Argument essay about the nature of Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea.

Hello, I'm new here but I've always browsed around the forum and realized that this is a great place for students who need help. I am doing an essay on Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea.

Here is the prompt:
Make an argument about hte nature of Jean Rhys's response to Jane Eyre. This should not be a "compare and contrast" but an argument about Rhys is saying in response to Cb. Does she repeat themes or agendas? Diverge from them? Pay homage? Remember to ground your argument in technique, ie HOW Rhys constructs her response.

I wrote the introduction and I believe I have a claim, but I'm having trouble with the structure/outline of the essay. My teacher stated that the essay should not be a compare and contrast but in order to discuss the themes, agendas, similarities or differences of the two stories, I still have to compare and contrast them.. Help?

Here is my introduction:

The Search for Identity in Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea
Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre has inspired the production of various works such as Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea. In Jane Eyre, Bronte focuses on Jane Eyre's struggles and hardships in the Victorian society whereas in Wide Sargasso Sea, Rhys concentrates on Antoinette Cosway's life before and during her madness from several perspectives. Both characters share similar characteristics and situations but there are a few great differences as well. In England, an environment that strongly adheres to the Victorian values and beliefs, Jane fights for female individuality and happiness because she lives in a society based on Christian belief of justice. On the other hand, Antoinette lives in Jamaica, a paradise that does not have such values, even after the emancipation of slaves; she is culturally divided between two races, both of which reject her and her family. In a society that promotes justice and equality, Rhys shows that a woman is unable to find her identity and a sense of belonging due to society and its problems.

If you've read both books, it would be nice if you can help me. Right now, I am not sure what I have so far will develop into a good essay or if it is what the teacher is looking for. Another alternative would be to write about the differences between Bertha (known as Antoinette in Jane Eyre) and Antoinette in Wide Sargasso Sea.. Any advice would be helpful! :)

Yeah, it sure sounds like they are asking for compare and contrast, but actually this is a little different. You are writing about a particular concept associated with the response to Eyre.

Both characters share similar characteristics and situations but there are a few great differences as well that are meaningful because of _______________________---(tell how they are meaningful and your sentence will become meaningful, too.

In a society that promotes justice and equality, Rhys shows that a woman is unable to find her identity and a sense of belonging due to society and its problems. -----You are on the right track, but as you proceed keep this in mind: You are supposed to make an observation about what Eyre's MESSAGE was and what Jean Rhys' RESPONSE was. Interpret the stories to find the underlying conversation.

:-)