Antoinette Cosway, the protagonist of Jean Rhys's Wide Sargasso Sea, is depicted as a lunatic in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre. However, in contrast to Charlotte Brontë’s interpretation of Antoinette, Jean Rhys goes out of her way to prove that Antoinette's physical surroundings are what make her act the way she does, thus allowing others to perceive her as a madwoman. It is clear that isolation from society, a loveless marriage, and being forced to leave Jamaica in favor of living in a foreign land inhabited by people who disapprove of her has led to the deterioration of Antoinette’s mental state, which allows her to truly become the new identity that has been created for her.
Antoinette Cosway spends her early childhood living in a confined area with no way out. Similarly, no one from the neighboring town can …show more content…
This leaves her with little friendship and support, and no one cares to pay enough attention.. This way of life leads to a seed of loneliness being planted in her heart and mind, one that grows as she does. In Wide Sargasso Sea, Antoinette meets a young girl named Tia, who calls her racist names throughout the beginning of their friendship. Still, Tia is one of the only people her age that Antoinette has to talk to, so she does not make a big deal about it. However, Antoinette soon learns that not all good things last, and her friendship with Tia ends after her money is taken and her clothes are stolen. Antoinette's mother begins to ignore Antoinette when her son, Pierre, is found to be sick. Soon enough, he dies in a house fire started by former slaves living on the land with them and Antoinette’s mother draws even more into her craziness, not caring about the wellbeing of her daughter. Only Christophine is left to take care of Antoinette, and even her loyalties have not been made clear to the family. (Insert quote). Antoinette is now even lonelier than before, and is left with
Antoinette Cosway spends her early childhood living in a confined area with no way out. Similarly, no one from the neighboring town can …show more content…
This leaves her with little friendship and support, and no one cares to pay enough attention.. This way of life leads to a seed of loneliness being planted in her heart and mind, one that grows as she does. In Wide Sargasso Sea, Antoinette meets a young girl named Tia, who calls her racist names throughout the beginning of their friendship. Still, Tia is one of the only people her age that Antoinette has to talk to, so she does not make a big deal about it. However, Antoinette soon learns that not all good things last, and her friendship with Tia ends after her money is taken and her clothes are stolen. Antoinette's mother begins to ignore Antoinette when her son, Pierre, is found to be sick. Soon enough, he dies in a house fire started by former slaves living on the land with them and Antoinette’s mother draws even more into her craziness, not caring about the wellbeing of her daughter. Only Christophine is left to take care of Antoinette, and even her loyalties have not been made clear to the family. (Insert quote). Antoinette is now even lonelier than before, and is left with