Essay outline

Prompt A :

The relationship between men and women, and the differences in their role in society, are central considerations in many works of literature. Discuss the part they plan in Wide Sargasso Sea.

Thesis:

Jean Rhys uses the conventions of the late 1800's to portray the difference in gender roles in the Caribbean society. Through the use of narration of both Antoinette and Edward Rochester, she delivers both sides of the situation (the slave owner and the slave relationship). Through doing so as the audience, we are provided with the opportunity to further our understanding of how the Caribbean society distinguished between the roles of the opposing genders and how it impacts the novels final message. In order to do so, narration, context and characters will be further examined.

Topic Sentence 1:

In order to establish the concept “there is always two sides to every story”, Jean Rhys includes two narrators to tell the story of Antoinette Mason ( Antoinette and Edward Rochester). Through doing so the two genders perspective is presented, hence providing us with various insights into how every situation is viewed.

Examples:

* Part two of the novel → When Rochester describes how he views Amelie, he views himself as an almighty figure

* Part one of the novel → When Antoinette discusses how she feels alienated from her community, how she is treated as an outcast by everyone due to her racial background

Topic Sentence 2:

The novel is influenced by several cultural factors, however the events take place in the Caribbean. The context provides us with insight into the colonial ownership throughout the novel.

Examples:

* Part one of the novel → When Mason disregards Antoinette's mothers worries regarding their safety. Mason believes that he knows what is happening and that the family is safe

* Part two of the novel → How Rochester constantly finds ways to find flaws within his wife, always finds ways to belittle her. She does not fit his archetype of a Victorian woman

* Racial prejudice

Topic Sentence 3:

Not all characters within the text conform to their gender role. There are characters present who unconsciously rebel against what is expected of them.

Examples:

*Christophine is one who strays away from her gender role. She is presented as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind