Wide Sargasso Sea, a prequel to Jane Eyre, is set in the Caribbean and, briefly, at Rochester’s
Thornfield in the nineteenth century. Jean Rhys emphasizes multiple sides to a
story and the destructive power of rejection in this story about Charlotte
Brontë’s madwoman in the attic. The novel is filled with feminist and
post-colonial themes. (Note: Reading Jane
Eyre is recommended but not required.)
Activities:
Students participate in discussions of the characters, themes, and symbols. Students analyze the shifting point of view, use research skills, and exercise creative writing. They also present dramatizations of scenes from the novel and complete compare/contrast exercises.
Supplementary materials include multiple-choice quizzes with answer keys, writing topics, and creative culminating activities.
Ethical Values:
Compassion, Equality, Justice, Responsibility, Truth
