Bertha Mason

Definition

Bertha Mason is a pivotal character in Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre', often seen as the hidden wife of Edward Rochester, representing the theme of madness and the oppression of women in the Victorian era. Her character serves as a symbol of the struggles faced by women, particularly those who are marginalized and confined by societal expectations, reflecting deeper issues related to gender and class.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bertha Mason is revealed to be the first wife of Edward Rochester, who was kept hidden in Thornfield Hall due to her mental illness.
2. Her character embodies themes of entrapment and madness, often interpreted as a critique of the treatment of women and those with mental health issues during the Victorian period.
3. The revelation of Bertha's existence serves as a major turning point in 'Jane Eyre', significantly impacting Jane's relationship with Rochester.
4. Bertha's actions, particularly her fiery destruction of Thornfield Hall, symbolize rebellion against oppression and serve as a catalyst for Rochester’s character development.
5. Brontë’s portrayal of Bertha raises questions about race, gender, and power dynamics within the narrative, connecting her story to broader social issues of the time.

Review Questions

• How does Bertha Mason's character contribute to the themes of madness and confinement in 'Jane Eyre'?
  • Bertha Mason's character is crucial in illustrating the themes of madness and confinement in 'Jane Eyre'. Her literal confinement in the attic reflects the societal constraints imposed on women, especially those deemed 'mad' or unworthy. Through her isolation, Brontë critiques how society treats women who do not conform to expected norms, showcasing the damaging effects of such oppression.
• Analyze the significance of Bertha Mason in relation to Edward Rochester’s character development throughout 'Jane Eyre'.
  • Bertha Mason significantly influences Edward Rochester’s character arc by forcing him to confront his past mistakes and moral shortcomings. Her presence complicates his relationship with Jane Eyre, as Rochester must reconcile his feelings for Jane with his obligation to Bertha. This conflict ultimately leads to Rochester's transformation, as he learns about humility and redemption through the consequences of keeping Bertha hidden.
• Evaluate how Bertha Mason's representation reflects colonial attitudes and gender issues prevalent in Victorian society.
  • Bertha Mason’s representation reflects complex colonial attitudes and gender issues prevalent in Victorian society by illustrating how race and gender intersect. As a Creole woman from Jamaica, her character embodies both racial stereotypes and the perceived 'otherness' that colonizers attributed to colonized people. This portrayal highlights not only the oppression faced by women but also how colonialism shaped perceptions of race and insanity. Through Bertha, Brontë critiques societal norms that marginalize individuals based on their gender and ethnicity while exposing deeper anxieties about race relations during the era.

Related terms

Madwoman in the Attic: A term used to describe Bertha Mason, referring to her literal and metaphorical confinement, which reflects the societal constraints placed on women during the Victorian era.

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror and the supernatural, often featuring haunted settings and emotional turmoil, which are central to Bertha's portrayal in 'Jane Eyre'.

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, which is linked to Bertha's character as she is portrayed as a Creole woman from Jamaica, highlighting colonial attitudes in Victorian literature.