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“All women, all colours, nothing but fools. Three children I have. One living in this world, each one a different father, but no husband, I thank my God. I keep my money. I don’t give it to no worthless man.”
This quote appears during the brief section of Part Two that Antoinette narrates, and Christophine’s description of her non-nuclear family emphasizes the sheer strength of her independence in spite of the patriarchal culture in which she lives. She proudly acknowledges the fact that she is a single mother uncommitted to any man, an identity which allows her a freedom few women can achieve. This perspective highlights just how oppressive Antoinette’s own situation is and adds a distinctly feminist voice into the narrative.
“Have spunks and do battle for yourself. Speak to your husband calm and cool…Don’t bawl at the man and don’t make crazy faces. Don’t cry either. Crying no good with him. Speak nice and make him understand.”
Christophine gives this advice to Antoinette in Part Two after she laments Rochester’s growing disinterest in their relationship. She takes a very feminist stance in this moment by suggesting that she talk to her husband confidently and directly, an approach which would give Antoinette the feeling of agency she currently lacks in her marriage. Not only does this moment reflect Christophine’s role as a pseudo-mother figure for Antoinette, it also reinforces the commanding authority of her own presence.
"The woman in question was called Josephine or Christophine Dubois, some such name and she had been one of the Cosway servants. After she came out of jail she disappeared, but it was common knowledge that old Mr. Mason befriended her…She is intelligent in her way and can express herself well, but I did not like the look of her at all and consider her a most dangerous person."
This quotation comes from a letter that Rochester receives from Mr. Fraser in Part Two, and it offers a glimpse of how locals view Christophine as well as her history in Jamaica. Already ostracized for her Martiniquais heritage, her practice of obeah and her confident attitude come across as threatening to those who view the world through a more Eurocentric lens. She defies the characteristics of a stereotypical 19th century woman, and as a result, she faces both literal and social forms of punishment.
