Bertha Mason, often referred to as the “madwoman in the attic” in Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre,” serves as a complex character that both challenges and reinforces the societal norms of the Victorian era. Here’s an exploration of her role:
Table of Contents
Reinforcement of Victorian Attitudes Toward Mental Illness
Bertha’s confinement in the attic of Thornfield Hall mirrors the Victorian society’s treatment of the mentally ill. They were often hidden away from public view, either in attics or in asylums. Bertha’s depiction as violent and dangerous reflects prevalent notions of the time that mental illness was associated with moral decay or inherent wickedness.
Challenging Gender Expectations
Bertha can be seen as a manifestation of the suppressed and “wild” side of femininity that Victorian society sought to control. While Jane Eyre represents the “ideal” woman – docile, moral, and reserved – Bertha stands as her antithesis: uncontrollable, passionate, and loud. In this context, Bertha challenges the constrained roles prescribed to women, acting as a foil to Jane’s more controlled demeanor.
Racial and Colonial Implications
Bertha’s Creole heritage, with her being described as originating from the British colony of Jamaica, brings in racial and colonial dimensions. Victorian England often viewed the “other” (in this case, someone from a colony) as exotic, dangerous, and inferior. Bertha’s portrayal can be seen as reinforcing these stereotypes. On the other hand, Bertha’s character also challenges colonial narratives by highlighting the injustices and exploitation inherent in the system. Mr. Rochester’s marriage to her for money and her subsequent confinement can be seen as a metaphor for colonial exploitation.
Marriage and Property
Bertha’s situation illustrates the power dynamics in Victorian marriages. Women were often treated as property, with little agency of their own. Mr. Rochester’s ability to lock up Bertha and keep her a secret speaks to the limited rights of women during this period.
Sexuality and Repression
Bertha’s overt sexuality and “madness” might be linked in the narrative to caution against unrestrained female sexuality. In a society where female purity and chastity were upheld as virtues, Bertha can be seen as a warning against the dangers of unchecked passion.
Sympathy and Humanity
In postcolonial and feminist readings of “Jane Eyre,” Bertha’s character challenges readers to look beyond the “madwoman” label and consider the societal injustices that led to her predicament. Jean Rhys’ novel “Wide Sargasso Sea,” for instance, reimagines Bertha’s backstory, offering a sympathetic portrayal and challenging the one-dimensional view of her in “Jane Eyre.