Wide Sargasso Sea Analysis

The combination of the novels Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, and Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys, highlight the significance that perspective has on the development of a narration. Jane Eyre depicts Bertha Rochester as a lunatic without explaining how she becomes crazy; however, Wide Sargasso Sea justifies her by exposing the reader to the torture Mr. Rochester puts her through that leads to her insanity. Analyzing the differences between the two novels, specifically the change of Bertha’s physical appearance and the different portrayals of Bertha’s suicide, helps the reader understand how Bertha’s steady progression towards madness is due to her unjust treatment by Mr. Rochester. Although the representation of Bertha Rochester differs, many of her actions remain consistent, notably how she attacks Rochester, which exemplify her continuous goal of breaking away from him because she knows that he is the one that is forcing her to become a lunatic. In both books, Bertha’s physical appearance and her transition from beautiful to hideous are representative of how Rochester’s treatment towards her contributes to her overall demise towards insanity. When Bertha begins her life with Rochester she is very beautiful. …show more content…
The new perspective justifies some of Bertha’s actions and shows the reader that although they may make her seem crazy, it is actually Rochester who pushes her to do them. Although there is a new perspective to look at Bertha under, many of her actions stay the same throughout the books. Her violence towards Rochester show her undying desire to break free from the force that is driving her insane. Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea remind its readers to consider the multitude of perspectives in a story before determining the absolute