In Shakespeare's works, "tawny" primarily refers to an orange-brownish color, but it often carries a deeper, more derogatory connotation, used to describe people and reflecting the racial prejudices prevalent in Elizabethan England.
The Nuances of "Tawny" in Elizabethan English
While "tawny" describes a specific hue, its application in Shakespearean language extends beyond a simple color description. It was frequently used to characterize individuals, particularly those from North Africa or the Middle East, such as Egyptians or Turks. This usage often implied a negative or exoticized perception, highlighting the racial attitudes of the era.
Key Aspects of 'Tawny' in Shakespearean Context
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Literal Color | An orange-brownish hue, akin to the color of lion fur or tanned leather. |
| Figurative Use | Beyond its literal meaning, "tawny" was commonly applied to people. In Elizabethan England, it was used to refer to various non-European peoples, including those considered "Egyptian" or "Turk" (with "Tartar" being another term for a Turk). |
| Shakespearean Context | In Shakespeare's plays, the term can carry a pejorative undertone. For instance, in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Lysander uses "tawny" in a negative way when referring to Hermia's skin tone, revealing the racial prejudice that existed during that period. Such instances underscore how physical appearance, particularly skin color, could be used to insult or diminish. |
"Tawny" and Elizabethan Racial Perceptions
The use of "tawny" in Shakespeare's time reveals a significant aspect of social attitudes. It wasn't merely a descriptive term for skin color but a loaded word that could evoke stereotypes and prejudice. This is evident when characters use the term in a derogatory manner, weaponizing perceived differences in complexion.
For example, in A Midsummer Night's Dream, when Lysander, under the influence of the love potion, turns his affections from Hermia to Helena, he insults Hermia by calling her "tawny Tartar." This phrase is a powerful indicator of the term's negative weight:
- "Tawny": Directly refers to her skin tone, implying it is undesirable or "dark" in a prejudiced sense.
- "Tartar": Links her to a group often viewed with suspicion or as "other" by Elizabethan society, compounding the insult.
This particular instance demonstrates how "tawny" was integrated into the language of insult and social commentary, reflecting widespread biases against those considered foreign or non-white in Elizabethan England. Understanding this usage helps audiences grasp the full depth of the characters' animosity and the underlying societal norms of the period.
For more information on the nuances of language in Shakespeare, exploring resources like the Oxford English Dictionary or the Folger Shakespeare Library can provide valuable insights into historical word meanings and cultural contexts.
