Clotel · Theme

Color Prejudice and Caste

How Clotel develops Color Prejudice and Caste.

The book illustrates internalized racism among enslaved people and the broader societal prejudice that privileges lighter skin, creating a destructive caste system even within the oppressed community.

Where it surfaces

Retaliation
Mary's fair skin provokes prejudice from both her mistress and fellow slaves, leading to deliberate darkening to enforce racial hierarchy.
XIX: Escape of Clotel
William faces discrimination on the train, being forced into the luggage van and charged a reduced fare, illustrating the pervasive prejudice against blacks even in free states.
The Escape
George's white appearance makes his enslavement more intolerable and leads to harsher treatment to enforce his slave identity.