Rochester and Bertha in "Jane Eyre" and "Wide Sargasso Sea": An Impossible Match

Bertha Mason, often portrayed as a monstrous figure in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, lacks a defined history or personality. The narrative reveals that her perceived madness is influenced by deeper issues within her marriage to Rochester. Jean Rhys's Wide Sargasso Sea reimagines Bertha's backstory, illustrating how her tragic descent into madness stems from a toxic relationship and cultural dislocation rather than inherent evil. This novel serves as a voice for Bertha and other West Indian women, highlighting their struggles and complexities beyond the confines of Brontë's tale.