In an effort to convey the theme of isolation and madness, Jean Rhys utilized various quotes and scenarios throughout the first and seventeenth pages of her work. The character Mr Luttrell's initial actions served as a precursor to the many berserk scenes to come, while the quote "and no one came near us" at the end of page one emphasized the isolation that drove the characters to madness. Similarly, the phrase "Now we are marooned" on page two strengthened the feeling of isolation through Antoinette and her mother's being stuck on a seemingly deserted island. As for the quote "She had a clear view to the sea" on page 17, it suggested madness in the form of Antoinette's mother awaiting her presumably deceased husband's return whilst staring out to sea - reminiscent of olden times when wives did the same for their sailor husbands. Finally, t
...he quote "her eyes shut and her hands clenched" demonstrated how Antoinette's mother had isolated herself from reality, creating a barrier that amplified her sense of isolation. All in all, these various quotes and scenarios came together to convey Jean Rhys's message of how intense isolation can drive one to madness.In her writing, John Rhys employs various techniques, including tricolons as seen in the quote 'Calmly, Coldly, without a world', to make the reader contemplate the reasons behind the mother's behavior and whether it could indicate madness. The tricolons also serve to imprint the mother's character in the reader's memory. Additionally, on page 17, the repetition of the phrase 'Oh, let me alone' reveals that Antoinette desires to isolate herself from communication, possibly indicating tendencies towards madness. The quote 'pretends
he's deaf. He isn't deaf- he doesn't want to hear. What a devil he is!' on page 19 highlights Godfrey's immaturity and suggests a possible connection to madness. Furthermore, John Rhys employs rhetorical questions in the early pages of Wide Sargasso Sea, as exemplified by the quote 'To die and be forgotten, and at peace. Not to know that one is abandoned, lied about, helpless. All the ones who died- who says a good word for them now?' This cynical quote could also be suggestive of madness.The quote "my mother never asked me where I had been or what I had done" on the following page is a sign of neglect. This could make Antoinette feel unwanted and may lead to a lack of self-esteem, which could exacerbate her mental state. On page 21, the phrase "I had longed for visitors" shows how Antoinette has become remote and withdrawn from society. The word "longed" indicates her past desire for visitors, but now she does not want any more visitors. This suggests to the reader she may have become tired of waiting, linking back to the start of the novel where it is clear from the quote "How could she know that Mr Luttrell would be the first who grew tired of waiting?"
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