:53:02 UTC https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058465504 b20003471 https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058466740 The Woman of Colour presents the racial discrimination that black women faced during the Victorian period, from Olivia being to rereferred to as ‘dirty’ (p 77) and being physically removed from her home against her own will to having her culture completely removed from her as well as being refed to animals or as something unhuman. ‘Her natural complexion is not far removed from your Olivia’s, and I thought a white satin was a bad choice for a robe; and pitied her poor shrivelled and thin neck….. Feathers of the ostrich were mounted in several directions from her head, while her bared ears, and elbows, and back, and bosom, gave to her whole contour, so freezing and so forlorn an appearance, while her volatility, and frisky and girlish airs, made her person so very conspicuous, that I could not help surveying her with the utmost curiosity, as a species of animal which had never before fallen under my notice.’ (p 87). This shows the just how inherently racist the Victorian society was towards anyone then was deemed to be different in anyway. The Although it is important to note that Olivia would by modern society be viewed as white passing, meaning that any individual with a darker completion would have been treated in a worse manner than Olivia, highlighting the racial prejudice that many black women would have faced for merely existing. 

]]> 2022-02-21 09:53:59 UTC https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058466740 https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058472695  the novel does highlight their presence, but the text also shows the struggles they are faced with. Colonel Singleton's letter (P.150)  depicts not only the treatment of vulnerable women at the time, but also the view of exoticism over race. 
"I disclaim all the prejudices of society, and should not scruple, a moment, to avow myself the warm admirer of a Woman of Colour!" (P.150) this choosing of protection over Olivia for her race rather than her personality and goodness matches the dehumanisation of different races]]> 2022-02-21 09:58:06 UTC https://padlet.com/asmachar/fv9vva676tnsaryh/wish/2058472695