Racism is a prevalent theme in Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea, a novel that serves as a prequel to Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre. Set in the 1830s, the novel follows the life of Antoinette Cosway, a mixed-race woman living in the British West Indies. Antoinette is constantly subject to racism and discrimination because of her mixed-race heritage, and this theme is explored in various ways throughout the novel.
One way in which racism is evident in Wide Sargasso Sea is through the treatment of Antoinette by the white colonizers living in the British West Indies. From a young age, Antoinette is seen as inferior because of her mixed-race heritage, and she is constantly subjected to ridicule and prejudice from the white community. This is particularly evident in the way in which the white colonizers view Antoinette's mother, Annette, who is of African descent. Annette is treated as an outsider by the white community, and Antoinette is often seen as an extension of her mother, inheriting the same stigma and discrimination.
Another way in which racism is explored in the novel is through the character of Antoinette's husband, Mr. Rochester. Mr. Rochester is a white man who marries Antoinette, and he is initially attracted to her because of her exotic and mysterious nature. However, as the marriage progresses, Mr. Rochester becomes more and more resentful of Antoinette, viewing her as a burden and a liability. This is partly due to the fact that he is not used to being with a woman of mixed-race heritage, and he is uncomfortable with the societal expectations that come with such a relationship. As a result, Mr. Rochester begins to distance himself from Antoinette, eventually leading to their eventual separation and Antoinette's descent into madness.
Finally, racism is also evident in the way in which the character of Antoinette is depicted in the novel. Throughout the novel, Antoinette is depicted as being otherworldly and exotic, with a distinct "tropical" appearance that is meant to set her apart from the white characters in the novel. This exoticization of Antoinette serves to further reinforce the idea that she is different and inferior, and it contributes to the discrimination and prejudice that she faces throughout the novel.
Overall, racism is a pervasive theme in Wide Sargasso Sea, and it plays a significant role in shaping the experiences of the main character, Antoinette Cosway. Through the depiction of Antoinette's experiences with racism and discrimination, Rhys' novel highlights the damaging effects of prejudice and the importance of challenging and dismantling systems of oppression.
