Jane Eyre 15

• "Mr. Rochester flung me behind him: the lunatic sprang and grappled his throat viciously, and laid her teeth to his cheek: they struggled. She was a big woman, in stature almost equaling her husband ... The operation was performed amidst the fiercest yells, and the most convulsive plunges." (p. 298)

Bertha Mason, Mr. Rochester's insane wife, is significant to the novel, and through her character, many of the major themes are expressed. Bertha Mason is referred to as the 'Madwoman in the Attic' which is also the title of the book 'Madwoman in the Attic' written by Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar. (The authors derived this title from Charlotte Bronte's work.) This book describes their feminist beliefs and addresses the issue of literary potential for women in a world shaped by and for men. Charlotte Bronte creates Bertha Mason's character to show the potential in a traditional Victorian marriage. Although Jane doesn't display her frustration like Bertha, she has built up fear of the possible imprisonment that marriage could bring. Bertha is calling out for help, she is shunned and isolated for so long, she eventually turns mad. Bertha speaks to Jane as a warning of the possible dangers marriage might entail.

Work Cited:
"Exposing the Role of Women in The Madwoman in the Attic." 123 Help Me. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. Exposing the Role of Women in The Madwoman in the Attic.

Photo Credit:
Portait Mad Woman. Photograph. Pictures-Images.com. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. http://images-2.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/681988-3-portrait-of-a-mad-woman.jpg.