Reshma Modi

As slavery expanded in Jamaica, a third classification of people emerged. With the mix of English, Spanish, French, African American, and native people varying kinds of Creole developed. As such though, "Creole" has numerous definitions and connotations. Even in the Oxford English Dictionary there is no one precise definition of the term. Only the derivation of the word Creole being from the Spanish word criollo, meaning "native to the place," is an accurate description of Creole was. In Jane Eyre therefore the reference to Bertha being a "Creole" leaves much up to the reader's imagination, and Charlotte Bronte's will. Due to the ambiguous nature of what "Creole" is, the definition of who or what Bertha is also becomes ambiguous.

Of the many definitions, two of the most relevant ones for Bertha as a Creole, are Creole white and Creole negro. Both terms are explicit references to color, and both are used in contradictory ways to apply to Bertha. Despite her appearance being described as a dark person, and her actions reflecting those of a black slave, her parentage is obviously not one of being black. Owing to the fact "Mr Mason. . . was his [Mr. Rochester's father's] old acquaintance. He was certain his possessions were real and vast," indicating that her father at least was of English Gentry (343; ch. 27). Her mother's identity, just her own, remains a mystery though, but it can be assumed that if she were a black slave's daughter, she most probably would not and could not have been recognized as a legitimate heir to any part of her father's estate. Mostly due to the fact that if this was the case Rochester would not have married her. In fact, she is compared by him to be "in the style of Blanche Ingram; tall, dark, and majestic," (343; ch. 27) implying that she was darker-skinned than the ideal English woman, but at the same time obviously European.

Bertha's description here is extremely misleading, especially since she is considered black through her actions. Repeatedly, Bertha's identity is related to that of a black slave, especially by Jane who says "I never saw face like it! It was a discoloured face--it was savage face" (317; ch. 25). Obviously, here the description of her having a "discoloured" face, and being "savage" is one that relates directly to how the slaves were seen by their white masters. When Rochester describes Bertha as his " Indian Messalina," interestingly enough, the notes mention that "Indian" could be seen as West Indian, and "Messalina" could be a reference to the non-European ancestry of Bertha, yet it does not say specifically what is meant by "non-European" (350; ch. 27). It is evident though, that Rochester does not see her as an European, let alone an equal.

Another interpretation of Bertha's character is that the novel "associates her with . . . the black Jamaican antislavery rebels, the Maroons" (Meyer 252). Her action of making "her way to the chamber that had been the governess's--like she knew somehow how matters had gone on, and had spite for her--and she kindled the bed there" is most reminiscent of the slave rebellions that plagued the slave owners on the island of Jamaica where she is from (475; ch. 36). Just as the slaves knew that the master's house was what caused their lack of freedom, Bertha also realizes that she is kept there so that Rochester could be with Jane. Her burning down of that place, and her killing her self is very symbolic of her freedom from being a slave.

In the end Bertha's character is never truly explained. At different times in the novel Bertha is associated with many things, some human, some not human, and even some animal. For example, upon first encountering her Jane says she reminds her of the supernatural being of a "Vampyre" (317; ch. 25). Later, when Bertha is first truly seen by Jane she is described as a caged animal which "grovelled, seemingly, on all fours; it snatched and growled like some strange wild animal" (328; ch. 26). As this passage goes on Jane becomes even more explicit by directly calling her a "clothed hyena" which "stood tall on its hind feet" (328; ch. 26). Mrs. Poole refers to her as a witch when she says that "'One never knows what she has, sir; she is so cunning it is not in mortal discretion to fathom her craft'" (328; ch. 26). Earlier still Rochester inadvertently also refers to her as a "West Indian insect" (280; ch. 23). All these numerous references and connotations of what Bertha is, and what is meant by "Creole" shows how Bronte leaves the term undefined on purpose. Ambiguity on Bronte's part allows her to give Bertha what ever identity suits her purpose, in what ever part of the book she is in. Therefore Bertha takes on many roles and she is seen as a non-European, a black slave, at some times a rebellious black slave, occasionally as something supernatural, and even as an animal.