The Disempowerment and Triumph of the Creole Woman in “Wide Sargasso Sea”
The 4th essay is a response to the 1993 film “Wide Sargasso Sea” (directed by Nathaniel Parker) based on British-Jamaican writer Jean Rhys’ novel of the same name. The novel was published in 1961. You can find a full description of the film’s biography here. The film is set in post-emancipation Jamaica, but at the same time Jamaica is still a British colony. As you can see in the film, Jamaica is a multicultural society, with French and Spanish and Portuguese settlers enjoying a living in one of those “Manichean” (Fanon) places where the white/dominant settler is separated from the black native/servants by class and power. However, in between the white/black dichotomy there is the “creole.” The creole identity is at the center of the movie. Antoinette and her mother are creoles and they are victimized by a colonial society which is also shown to be a deeply patriarchal society. In Franz Fanon we read about the victimization of the black man, but in “Wide Sargasso Sea” we see that the creole woman is victimized by almost all, regardless of skin color.
The question raised by “Wide Sargasso Sea” is: How does the film show the disempowerment of the creole woman? How does Antoinette assert herself in the movie and emerge triumphant at the end? In other words, how does she become her own “person” from being Rochester’s “property”? What is the role of Christophine in this? Your response should be focusing on these questions.
Again, make sure you have a strong focus in your response paper and wherever necessary use quotations, like dialogues, from the movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxut3zfMIDg
The Disempowerment and Triumph of the Creole Woman in “Wide Sargasso Sea”
The film “Wide Sargasso Sea,” directed by Nathaniel Parker and based on Jean Rhys’ novel of the same name, delves into the disempowerment of the creole woman in a post-emancipation Jamaica that is still under British colonial rule. Through the protagonist Antoinette, the film explores the intersection of race, gender, and power dynamics, ultimately showcasing her journey from being Rochester’s “property” to becoming her own person. Central to this transformation is the role of Christophine, a key character who aids Antoinette in her assertion of self.
Antoinette, along with her mother, represents the creole identity in the film. As creoles, they exist in a space between the white/dominant settlers and the black natives/servants. Despite this intermediary position, Antoinette and her mother face victimization from both sides, regardless of skin color. The film highlights the oppressive nature of the colonial society in which they live, which is deeply patriarchal and reinforces the existing power dynamics.
Antoinette’s disempowerment is depicted through various scenes in the film. One notable example is her arranged marriage to Rochester, a British gentleman who sees her primarily as a possession rather than an equal partner. Antoinette becomes trapped in a loveless marriage that further marginalizes her within society. She is subjected to Rochester’s control and manipulation, reducing her to a mere object of desire and control.
However, Antoinette’s journey towards asserting herself and breaking free from this disempowerment is a central theme in the film. Throughout the narrative, she gradually manifests her agency and challenges the oppressive forces that surround her. One pivotal moment occurs when she confronts Rochester about his attempts to suppress her identity and erase her Creole heritage. This confrontation signifies her refusal to be silenced and marks a turning point in her quest for autonomy.
The character of Christophine plays a crucial role in Antoinette’s transformation. Christophine is a wise and strong-willed woman who becomes a mentor figure for Antoinette. As a trusted confidante, she provides guidance and support, empowering Antoinette to confront the oppressive forces in her life. Christophine’s influence on Antoinette’s journey is evident in her encouragement to embrace her Creole identity and resist societal expectations.
Furthermore, Christophine’s role as a healer and spiritual guide allows Antoinette to reconnect with her roots and find inner strength. Through Christophine’s teachings, Antoinette learns to harness her personal power and challenge the dominant narratives that seek to subjugate her. Christophine serves as a catalyst for Antoinette’s emergence as an independent woman who refuses to be defined solely by her relationship with Rochester.
In conclusion, “Wide Sargasso Sea” sheds light on the disempowerment faced by creole women in a colonial Jamaican society. The film showcases Antoinette’s journey from being Rochester’s property to asserting herself as an individual. Her triumph over oppression is facilitated by her alliance with Christophine, who empowers her to embrace her Creole identity and resist societal expectations. Through their collective efforts, Antoinette emerges triumphant, reclaiming her agency and becoming her own person. “Wide Sargasso Sea” serves as a powerful portrayal of the resilience and strength of creole women in the face of adversity.