A search for identity : different perspectives of the protagonists of Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to show different perspectives of the protagonists of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Jean Rhys's Wide Sargasso Sea. Jean Rhys's novel is a re-writing of the novel Jane Eyre, written from the perspective of the character Bertha Mason re-named as Antoinette. It is usually seen as a prequel to Jane Eyre as it portrays the life of Bertha Mason prior to her life at Thornfield Hall. Chapter One attempts to show how the character of Jane Eyre has changed over time by presenting a critical overview of the character. This is followed by an in-depth character analysis and finally a discussion on the ending of the novel. Although different perspectives of the ending heighten the critical debate and enjoyment of the novel, I suggest that most readers identify with the character Jane, as she represents a woman whose positive sense of self allows her to fight for respect and equality in a male dominated society. Chapter Two attempts to show how the character Bertha Mason/ Antoinette, has gone from a silent character in the original novel Jane Eyre, to becoming a major protagonist in Wide Sargasso Sea. This century we have also seen a rise in the amount of critical perspectives dedicated solely to this character and I have attempted to show the character Bertha/ Antoinette from different perspectives with particular reference to post-colonial theory and biography. Chapter Three discusses the character of Edward Fairfax Rochester as he appears in both Wide Sargasso Sea and Jane Eyre. When one looks at all the different perspectives of the characters of Jane Eyre and Bertha Mason, it is also important to remember that the two characters are linked by their relationships with Rochester. In this chapter, I have attempted to show how the character of Edward Fairfax Rochester has a profound influence on both novels and is an important character in his own right.