TOPIC OF THE BLOG:-
This blog is part of an assignment for the Paper 203 - The Postcolonial Studies - Sem - 3, 2023.
‘WIDE SARGASSO SEA’ AS A PREQUEL OF ‘JANE EYRE’
Table of Contents:-
- Personal Information
- Assignment Details
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Jean Rhys and Charlotte Bronte
- ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ and ‘Jane Eyre’
- Characters
- Antoinette Cosway (Bertha Mason)
- Mysterious Man, Mr. Rochester (Edward Fairfax Rochester)
- Annette Cosway
- Colonial/Postcolonial Context
- Setting
- Racialism
- Creole vs. English Culture
- Deconstruction of Stereotypes
- Narrative Structure
- Psychological Dimensions
- Conclusion
- Works Cited
In the literary landscape, Jean Rhys's "Wide Sargasso Sea" and Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" form a unique connection as prequel and sequel. Rhys, born in Dominica in 1890, brought a feminist and postcolonial perspective with her famous work in 1966. Focusing on Antoinette Cosway, who later becomes Bertha Mason, Rhys challenges stereotypes and colonial views presented in Brontë's classic. The contrasting settings of Victorian England and 19th-century Jamaica provide a backdrop for exploring cultural clashes, racialism, and the complexities of Creole vs. English identities. Characters like Antoinette, Mr. Rochester, and Annette Cosway are reimagined, shedding light on the psychological dimensions often overlooked in "Jane Eyre." Through a narrative structure that embraces multiple perspectives, "Wide Sargasso Sea" invites readers to question assumptions, deconstruct stereotypes, and empathize with the silenced voices of the past. This dynamic interplay between the two novels enriches our understanding of characters, societal norms, and the profound influence of history on women's lives.
Key Words:-
‘Wide Sargasso Sea’, ‘Jane Eyre’, Prequel, Colonial, Postcolonial, Racism, Creole, English Culture, Psychological View.
Introduction:-
"Jean Rhys wrote a book called 'Wide Sargasso Sea' in 1966. It's like a special story that happens before the famous book 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë. In 'Jane Eyre,' there's a mysterious woman named Bertha locked up in an attic by Mr. Rochester. Rhys' book takes us to Jamaica and tells us about the life of Antoinette Cosway, who becomes Bertha. The book is important because it talks about the cultural and racial challenges that shaped Antoinette. It's like a response to the way 'Jane Eyre' showed colonial and male-dominated views. Rhys gives a voice to the people who were treated badly and ignored.
Rhys tells the story in a way that helps us understand what's happening in Bertha's mind and also criticizes the way people thought during that time. The Caribbean setting, especially the Sargasso Sea, is like a symbol of how trapped and alone Antoinette feels. 'Wide Sargasso Sea' makes us think differently about the usual story and shows us how women were treated and how history affected them. Because it comes before 'Jane Eyre,' it makes the characters and the main ideas in 'Jane Eyre' more interesting and complicated. Even after finishing the book, you keep thinking about the characters and what happened.
Jean Rhys and Charlotte Bronte:-
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Jean Rhys, born in Dominica in 1890, became famous for her book "Wide Sargasso Sea," a special story that comes before "Jane Eyre." She started writing in the 1920s with books like "Postures" and "Quartet," but "Wide Sargasso Sea" in 1966 made her well-known. Rhys delved deep into her characters' minds, highlighting women's struggles in a male-dominated world. Other famous books by her include "Good Morning, Midnight" and "Voyage in the Dark." Despite facing challenges like money problems and alcohol issues, Rhys left a significant impact on literature, changing how we view classic stories with a feminist and postcolonial perspective. (Olubas)
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Charlotte Brontë, born in Thornton, England, was a famous writer known for "Jane Eyre." The oldest of three sisters, including Emily and Anne, they were all important writers. Growing up, the Brontë sisters enjoyed creating stories. In 1847, Charlotte published "Jane Eyre" under the name Currer Bell, telling the story of Jane, an orphan who becomes a strong woman. The book discusses social class, morality, and women's roles in the 1800s. Charlotte also wrote notable books like "Shirley" in 1849 and "Villette" in 1853, exploring social and gender issues. Despite her short life, dying at 38 due to pregnancy complications, Charlotte's books, especially "Jane Eyre," remain significant globally. (Smith)
‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ and ‘Jane Eyre’:-
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"Wide Sargasso Sea" by Jean Rhys, published in 1966, serves as a prequel to "Jane Eyre," offering the backstory of Bertha Mason. Set in 19th-century Jamaica, the novel follows Antoinette Cosway, later known as Bertha. Divided into three parts, it explores her childhood, marriage to Mr. Rochester, and descent into madness. Rhys addresses themes of identity, displacement, and the impact of colonialism. The novel challenges the colonial perspective in "Jane Eyre," giving a voice to marginalized characters. (Rhys)
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"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, published in 1847 under the name Currer Bell, tells the story of an orphaned girl, Jane Eyre. It's written in the first person, giving insight into Jane's thoughts and feelings. The book covers key moments in her life, from struggles at Lowood School to working as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the mysterious Mr. Rochester. The novel blends romance, societal issues, and women's rights. It emphasizes Jane's desire for independence and respect despite societal challenges. The complex relationship with Mr. Rochester adds intrigue. Addressing social class, gender roles, and morality, it's significant in Victorian literature. The character Bertha Mason, Mr. Rochester's first wife, is explored differently in the prequel "Wide Sargasso Sea" by Jean Rhys. "Jane Eyre" remains beloved for its compelling characters and timeless themes, resonating with readers across generations. (Brontë)
Characters:-
Two works connected by some factors can be considered a prequel. The bridge which connects these novels is the characters of these both. Jean Rhys reimagines and expands upon the characters, particularly focusing on Bertha Mason, who is confined as the 'madwoman in the attic' in "Jane Eyre." Let’s see some of the main Characters who are connected between these two novels.
ANTOINETTE COSWAY (BERTHA MASON):-
"Wide Sargasso Sea" centers on Antoinette Cosway, delving into her challenging early life in Jamaica and her eventual marriage to Mr. Rochester. Author Jean Rhys gives Antoinette a strong voice, allowing us to understand her perspective beyond the 'madwoman in the attic' stereotype from "Jane Eyre." Unlike Bertha Mason in "Jane Eyre," who is seen from the outside with little background, Rhys explores Antoinette's life in detail. This unique perspective adds depth to Bertha's character, challenging traditional views and providing a more sympathetic understanding of her descent into madness.
MYSTERIOUS MAN, MR. ROCHESTER (EDWARD FAIRFAX ROCHESTER):-
In "Wide Sargasso Sea," Mr. Rochester is known as Edward, a significant character involved with and marrying Antoinette. The novel explores Edward's thoughts and emotions, portraying him as mysterious and confused in the unfamiliar setting of Jamaica. Unlike the portrayal in "Jane Eyre," where he locks Bertha in the attic, Rhys presents a more complicated picture of Edward. By showing his side of the story, the author adds layers to his character, making him more human and challenging our perceptions from "Jane Eyre." Rhys provides a backstage pass to Edward's thoughts, fostering a better understanding of his complexities.
ANNETTE COSWAY:-
Through Annette Cosway in "Wide Sargasso Sea," Jean Rhys explores the factors shaping Bertha Mason's character in "Jane Eyre." Annette's struggles, influenced by colonialism, offer insights into the complex circumstances affecting Bertha's fate in Brontë's novel. Annette's mental challenges help us understand Bertha's state in "Jane Eyre," highlighting the impact of societal rules and financial difficulties on women like them. Rhys portrays Annette as an influencing factor, explaining Bertha's mental health in "Jane Eyre."
Colonial/Postcolonial Context:-
SETTING:-
"Jane Eyre" is mainly set in Victorian England, a period during the 19th century known for its specific rules and beliefs. The novel takes us into a world where there are strict differences between social classes, clear expectations for how men and women should behave, and specific ideas about what is considered morally right. A significant part of the story happens at Thornfield Hall, which is the estate owned by Mr. Rochester. The place reflects the typical architecture of England during that time, showing how society was organized in a way where certain people held higher positions than others. (Thomas) The characters in the novel, like Jane Eyre, working as a governess, and Mr. Rochester, a wealthy landowner, is influenced by these social hierarchies, shaping how they interact and form relationships.
RACIALISM:-
"Wide Sargasso Sea" takes place in Jamaica during the early 19th century when it was a colony. The story explores the complicated culture and racial issues shaped by the history of slavery and colonial rule. At the start, we see Antoinette in Coulibri, her childhood home, and later, the story moves to Granbois, an estate she inherits. These Jamaican settings have beautiful landscapes, but they also show how some people were rich while others were poor, and there were tensions between different races. Jamaica is depicted as a place with a mix of cultures, such as Antoinette's Creole culture and the Afro-Caribbean culture represented by characters like Christophine. The presence of these different cultures makes the story more intricate and interesting. (Cappello)
CREOLE VS. ENGLISH CULTURE:-
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When we try to find the word Creole means, we come across the world of Creole which is a totally different atmosphere we are living in. Creole is not merely known as these single words but it has other words tagging behind it like Creole People, Creole Society, Creole Language and also the meaning of this is changing from country to country, from group to group. But we can understand a little of what Thomas Hylland Eriksen, a famous Anthropologist, said about Creole Society.
“A creole society, in my understanding, is based wholly or partly on the mass displacement of people who were, often involuntarily, uprooted from their original home, shedding the main features of their social and political organizations on the way, brought into sustained contact with people from other linguistic and cultural areas and obliged to develop, in creative and improvisational ways, new social and cultural forms in the new land, drawing simultaneously on traditions from their respective places of origin and on impulses resulting from the encounter. It can be argued that this delineation of the creole society fits well with some of the super-diverse cities in contemporary Europe, which I will pay a visit to later.” (Eriksen)
In "Wide Sargasso Sea," Antoinette's Creole identity clashes with Mr. Rochester's English culture, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. Being a white Creole from Jamaica, Antoinette's background reflects a mix of European and local influences, shaping her language, food, and customs. Mr. Rochester, representing English society, sees himself as culturally and economically superior as we can see by what he said about Antoinette,
“Creole of pure English descent she may be,
but they are not English or European either”. (Rhys)
Their cultural differences create a communication barrier, reflected in their contrasting languages and values. This clash contributes to the tragic breakdown of their relationship in the novel.
Deconstruction of Stereotypes:-
Author Jean Rhys, who herself was a white Creole, felt upset about how Charlotte Brontë portrayed Bertha. Rhys was bothered by the stereotypical image of Bertha as a "paper tiger" lunatic and found fault in Brontë's depiction of Creole scenes. Most notably, she took issue with the perceived cruelty of Mr. Rochester in Brontë's portrayal. (Thomas) In "Wide Sargasso Sea," the book changes the way we think about Bertha, who's usually seen as the "madwoman in the attic" in "Jane Eyre." Instead of just seeing her as mysterious and troubled, this novel tells us more about her life in Jamaica before she ends up locked away. It asks us to look at Bertha in a new way, to understand her past, feelings, and challenges. The story is set in a time when colonialism and the effects of slavery still linger, which makes Bertha's life more complicated. It explores her family background and how she feels being part of the Creole culture. The book also looks at her relationships, especially with Mr. Rochester, showing how cultural differences and misunderstandings lead to her sad fate. "Wide Sargasso Sea" wants us to feel for Bertha, to question what we thought we knew about her, and to see her as a real person with a difficult story.
Narrative Structure:-
In "Wide Sargasso Sea," the story is told from different points of view, and the way it's put together is a bit like a puzzle with missing pieces. This mix of perspectives and the jumbled-up way of telling the story helps us see the characters and events in a more complicated and interesting way. It's like getting different angles on the same picture, making everything more intricate. Now, in "Jane Eyre," things are a bit different. The story mostly comes from one person's view, which is Jane's. This makes it more like looking through one lens, seeing everything from her perspective. It's a bit like having only one piece to a puzzle. This way of telling the story affects how we understand the characters and what's happening because we only get Jane's side of things.
Comparing the two, "Wide Sargasso Sea" gives us a richer and more diverse look at the characters and events because we hear from different people. On the other hand, "Jane Eyre" is more focused on one viewpoint, and that affects how we see the complexity of the story. Both ways of telling the tale have their own charm and impact how we connect with the characters.
Psychological Dimensions:-
In "Wide Sargasso Sea," the book takes a deep dive into how the characters, especially Antoinette, think and feel. It explores the emotional and mental sides of Bertha Mason, showing us what's going on inside her head. We get a better understanding of her as a person, not just the "madwoman in the attic." Jean Rhys shows us the psychological aspects of the characters, making them more real and relatable.
In "Jane Eyre," things are a bit different. The story talks about Bertha being "mad," but it doesn't really get into why or what she's going through emotionally. This lack of digging into the mental side of things gives us a simpler view of Bertha in "Jane Eyre." It's like seeing her from the outside without understanding what's happening inside her mind.
Conclusion:-
In conclusion, these all are the contrasting standpoints which make these both novels different and prequel to each other. In conclusion, ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’' and ‘Jane Eyre’ are connected tales that offer a before-and-after perspective. Jean Rhys, through her exploration of characters like Antoinette and Mr. Rochester, challenges stereotypes and gives voice to those marginalized in "Jane Eyre." Set in Jamaica, Rhys delves into the complexities of colonialism, racialism, and cultural clashes, adding depth to the characters and their relationships. The novel deconstructs the simplistic view of Bertha as the 'madwoman in the attic,' urging readers to empathize with her struggles. The contrast in narrative structure and psychological exploration sets ‘Wide Sargasso Sea' apart, providing a richer, more diverse understanding of characters and events. Ultimately, these interconnected works encourage a reevaluation of classic literature, prompting readers to question assumptions, empathize with the silenced, and appreciate the multidimensional nature of storytelling.
- Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Carleton, 1864.
- Cappello, Silvia. “Postcolonial Discourse in ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’: Creole Discourse vs. European Discourse, Periphery vs. Center, and Marginalized People vs. White Supremacy.” Journal of Caribbean Literatures, vol. 6, no. 1, 2009, pp. 47–54. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40986298.
- Eriksen, Thomas Hylland. “Creolisation as a Recipe for Conviviality.” Conviviality at the Crossroads The Poetics and Politics of Everyday Encounters, 2020, pp. 43-63. Springer Link, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28979-9_3.
- Olubas, Brigitta. “Woman, modernist, West Indian: the haunted life of Jean Rhys.” The Conversation, 15 January 2023, https://theconversation.com/woman-modernist-west-indian-the-haunted-life-of-jean-rhys-187171.
- Rhys, Jean. Wide Sargasso Sea. Norton, 1992.
- Smith, Vanessa. “Why Charlotte Brontë still speaks to us – 200 years after her birth.” The Conversation, 19 April 2016, https://theconversation.com/why-charlotte-bronte-still-speaks-to-us-200-years-after-her-birth-57802.
- Thomas, Sue. “The Classics: Wide Sargasso Sea, News.” La Trobe University, 2019, https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2019/opinion/the-classics-wide-sargasso-sea.
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