Wide Sargasso Sea Critics Comment

“Antoinette’s Creole background places her in a liminal space neither fully accepted by the European nor the Caribbean world”

Elaine Savory argues that Antoinette’s identity crisis reflects the complexities of colonialism, and cultural hybridity.

“Rhys explores the destructive effects of British colonial rule on Caribbean society, culture and individuals”

Critics on Colonialism - could be used to refer to the impact of imperialism on identity and belonging for Daniel, Antoinette, Annette, and any person of colour in the novel.

Rhys challenges colonial narratives by presenting a complex, multi-dimensional character in Antoinette. She subverts the "madwoman in the attic" trope by providing a backstory that humanizes and gives depth to the character.

Judith Raiskin argues that Rhys offers a profound critique of the colonial and patriarchal mindset through Antoinette’s comprehensive character.

Rhys delves into the tensions and prejudices that arise in a society marked by the legacy of slavery and colonialism.

J. Dillon Brown on Rhys’s depiction of race, racial mixing, and the racial hierarchy which serves as a potent cause of tension throughout the novel.

Through an ecofeminist lens,”Rochester’s descent into paranoid violence is interpreted as a reaction to his inability to control the untamed Caribbean landscape and it’s feminine associations.”

Antoinette is the embodiment of the Caribbean landscape; openly intense, emotionally nuanced, and sensual, all things threatening to the British colonist.

“Rochester is estranged from the island, Antoinette is estranged from both England and Jamacia”

Critical perspective on the complexities of racial and cultural prejudices, and how both Antoinette and Rochester are impacted by this.

“Christophines resistance and self-agency challenge western-centric colonial and patriarchal control.”

Hence why Rochester is so intimidated by her, and why she is such a compelling character.

“Childhood neglect by her mother symbolises colonialisations failure to nurture, ultimately leading to Antoinette’s damaged physci.”

Critical perspective furthers the notion that Rhys works to subvert the “mad woman in the attic trope”, highlighting the nuanced factors which play a dramatic role in mental health.

“Rochester is marked by uncertainty and confusion, demonstrating the status of colonial power post Emancipation Act.”

Critical perspective on Rochesters inability to dominate both the Caribbean and the island, which undermines his sense of masculine control and colonial superiority.