Comparing The Woman Of Colour And A Vindication Of The Rights Of Women

In the 1800s, women had most commonly been looked upon as property, not even concerning being referred to as human beings. While women were believed to be only a man’s property, there was constant speculation and aspirations amongst women to work towards the chance to live a regular and more inclusive lifestyle. In The Woman of Colour, Gretchen Gerzina’s Black England, and Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, it is revealed how the concept of women as property is strictly followed, yet each author offers distinct perspectives and strategies for challenging and subverting this dehumanizing way of life. This exploration highlights the various forms of discrimination experienced by women of color by discussing the power

The cottage at the park gate symbolizes a lifestyle where there is no “property”, however, she negatively portrays this image because she knows it is unachievable because of her background. This is also symbolic because it represents Angelina and a life that Olivia will never be able to have. This shows how Olivia is restricted from living her life because of society and uses Angelina to live vicariously through her to dream of her future autonomy. Olivia constantly feels the need to reject these optimistic thoughts as "selfish ideas." This suggests that she is completely aware of the societal barriers and constraints that prevent her from pursuing such a relationship and lifestyle freely as not only a woman but a mixed woman. Olivia's inner conflict reflects the themes of race, and gender, highlighting the challenges faced by women of color like herself in navigating society's expectations and limitations. Olivia’s overall awareness of the societal constraints in the world comes from her own experiences as a woman of mixed race in a society that discriminates against both gender and skin color. Olivia is stuck in a challenging position by not being fully white or fully black. She has formed an understanding that her race changes how she is viewed in society and that she won’t have many opportunities to express her individual autonomy. Mary

The phrase “revolution in female manners,” implies the need for a shift in how women conduct and represent themselves, breaking free from the standards put in place by men of power and influence. The overall history that women of all races have faced is acknowledged this way and is used to encourage them to find their power and worth. Wollstonecraft argues that by empowering themselves and challenging societal normalities, women can create broader social change. This idea aligns with her belief in the importance of education and self-improvement as tools for women's emancipation. This perspective is particularly significant when discussing Olivia’s aspiration to live as an independent woman. Olivia's experiences can be seen as a direct embodiment of Wollstonecraft's vision for female emancipation and self-empowerment. By depicting Olivia’s struggle as a biracial woman, she emphasizes how hard she works to create opportunities for herself and other women that men have easy access to. Despite the societal norms of the eighteen hundred, Olivia demonstrates an unwavering strength of character and a profound sense of moral integrity. Olivia’s experiences reflect the struggles of women, particularly women of color, to assert their humanity and autonomy in a world that views them as property or lesser beings because of their gender and race. By maintaining her dignity and principles