Identity Crisis in Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea Revisited

Abstract

This paper examines the identity crisis experienced by Antoinette in Jean Rhys ' Wide Sargasso Sea (1966) from a predominantly soci-psychological perspective. Since most of the critical attention regarding Wide Sargasso Sea has been devoted to external problems, such as race, gender and colonial politics, this article will concentrate on the psychological relevance of those issues, examining the reasons for the internal conflict and sharp divisions that torment the heroine. It investigates identity crisis faced by the novel's heroine and her struggle to overcome this crisis in a society where woman is triply marginalized by race, class, gender and colonialism. It also traces Antoinette's search and struggle for an independent life and examines the extent to which she succeeds or fails in articulating her identity. Special emphasis will be laid on Erik Erikson's psychological theories of identity crisis and human development. The paper depicts the protagonist's endeavour to overcome the external forces that impact the construction or destruction of her identity. Ultimately, Antoinette reaches a resolution on her own terms, depending on her own personal decision and the surrounding societal and cultural circumstances.