“Edward Rochester and the Margins of Masculinity in Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea” by Robert Kendrick

· Kendrick discusses Rochester’s emasculation in Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, however, it is what he says concerning Wide Sargasso Sea that is most interesting.

· Kendrick also says that Rochester is not a central figure in either text, but he “occupies a crucial position in each text” (235)

oIn Jane Eyre, Jane’s marriage to Rochester represents her equality, while in Wide Sargasso Sea, Rochester’s actions help to show how Antoinette/Bertha was pushed into madness.

· The evidence that Kendrick presents from Wide Sargasso Sea is most interesting, because it seems to subvert and expand Rhys’ attempt to write Antoinette/Bertha a life.

· Overall, the article seems to suggest that Rochester’s emasculation is the result of Rochester’s subscription to English customs and British Imperialism in the Caribbean.

oIn terms of English custom

§ the second son

§ Antoinette/Bertha is non-European born

oIn terms of British Imperialism

§ Daniel “Cosway

§ Sees Rochester as a "tall fine English gentleman" (242).

§ Calls Antoinette/Bertha's chastity into question

§ Rochester's double.

oSandi

§ Rochester's second double.

§ Moves with ease between two different communities.