Origin of the Trope
The 'madwoman in the attic' refers to Bertha Mason from Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre.' She embodies Victorian anxieties about female sexuality, mental illness, and the Other.
Gilbert and Gubar's Analysis
Literary critics Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar's 'The Madwoman in the Attic' examines the trope's impact on women's literature, particularly in the 19th century, revealing its feminist significance.
Symbolism and Themes
The madwoman represents repressed aspects of the protagonist's psyche, exploring themes of freedom, rebellion, and the confinement of women in a patriarchal society.
Beyond 'Jane Eyre'
While Bertha is the archetype, the madwoman trope appears in various works, influencing characters like Lady Macbeth and Miss Havisham, embodying madness and femininity.
Contemporary Reflections
Modern literature frequently revisits the madwoman trope, challenging and deconstructing it to empower female characters and critique societal norms.
Postcolonial Perspective
Postcolonial readings re-evaluate Bertha's character, highlighting issues of race, imperialism, and colonialism in her portrayal and backstory.
Adaptations and Influence
The madwoman trope has inspired various adaptations in film, theatre, and literature, often altering the narrative to give the madwoman a voice.
Who epitomizes 'madwoman in the attic'?
Bertha Mason from 'Jane Eyre'
Lady Macbeth from 'Macbeth'
Miss Havisham from 'Great Expectations'
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