Wide Sargasso Sea

Questions About Wide Sargasso Sea

by Jean Rhys

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Answered Questions (8)

Is this a plausible portrayal of Rochester, or is he (however little) twisted in order to fit the message of the book?
Daniëlle Wierenga I think the most important way to think about this novel is in a post-colonial context. Rochester is a British man, Antoinette is a creole Caribbean w…moreI think the most important way to think about this novel is in a post-colonial context. Rochester is a British man, Antoinette is a creole Caribbean woman (White, yes, but not accepted by other Europeans). Rochester lusts for Antoinette, but also feels he must control her. He hates the Caribbean and doesn't want to be there. By controlling Antoinette, he controls this foreign place, just as the British controlled and ruled over their colonies.

People who grew up in these colonies, like Jean Rhys, know that colonial rule was not the golden age for them that it was for the Europeans who gained so much wealth. It was brutal, abusive, and exploitative. It was also exemplified by a licentious greed and a need to consume and control. That doesn't mean all colonies hate the powers that once ruled over them and see them as evil. It's a complicated relationship, like that of Rochester & Antoinette. He wants to make her an English woman, but she could never be that. It drives her mad. No matter how hard the British tried, none of their colonies became the copies of themselves that they wanted.

It's totally possible that the young Rochester of Rhys's novel and the old Rochester of Jane Eyre are the same person. He did something horrible, something he knew was horrible, to Antoinette. He now has to live with the consequences. Maybe he learned. Maybe he didn't. In England it doesn't matter. That's his comfort zone. When he's in it, he's charming and brooding. When he's out of it, he's manipulative and unstable. I think that people upset about this duality have romanticized Rochester too much. (less)
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Is this book worth reading without having read Jane Eyre?
Cafes and Books No, you should read Jane Eyre first. Even though you may enjoy this book without understanding the history of Jane Eyre, you will not grasp the depth …moreNo, you should read Jane Eyre first. Even though you may enjoy this book without understanding the history of Jane Eyre, you will not grasp the depth of emotions expressed without understanding what happened in Jane Eyre. (less)
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Please tell me why I hate this book?! Confused.
Hajar Shah-Mohen Could be a number of reasons.

Did you read Jane Eyre before reading WSS? And if yes, what did you feel after reading JE? If no, then maybe certain part…moreCould be a number of reasons.

Did you read Jane Eyre before reading WSS? And if yes, what did you feel after reading JE? If no, then maybe certain parts in WSS wouldn't make any sense because it relates heavily on JE.

For me, I don't like JE at all, but I really like WSS. While I appreciate how JE is revolutionary and strong in its own ways, I find WSS has more depth and weight to its story.(less)
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What age is this book appropriate for? I know the movie adaptations are pretty racy.
Ylva Maybe 14 or 15. There are no explicit sex scenes in it and the depiction of violence is also not very explicit.
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why Richard Mason tried to persuade Mr Rochester to marry Antoinette?
Amy Because Richard's father (Antoinette's stepfather) loved her and wanted her to be looked after and in those days that meant married, so when he died, …moreBecause Richard's father (Antoinette's stepfather) loved her and wanted her to be looked after and in those days that meant married, so when he died, Richard carried out his wishes. Mr Rochester needed money to get away from depending on his father and older brother, so he pretended to love Antoinette.(less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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