The Presentation of Isolation in Jane Eyre and the Wide...

Isolation in Jane Eyre and the Wide Sargasso Sea. The theme of isolation is explored in Bronte’s novel; Jane Eyre. This theme is also developed in The Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys. Both pieces present different types of isolation, such as isolation due to location and the isolation of a character due to their social status, such as Jane’s status as a governess. The various ways in which isolation is present in each of the texts show how inescapable and unavoidable isolation is for the characters in both Jane Eyre and The Wide Sargasso, with it being present in such a large way in their lives. Physical isolation is present in both texts, with Jane in Jane Eyre and Antoinette in the Wide Sargasso Sea experiencing absolute isolation†¦show more content†¦It also presents the idea that the separation her family experiences is potentially dangerous. Evidence of isolation due to a characters place, or position, in society can be found in both novels. Bronte demonstrates the isolation Jane inflicts upon herself, coming as a result of her awareness of her place in society, in the Chapter 17 of Jane Eyre, which tells of Mr Rochester’s return from his unexpected departure to Gateshead hall, accompanied by numerous guests enjoying a social stay, comprising mainly of games and dinners. Jane intentionally separates herself from Mr Rochester’s prestigious guests as they gather in the study after dinner. After firstly declining her master’s request for her company, anticipating the isolation she will face, stemming from her inferiority in her class, she then goes on to separate herself. Bronte uses the first person narrative to reveal Jane’s feelings, such as in the narrative â€Å"I sit in the shade-if any shade there be in this brilliantly-lit apartments; the window-curtain half hides me†. This demons trates Jane’s need to physically isolate herself from the party, attempting to not only isolate herself from their conversation with a book, but furthermore their presence, trying to hide. This also indicates her vulnerability, which contrasting with the confidence of the other women. This isolates her further. By saying ‘half hides me’ her reservations are highlighted,Show MoreRelatedThe Caribbean History1095 Words   |  4 PagesEuropean, African, and native Arawak/Amerindian, to reinvent and create a voice that entails all of those influences. Walcott redefines and reinvents the literary epic in Omeros and Rhys challenges the ignored narrative of Bertha/Antoinette in Wide Sargasso Sea. In Omeros, I propose on demonstrating how Walcott uses Helen as a symbol of the St. Lucia and how her struggle represents the struggle of the island. I will investigate the images of the victimized Helen of Troy in contrast with this Antillean