...Post-colonial Fiction Essay Assignment 2012 Topic: How does Wide Sargasso Sea revise or alter the way one reads Jane Eyre? Your answer should include reference to contrasting narrative techniques employed by the two authors. Jane Eyre, written in 1847 by Charlotte Bronte, and Wide Sargasso Sea, written in 1966 by Jean Rhys, are two different novels, written in different eras and different backgrounds, thus are strongly related. In general terms, Wide Sargasso Sea can be considered to be a modernist revision of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre; it acts as its sequence. “Bertha” in Jane Eyre is “Antoinette” in Wide Sargasso Sea. However, after reading both novels, we perceive them in a completely different way, as the mainly the character of Bertha-Antoinette is dramatically shifted and is given a previously unheard voice. Wide Sargasso Sea acts like a polyphonic novel in contrast with Jane Eyre which functions as a monophonic one. It is a post-colonial modernist narrative, in where we get a post-colonial point of view. It breaks all voices and perspectives together in which Antoinette has the role of a 19th century heroine in colonial Era. In effect, Wide Sargasso Sea challenges the point of view which we perceive from Jane Eyre since there is a different point of view than in Bronte’s novel. Briefly, Rhys' novel is a retelling of Bronte’s novel where Rhys particularly pays attention to the negative effects that the culture of the Caribbean went through, due to the European colonization...
Words: 1262 - Pages: 6
...of women: equality and respect --Jane Eyre Jane Eyre is known as one of the greatest and most permanently popular novel in the world of English literature in the nineteenth century. Written by Charlotte Bronte, a great woman writer in England, it is the first English book I have ever read. I can’t forget how excited I was when I read the novel three years ago for the first time.” It is such an amazing and excellent work that it attracts me deeply,” I thought to myself. Up till now, I have read the novel several times and each time I read it, there were some new feelings and thoughts occurring to me, which made me gain a lot. Charlotte Bronte, the author of Jane Eyre, was born in 1816 in northern England. She lived in a family of poets and her father Patrick Bronte was a curate of Haworth. Charlotte has one brother and four sisters. The young Brontes learned their lessons under the guidance of their father and read books borrowed from local library. With their vivid imagination and hard work, some of them have made great achievements in literature. Charlotte Bronte finished her great work Jane Eyre while her sister Emily Bronte is famous for the novel Wuthering Heights. Jane Eyre is an influential work. It is widely believed that the book is a reflection of its author Charlotte’s real life. It tells a story about an orphaned poor British girl, who suffers a lot of pain but still pursues love and respect bravely. The girl’s name is Jane Eyre. Her early life at Gateshead was terrible...
Words: 1410 - Pages: 6
...GNST 200 Term Paper Jane Eyre: Charlotte Brontë One of the most brilliant works of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre was published in 1847 during a time when women were considered social embellishments, and nothing more than offspring bearers for that matter. She defied these beliefs by doing something no women did in that time, write. This book was revolutionary, especially since the release of Jane Austen’s works, which had a lot more of a happy ending feel that were published a century before. Charlotte Brontë and her sisters Emily and Anne, wrote novels that were much more dark and mysterious. Jane Eyre became one of the most successful novels of its era. This novel is set in the early decades of the nineteenth century, and depicts themes such as social class, religion, and gender relations. The novel is a hybrid of three genres: a romantic novel, a bildungsroman novel, and a gothic novel. Each of these genres are used in Jane Eyre, and rightfully so. They help to tell the story of Jane Eyre’s life in the most mysterious, sometimes supernatural, and retrospective way. I believe that Charlotte Brontë depicted her life through the novel of Jane Eyre, she did this by using her own experiences in life, namely through some key developments from her life translated into Jane Eyre’s life. Jane Eyre and Charlotte Brontë embody each others lives. This is clear through all the similarities between the novel and real life. Some examples of these are: both Jane and Charlotte being orphans...
Words: 1606 - Pages: 7
...Against the Many ---- Jane Eyre, a woman who resisted her times It is a sustaining social problem that the statues of women has remained to be lower than that of men. Although in the late 20th century feminist movements have begun to overspread in some countries, it is hard to change the fact that throughout history, women do not receive as much rights as men do, say nothing of the Victorian times. However, in such an era, there was an outstanding woman who betrayed the times she lived in ----Jane Eyre. All through her life, Jane has been fighting. She fought against her aunt and cousin when she was a little girl; she fought for true love and equality in the face of Mr. Rochester; and she fought to survive on her own as an independent individual. Unlike most of the so-called “ideal” woman of the Victorian era, she is a woman with conceptions of adamancy, equality and liberty, which were not features that a woman was supposed to have. Adamancy Childhood experiences as an orphan living under other’s roof had affected Jane a lot. It was at Gateshead that Jane learnt to hit back. It can be found at the very beginning of the novel that Jane Eyre had a soul of strong resistance. She fought back when John, who was much older and stronger, scolded her and hit her. She never gave in even when facing with her aunt Mrs. Reed. After Jane saw Helen was punished unfairly, she said “I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me; I must resist those who...
Words: 751 - Pages: 4
...Consider the presentation of romantic love in “Jane Eyre” making wider reference to “Wide Sargasso Sea” “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte, published in 1847, has one key theme which is love. However it also contains Gothic conventions throughout which prevents the novel from being merely an archetypal romance. The novel is about a young woman who is isolated from people. However, when she gets a job working for Mr Rochester she falls in love with him. Later it is revealed that he's married to a woman, who is portrayed as being mad. In contrast, the romantic love in "Wide Sargasso Sea" written in 1966 is presented in a different way. Although Antoinette initially has a hopeful attitude to romantic love in Wide Sargasso Sea, the attitude of the man, especially in section two reveals that he only marries her for her money. Ellen Michetetii says “the heart and soul of ‘Jane Eyre’ is the passionate love between Jane and her employer.” "Romance" is defined in the Chambers dictionary as "expressive and pleasurable feeling from an emotional attraction towards another person associated with love". Leslie Gelbman says a romance must make the “romantic relationship between the hero and heroine… the core of the book”. This is what “Jane Eyre” does. Similarly “Wide Sargasso Sea” focuses on a single relationship the one between “the man” and Antoinette; however, although the relationship in “Jane Eyre” is reciprocal, in “Wide Sargasso Sea” Antoinette’s love is not returned. Rhys based Antoinette...
Words: 1690 - Pages: 7
...Freud’s Id, Ego, and Superego Personified in Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre follows the story of Jane, an orphan, as she develops from a young girl to a young woman of marriageable age. While there are many other characters in the novel, the most developed ones are Jane and the two men that propose marriage to her: Edward Rochester and St. John Rivers. Almost a century after Bronte published her novel, Freud theorized that the psyche developed into three different parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. Jane Eyre’s three main characters personify these parts of the human psyche: Rochester represents the id, St. John the superego, and Jane the ego. Edward Rochester, Jane’s employer and the master of Thornfield, exemplifies Freud’s id. The id, as interpreted by Saul McLeod, is the part of the psyche that is the most basic, unconscious, instinctual part; it begins at birth and demands immediate satisfaction, it is also contains the libido. It acts according to the “pleasure principle” and seeks only self-gratification and pain avoidance (McLeod). Mr. Rochester, wealthy and with few responsibilities, is left free to spend his time pursuing pleasure, traveling Europe, and having an affair with the French singer and dancer Celine Varens. He is not bothered by society’s morals when he tries to marry Jane, even though it would make him a bigamist because he is already married to the woman hidden in his attic. The marriage to Jane also flaunts society’s norm of class separation...
Words: 1457 - Pages: 6
...Hide the Crazy Woman - The Figure of Bertha in Jane Eyre Introduction Over the time various famous and not so famous literary personalities have suffered from mental breakdowns. Very often writers themselves have written through their own “madness” and produced mad characters as a result. This is particularly true of many of the leading figures in Modernism, who all seem to have had some odd character traits. But even before Modernism the madman/woman was a very popular figure in literature. Just think of Shakespeare’s famous plays, where we encounter lunatics en masse. One of the most famous madwomen in English literature is Bertha, the locked up wife of Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. In this paper I will look at Victorian madness in general and at the figure Bertha more closely. Furthermore I will also look, from a somewhat feminist perspective, at Wide Sargasso Sea, a novel in which Jean Rhys takes up the figure of Bertha again. I shall try to explain this rewriting of a canonical text in a postcolonial context. Historical Madness Early in the Victorian period the madness seems to be lurking in the shadows – especially in gothic fiction, but then madness was very much on everybody’s mind in those days. The Lunatics Act of 1845 required that all counties should have mental asylums, and this led to an enormous increase of mental patients admitted to public care.[1] Before that it was not unusual for husbands to “shut up” their madwomen behind...
Words: 4156 - Pages: 17
...‘Above all, Jane Eyre is a love story’ How far do you agree and in what ways do you agree with this view? There is no doubt that the theme of love is prevalent throughout Jane Eyre. However, Bronte seems to place more emphasis on Jane establishing her true identity and creating herself as an individual in a society that presents many obstacles on her way to achieve this. Jane Eyre is a journey of selfhood, and love is used more as a challenge to this quest that Jane eventually masters. Jane doesn’t find romantic love until she meets Mr Rochester. However, from their very first meeting it is clear that the central issue is the differences between their positions in society. Jane is ‘disposed to obey’ Mr Rochester even before she discovers that he is her employer. At the same time, although Mr Rochester and Jane may not be equals in society, they are, as Gilbert and Gubar point out, ‘spiritual equals’, who ‘see beyond each other’s disguise’. Despite this, there is a long passage of time that ensues before they can officially express their love for each other. This allows Bronte to focus on the problems that this unconventional love between master and governess poses; Jane directly refers to herself as a ‘blind puppy’ and further reminds herself: ‘He is not of your order; keep to your caste’. This is where Bronte moves away from a love story towards the predicaments that Jane experiences because of her place in society. At least Jane does not fool herself – she knows that...
Words: 1026 - Pages: 5
...borders on villainy. Discuss the characterization of Mr Rochester in jane eyre in light of this statement. Mr Rochester is different and varies from the idea of the conventional tragic Byronic hero. Byronic heroes are usually extraordinarily handsome or appealing physically. However, from a physical point of view, Mr Rochester is not in any way handsome in a traditional sense. In chapter 13, he is described as “having broad and jetty eyebrows; his square forehead, made squarer by the horizontal sweep of his black hair. I recognised his decisive nose, more remarkable for character than beauty; his full nostrils, denoting, I thought, choler; his grim mouth, chin, and jaw—yes, all three were very grim, and no mistake. His shape, now divested of cloak, I perceived harmonised in squareness with his physiognomy”. Although his craggy looks should in fact make him a social outcast, he overcomes his physical “deformities” by having a passionate and colourful personality, making him one of the most sensual and interesting characters in jane eyre. People are drawn to him despite his physical appearance, and he has a high standing in society (although this could be attributed partly to his wealth). Next, Byronic heroes are wounded physically and/or emotionally—vulnerable in some way. We first encounter Mr Rochester when his horse slipped on the ice, causing him to fall and spraining his ankle. He needed to rely to Jane for help to get back to his horse, Mesrour. Jane's momentous meeting...
Words: 1391 - Pages: 6
...the neglectful". Explore the methods which writers use to present the idea of neglect in light of this statement. 'Neglect' is defined as 'the state of being uncared for' and within Jane Eyre, neglect is a constant theme. This is evident in the way Jane is neglected from childhood, and how this has a knock-on effect on the way she behaves throughout the rest of her life. Other minor characters such as: Adela Varens, Mrs Fairfax and Bertha are victims of neglect. Through language, structure and the form of the novel Bronte creates an air of isolation. This in turn emphasises, primarily, Jane's neglect. The main way in which this is explored throughout Jane Eyre is how the main protagonist finds herself in states of constant isolation in every main stage of her life. It can be said that, essentially one of Jane's main aims during her journey through life is to finally experience reciprocated love and care, that lasts. Jane was arguably at her height of neglect during her childhood years and it is here that Bronte is able to present it most effectively. By emphasising that Jane was a neglected child, Bronte can elicit the most amount of sympathy from the reader. This theme is most apparent; firstly during her early childhood with the Reeds' and then at Lowood Institute. In the opening chapter, Jane sits at window sill which is described as the following; "Folds of scarlet drapery shut in my view to the right". The use of the phrase 'folds of scarlet' evokes a strong image of the...
Words: 1872 - Pages: 8
...There is one lesson that seems to be common in a lot of stories. A lesson about how to live your life and to learn to do things for yourself. This lesson I saw in many of the readings/films we read/watched in class, some examples include: Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, The Sign of the Four by Arthur Conan Doyle and, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. These stories are all very different but share that same lesson of putting matters into your own hands. Trust no one or you will be hurt or put into danger. In Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, you can’t trust the government. The government also known as The Party, watches it’s citizens and will vaporize anyone just for doing something as simple as having an individual thought. In any society you should be able to trust the government. Maybe not completely but enough to know you won’t be killed just for thinking. “For how could you establish even the most obvious fact when there existed no record outside your own memory” (Orwell 24)? This quote describes that the Party doesn’t keep records of the past, the records that are kept are constantly changed. People have so little memory of their past that Winston can’t even remember the beginning of the Party’s rule or his childhood. Another example about the government is even the children will turn you in for anything. The children are junior spies that could have you vaporized. “You’re a traitor!’ yelled the boy...
Words: 971 - Pages: 4
...Jane Eyre In-Class Writing Quiz Part I. Answer the following questions as directed: 1. Jane sees Rochester almost as a god; is this, in the context of the novel, a good or bad thing? What hints are given that Jane is deceiving herself about Rochester? It is a bad thing because Jane only looks up to Rochester due to his older age, wealth, and social status. Jane is more intelligent than Rochester and is proven to also maintain higher morals when it becomes known that Rochester is already married, despite his love for Jane. However, she continues to rely on Rochester for comfort. Jane realizes that’s she’s deceiving herself about Rochester and is skeptical about their relationship when hints pop up such as saving Rochester from a fire and her torn wedding veil. 2. What happens during Jane and Rochester’s wedding ceremony? When Jane and Rochester are entering the wedding ceremony at the church, a stranger who was already present declares that Rochester cannot get married to Jane because he’s already married. Rochester admits to his mistake but wants to take everyone to show them Bertha and the room where she stabbed Rochester’s brother. 3. Describe how Jane’s reaction and choice regarding Mr. Rochester’s proposal are consistent with her character. Jane is skeptical about the marriage with Rochester, but she still accepts his proposal because she is reliant on Rochester for compassion and social status. Her reaction is consistent with her unsteady,...
Words: 738 - Pages: 3
...A Comparison of Jane Eyre and Lin Daiyu in the View of Philosophy and Feminism I. Introduction 1.1 A Brief Introduction of Jane Eyre and Lin Daiyu “A Dream of Red Mansions” is one of the most outstanding works of China’s classic novels of realism. It bases on the background of Jia, Shi, Wang, Xue four families’ rising and falling, with the clue of the love tragedy of Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu. It truly and artistically reflects the historically declining trend of China’s feudal society. “A Dream of Red Mansions” can also be described as “Girls’ Country”, which is the anthem of female, but also is the threnody of women. The heroine Lin Daiyu, Annatto Fairy, wants to repay the goodness of God Shen Yin, taking her lifetime of tears in exchange for his being saved. Her rebellious sprit and solitary character, makes her as a lotus opening at a secluded place, clinging to her own pureness—for pure you came and pure shall go. She is sentimental and unfortunate, and is doomed to being lonely and pathetical .She, Lin Daiyu, lives under another’s house—Rong mansion, Grand View Garden, and she has no one to complain her sadness to. She is “Yea to the very end of heaven, Where I could find a fragrant grave!” in frustration, “What time the third moon comes, the scented nests have been already built. And on the beams the swallows perch, excessive spiritless and staid” in sorrow, and finally ends up with the sadness of “Flowers fade and maidens die; and of either naught any more is known”...
Words: 8010 - Pages: 33
...JANE EYRE: HER PERSONAL AND MORAL VICTORIES All people live by their own codes of conduct. Everyone, be they male or female, young or old, has their own sets of values, which they adhere to and which are unchanging even in the face of personal or societal pressures and conflicts to give them up. In Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Jane is tempted many times to acquiesce to others' wishes and, thereby, give up her own moral standards and beliefs. Yet Jane remains steadfast in adhering to her personal code of conduct, namely to maintain feelings of high self-esteem, not to let herself be used and abused by others, and never to give up her religious convictions. Through many disappointments that she is faced with and with her constant struggle to gain independence and love, Jane never loses her self of self, nor does she give up her moral and spiritual values. Jane Eyre, from the very beginning of the novel, shows courage and self-confidence when she stands up to Mrs. Reed for wrongly accusing her to Mr. Brocklehurst of being a liar. Jane, a quiet, pensive girl, who until now took her aunt and cousins' torment without saying a word, suddenly could no longer hold her tongue. She suddenly felt a need to tell her aunt that as much as she appreciated having her put a roof over her head and providing food for her, her existence in Gateshead was nothing less than abominable. She says that servants are treated better than she is, and that Mrs. Reed was not keeping her promise to her...
Words: 2193 - Pages: 9
...writers to speak for the oppressed women and because of that, “Jane Eyre” becomes the most influential novel due to Charlotte’s outspokenness. Jane Eyre is constantly belittled by male figures in her life. Even at a young age, Jane was looked down upon because she was a woman. John Reed and Mr. Brocklehurst degrade Jane to make sure she remains passive and obedient to men. When Jane answers to Mr. Brocklehurst telling him she does not...
Words: 1140 - Pages: 5
