In the essay “The Other Side”: Wide Sargasso Sea and Jane Eyre, the author Michael Thorpe compares these two literary works through a unique angle. In Jane Eyre, Bertha is only a poor ghost. The existence of Bertha more likely serves to the purpose of adding gothic element and winning sympathy for Rochester, as Thorpe states. It’s reasonably not to provide completed background for a minor character. While Thorpe argues that Jane Eyre is a more “dated” work because of its radical prejudice. In Jane Eyre, Rochester blames Bertha’s Creole blood for her madness. One’s geometric background doesn’t lead to his madness. It’s a total prejudice. Jean Rhys made up this flaw in her work and provides sufficient details to explain Bertha’s abnormality. Jean even give reasonable explain to Bertha’s unusual behavior, for example, she didn’t remember when she attacks her step-brother. This suggests that she is not mad but fragmental.

In addition, I was surprised at how similar Antoinette and Jane are. Both of them have terrifying childhoods. Bertha is locked up in the attic, while Jane is once locked in the red room. Furthermore, both of them struggle with their identity. Their experiences are such similar, while the finales are almost opposite. I believe Antoinette doesn’t have access to the resource which can support her resistance, such as education. While Jane is lucky enough to be educated and become independent.