Christophine is Antoinette’s nurse and a significant character in Wide Sargasso Sea. Originally from Martinique, she was given to Annette, Antoinette’s mother, as a wedding present by her first husband. By the time the story begins, Christophine is no longer a slave but works as a servant on the Cosway estate in Jamaica. She is portrayed as a devoted caretaker of both Annette and Antoinette, offering love and guidance. As the only pure Martinican in a Jamaican setting, Christophine stands out. Her songs are distinct from Jamaican music, and she is described as darker-skinned, wearing a black dress, heavy gold earrings, and a yellow handkerchief. She has also chosen to distance herself from her son, emphasizing her independence. This independence makes her a strong and supportive figure for Antoinette, especially in her struggles against Rochester, as Christophine symbolizes resistance and wisdom in the face of oppression.
Christophine plays a key role in Wide Sargasso Sea as both an emotional support and a symbol of resistance for Antoinette. Her relationship with Antoinette connects the young woman to the black community, with Christophine serving as a figure of comfort and strength. Antoinette turns to Christophine for solace, especially when Rochester torments her. Christophine is portrayed as strong, intelligent, and proud, refusing to be controlled by anyone, including the British. In both Antoinette and Rochester’s narratives, she remains loyal to her white mistresses, even after the abolition of slavery. She chooses to stay and continue working for them. Christophine is deeply protective of Annette, speaking out against her English husband and even mourning Annette’s death. When defending Annette to Rochester, she expresses her concern, warning him that if he fails to protect his wife, others will harm her as they did Annette. This loyalty and sense of justice highlight Christophine’s role as a powerful, independent figure in the novel.
Christophine distinguishes herself from the stereotypical portrayal of black women in the novel. She rejects the stereotype of black women being overly flirtatious, as seen when she scolds the young servant Amelie for her flirtations with Rochester, positioning herself as a morally upright character. In contrast, Amelie is depicted as a seductive black woman, highlighting Christophine’s distinctiveness. Christophine also practices obeah, despite it being illegal, proudly asserting her freedom by saying, “it is a free country, and I am a free woman.” She supports herself financially and refuses to give her money to “worthless men,” unlike Antoinette. By placing Christophine in this unique role, the novel challenges the traditional boundaries between black servants and white mistresses. Christophine also resists societal expectations, especially regarding marriage. In a male-dominated society, she chooses to stay unmarried and keep control over her own life and money. Her refusal to marry and give her wealth to a man is an act of resistance against colonial forces that would rather see her live in submission. Through her belief in Obeah, Christophine gains agency and uses her independence and magic to challenge oppression.
Christophine stands out as a powerful and unique figure in the novel, embodying roles such as an anti-colonialist, feminist, motherly figure, and obeah practitioner. Christophine’s strength lies in her sharp language and her special status, which challenge the colonial system. Her practice of Obeah, the “black art,” poses a direct threat to Rochester’s Englishness and cultural dominance. In a bid to control her, Rochester attempts to use the police and British law against her, but Christophine is unafraid. She confronts him, listing his wrongs against Antoinette and leaving him speechless. Through this, she undermines the colonial discourse that seeks to maintain British control over the West Indies. By having Christophine open the novel, Rhys gives her a commanding presence, both in terms of her voice and her narrative influence. One of the most striking moments is when Christophine confronts Rochester, accusing him of diminishing Antoinette’s worth and undermining his authority. Her boldness in making such a direct accusation highlights her courage, especially as a servant. Christophine’s actions challenge the patriarchal system, asserting her strength and defiance against male-dominated power structures.
