Comparative analysis of Property and Wide Sargasso Sea -- A grade - page 4
Keywords: Propery Valerie Martin Wide Sargasso Sea Jean Rhys Central heroine authority's effect
By georgie1 on 31/12/2009
Level: A Level (Year 12) / AS Level
Page Number: 4 of 6 pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6
establishment of love, before sex. Regardless of his desire for sexual unity, he realises that it is unfair to mislead her: “I did not love her. I was thirsty for her, but that is not love.” Opposing this, it is clear that Antoinette is using sex as an implement to structure their relationship. She knows that they are disconnected and lack communication, and therefore uses sex as a tool to feel ultimately comfortable with each other. Ironically, the device used by the couple to familiarize themselves within their relationship replicates the same reason that which ruins their relationship. Antoinette does not forgive Rochester for the adultery that he commits, thus resulting in absolute closure from one another and the decline of her sanity.
A continuous theme throughout both novels is discrimination, where both novels expose sexism and racism. The idea of communal authority contributes to both women, and their family and homes. Property is primarily representative of sexism, which is subjected to two key characters: Manon and Sarah. Gaudet: “the master”, is clearly aware of the tension between the two women: “his wife and servant”. The term master implies manipulation and the authority he has over them. Because Manon and Sarah are not named they become impersonal and lifeless, and the two opposing levels of social hierarchy are depicted as equals, where Sarah has just as much importance to their “master” as Manon does. Gaudet uses violence towards both women, showing that his hold over them is his physical advantage: “he commenced slapping and hitting [Sarah] until she was flat on the floor”, “pulled me up roughly” “pushed me”, “slammed the door in my face.” This emphasises that he may struggle to overpower them mentally, perhaps during an argument, due to our previous knowledge of Manon’s complex opinions and Sarah’s intellect: “on those occasions when she bothers to speak, she makes sense.” Although Gaudet is likely to be aware of this, he still belittles their abilities: “You women should think about what would come of you if I wasn’t here.” This extremely sexist comment implies that the women are dependent on a man of whom they both loathe: “I wish he might be killed”, “She wishes us both dead.” The reader is shown the genuine hatred and anger that has stemmed from authority, making them feel disinclined towards an authoritative character.
On the other hand, Wide Sargasso Sea is representative of racism
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