Student Essay on Sargasso

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Sargasso

Summary:   Essay lists and answers questions about the book "Wide Sargasso" by Jean Rhys.

Reflection of Part 1

Question 1: Why does Mason not want Antoinette to call Sandi "my cousin Sandi""

-"I knew who he was, his name was Sandi, Alexander Cosway's son. Once I would have said 'my cousin Sandi' but Mr Mason's lectures ad me shy about my coloured relatives. I muttered, 'Thanks you'" (Rhys 50)

Mason is known as a person that looks down at the blacks, and dismisses them as inferior, so he is not proud of his black roots. By Antoinette calling Sandi "my cousin Sandi", she forms a bond with him that Mason does not approve of. Why Mason cares so much about what Antoinette, though, remains vague. It is highly likely that it is part of his scheme (mentioned below).

Question 2: Why is Antoinette's name only mentioned towards the end of Part 1"

-"The new nun wiped my eyes with a large handkerchief, gave it to me and asked my name" (Rhys 51).

The passage before Antoinette's name is revealed -

Antoinette reveals herself to the nun at the convent, possibly suggesting that her identity has some sort of relevance with the religious theme of this section. When the nuns clean her face and take care of her in the beginning, it seems to resemble a sort of purification. The purification initiates her new life at the convent. The new life she begins there gives more reason to identify her at that moment.

Question 3: Why is Mason so eager to get Antoinette married"

-"The last time he came was different. I knew that as soon as I got into the room. He kissed me, held me at arm's length looking at me carefully and critically, then smiled and said that I was taller than he thought" (Rhys 58).

Mason buys a lot of clothing for Antoinette and is showering her with "affection." It is plain to see that, by the tone in Antoinette's voice, Mason is not sincere and is simply working out a scheme of some sort. An underlying scheme is very evident, because Mason comes off as a materialistic person. At his wedding, he is overheard talking as if he was only at the Caribbean for financial deals.

Question 4: Why does Antoinette find comfort in the isolated convent"

-"This convent was my refuge, a place of sunshine and of death...But what about happiness, I thought at first, is there no happiness? There must be. Oh happiness of course, happiness, well" (Rhys 56).

At the convent, Antoinette finds protection from the harsh outside world (which has been ugly and disloyal to her), and finds happiness with a real family. Her family consists of the nuns and the other girls, so Antoinette feels safe from discrimination and racism at the convent.

Question 1 comparison

My thoughts were based on the hints that I identified throughout the first part. It is becoming more and more clear to me that Mason is at the Carribean to do business, and not love his family. He seems eager to arrange what seems to be a marriage between one of his "visitors from England" and Antoinette (rather than caring about Antoinette loving the person she marries). His prejudice is displayed throughout the novel and is the main reason why he is not proud of some of his new family ties.

Question 2 comparison

Antoinette has not been really cared for and happy throughout her whole life, and as soon as she enters the convent, where she finds some happiness and refuge, she is identified. I think that this new care and love she receives gives her a "name" in the world. Other passages suggest this, as Antoinette mentions her happiness with her new family.

Question 3 comparison

Returning again to Mason's bigger scheme, Mason almost manipulates Antoinette by showering her with gifts and affection. Knowing Mason, there is only one reason why he would do that out of nowhere (he visits her seldom and leaves quickly, showing how fake his affection was at the convent). That reason is, as the book suggests and as I believe, to become a "rich Englishman"

Question 4 comparison

I think the extensive evidence in the book validates my ideas on why the convent is so special. I know that I am not far off, also because of the "walls" metaphor (Antoinette feels protected from the outside world in the walls of the convent)