Concerns of Feminists in "Wide Sargasso Sea"
In response to the feminists concerns of the novel “Wide Sargasso Sea” by Rhys (1967), it is evident from the vivid descriptions of Antoinette life style, the way she is treated, and perceived that women were considered lesser beings compared to men. From such an understanding, the feminists are particularly concerned with the women’s gender, identity and place in the society, level of oppression, rights and roles in the society. For instance, the feminists are displeasured with the way women in the patriarchal society where men dominate as depicted in the novel are the gender associated with madness. Moreover, their abilities are limited to only serving the men in their lives.
Expression of Identity in the Novel
Correspondingly, there is a general expression of identity in the novel. Race, gender, culture and place in the society are highlighted as the basic components of one’s identity. In the novel, the protagonist character-Antoinette is portrayed to be in an identity crisis. The novel’s heroine is challenged with having to be a white who is not English and West Indian who is not black. She is deeply fighting her thoughts and emotions in interpersonal conflict as well as a sharp division emanating from being caught between having to choose from one of the two cultures that define who she is and where she has her origins.
Deconstruction in Reading a Text
Finally, deconstruction can be used in reading a text when there is need to delve more into the language that has been used by the author to deliver the information or message in the text. There is more to language in particular the choice of words and intended meanings when it comes to in-depth understanding, conceptualization and interpretation of texts.
