Identity In Wide Sargasso Sea

The desire to discover and uphold a form of self-identity is an essential and inert component in the alinement of inner mindful composure. The determination of identity is comprised of certain standards and necessitates that arise from within an individual to meet a level of adequacy for that identity. However, barriers from within a society can challenge the standards of an individual to question their own sense of identity or acknowledge and find solace in who they are. Without a certain and stable form of identity individuals suffer greatly and often feel inadequate as they search to fulfill the need to become wholesome. Similarly, the rise of challenge and crisis can empower their inner sense of self or identity. In Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso

By doing so, Rhys highlights how Rochester is so insecure about his own personal identity that he is remained anonymous throughout the plight of the novel. Rochester’s identity crisis as a male stems from issues regarding the power of the English patriarchy. As the youngest son of an elite, upper-class English family, Rochester receives no inheritance from his father and is not required to carry on the family name, unlike the eldest son. Rochester, like the other characters described before, is an outsider in his own community. Rochester is essentially out casted by his father, leaving him no other choice than to marry a wealthy Creole bride to maintain a level of respect within the family. Names are defining and often carry their own sense of personal identity. Rhys depicts Rochester’s lack of influence and power through namelessness. Rochester is not able to claim a first name, or last name, and as a result Antoinette’s last name remains unchanged after their marriage. Instead, Rochester utilizes his authority and privilege as a white male to exert dominance and identity control over others to compensate for his own lack of identity. As a cruel attempt to dominate Antoinette’s identity, Rochester would rename her "Marionetta" to signify his control over her like a doll. Rochester’s inability to claim a sense of identity leaves him incomplete and to regain control he identifies others at his whim to feel