A Folkloric Study On Wide Sargasso Sea

Abstract

This study aims to offer an alternative approach to analyze and understand literary texts through folklore. I focused on Jean Rhys's famous novel Wide Sargasso Sea, which has often been examined through a postcolonial approach. My thesis suggests that the postcolonial criticisms are limiting to our understanding of the novel; therefore, an alternative way is needed to explore Wide Sargasso Sea and evaluate its major themes such as cultural clashes and misconceptions from a different perspective. Folklore has allowed me to explore the novel from a wider spectrum because it provides a deeper understanding of the characters, their identities, places, and dreams in the novel. Folklore not only studies the individuals and their societies, but also goes beyond the stereotypes and generalizations.