Who is Bertha?
* Wife of Mr. Rochester: She is the first wife of Mr. Rochester, whom he keeps hidden away in Thornfield Hall.
* A prisoner: Bertha is effectively imprisoned in the attic, a victim of her husband's cruelty and society's prejudices.
* A tragic figure: She is presented as an unstable and violent woman, but her behavior is largely a result of her mistreatment. She is often seen as a symbol of the ways in which women were marginalized and silenced in Victorian society.
* A symbol of hidden truths: Bertha's existence as a secret, and her eventual escape, represent the hidden realities and injustices that were often concealed within Victorian households.
Her role in the story:
* The catalyst for Jane's journey: Bertha's presence and her eventual escape force Jane to confront the reality of Mr. Rochester's past and his flaws. This leads to Jane's decision to leave Thornfield and ultimately to her own personal growth and self-discovery.
* A critique of Victorian society: Bertha's situation exposes the hypocrisy and cruelty of Victorian society, particularly towards women. She is labeled "mad" and "uncontrollable," but her behavior is often a response to the abuse she has suffered.
* A force for change: Bertha's story, though tragic, ultimately pushes Mr. Rochester to acknowledge his wrongdoings and to strive for a more equitable relationship with Jane.
Important to note:
* The portrayal of Bertha has been subject to criticism for its portrayal of mental illness.
* Some interpretations suggest that Bertha represents the wild, passionate side of Mr. Rochester, which he represses and ultimately destroys.
Bertha Mason is a complex and tragic character, and her story continues to be debated and analyzed to this day.