Jamaica

Throughout Rhys' narrative, skin color plays a critical role as it represents a strong demarcation factor between the native Jamaicans and the white Creoles such as Bertha and eventually leads to hostility between the two groups.  It should be noted that Jamaica was inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Taino peoples, who were lighter skinned. However, in 1494. Christopher Columbus arrived on Jamaica and most of the natives died thereafter as the result of violence and communicable diseases introduced by the Spanish.

Schalken the Painter.

Schalken the Painter.

[ornament]

            “For he is not a man as I am that we should come together; neither is there any that might lay his hand upon us both. Let him, therefore, take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me.”

Spanish Town, Jamaica

Spanish Town is visited by Mr. Mason and is the place that Antoinette's mother and Mr. Mason marry. It is also the location of the convent school that Antoinette attends. Antoinette seems proud to live here and becomes accustomed to her new life in Spanish Town. Rhys writes, " Underneath, I will write my name in fire red, Antoinette Mason, née Cosway, Mount Calvary Convent, Spanish Town, Jamaica, 1839" (Rhys 48). In this moment, Spanish Town is reinforced as a place of sanctuary, where Antoinette feels protected from the outside world.

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