Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier Analysis

Summary

In this video, Miss Hannah explores Daphne du Maurier's *Rebecca*, delving into its plot, social context, and key themes. The story, rooted in Gothic tradition, follows a young, naive woman as she marries a wealthy older man and becomes haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. Themes of jealousy, gender roles, rivalry, and sexual repression are analyzed, alongside an exploration of the novel's Gothic atmosphere. The video examines the psychological complexities of the characters, particularly the protagonist, and the narrative's non-linear structure. The discussion also touches on the influence of du Maurier's life and historical context on the novel's creation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The novel 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier follows a traditional Gothic and noir structure, with a young and naive woman marrying a wealthy older man and feeling haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.
• 😀 Rebecca is a constantly haunting presence in the novel, never seen directly, but often referenced through clothing, objects, and memories.
• 😀 The social, historical, and biographical context of 'Rebecca' is influenced by Daphne du Maurier's own life, including her relationship with her husband's previous fiancée, who committed suicide.
• 😀 The novel's setting, Manderley, is modeled after du Maurier's own home in Cornwall and plays a significant role as both a character and a symbol of the Gothic atmosphere.
• 😀 The novel is not part of the modernist movement, as du Maurier opts to write in a traditional Gothic style, focusing on atmosphere, mystery, and psychological states rather than experimentation.
• 😀 Key Gothic elements in the novel include a disturbing atmosphere, the uncanny presence of Rebecca, and a sense of psychological horror that reflects the protagonist's inner turmoil and jealousy.
• 😀 Themes of gender and the performance of femininity are explored, with the protagonist feeling inadequate in her role as a wife, especially when comparing herself to Rebecca's beauty and charm.
• 😀 Rivalry and mirroring are prominent themes, with the protagonist constantly being compared to Rebecca, and her rivalry with Mrs. Danvers, who embodies an obsessive attachment to Rebecca.
• 😀 Sexual repression is another key theme, with hints of unspoken desires and tensions, including Rebecca's possible bisexuality and Maxim's complicated relationship with the protagonist.
• 😀 The narrative structure is non-chronological, starting with a dreamlike vision of Manderley and then flashing back to the past, creating suspense as the protagonist unravels the mystery surrounding Rebecca's life and death.

Q & A

What is the main plot of Daphne du Maurier's *Rebecca*?

The plot of *Rebecca* centers on a young and naive woman who marries a wealthy older man, Maxim de Winter. They move to his isolated estate, Manderley, where she becomes haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Rebecca was murdered by Maxim.

How is Rebecca's presence felt in the novel despite never physically appearing?

Rebecca's presence is felt throughout the novel through the constant references to her, her clothing, and the objects she left behind. The protagonist is frequently compared to Rebecca by the servants, and Rebecca's memory haunts the entire atmosphere of Manderley.

How does the novel reflect Daphne du Maurier's personal life?

The novel draws parallels to du Maurier's personal life, particularly her experiences with jealousy and domesticity. Du Maurier's own marriage to John Ricardo, whose previous fiancée committed suicide, may have influenced the themes of Rebecca's death and the psychological tension in the story.

What is the significance of Manderley in *Rebecca*?

Manderley is not just a physical setting; it is portrayed almost as a character in the novel. The estate symbolizes the oppressive forces of the past and the societal pressures on the protagonist. It is both a beautiful and haunting space, reflecting the protagonist’s struggles to adapt to her new life.

What role does the Gothic genre play in *Rebecca*?

The novel is deeply influenced by Gothic elements, such as a disturbing atmosphere, the uncanny (e.g., the mysterious mrs. Danvers and the doppelganger effect between Rebecca and the protagonist), and the exploration of deep psychological states. These features contribute to the tension and sense of horror throughout the novel.

How does the theme of gender and the performance of femininity manifest in the novel?

The protagonist grapples with her sense of inadequacy in the role of an upper-class wife. She feels awkward and out of place compared to Rebecca, who embodies the ideal of femininity. This contrast highlights the protagonist's struggle to perform the expected role of a wife and her sense of failure in comparison.

What is the significance of jealousy in *Rebecca*?

Jealousy is a central theme in the novel, particularly through the protagonist’s jealousy of Rebecca and Mrs. Danvers' jealousy of the protagonist. Daphne du Maurier herself described the work as a study in jealousy, emphasizing how destructive and pervasive this emotion is throughout the story.

What is the narrative structure of *Rebecca*?

The novel follows a first-person past-tense narrative, where the protagonist recounts her experiences from the present. The story begins with a dream of Manderley, and the narrative frequently shifts between the present and flashbacks, creating a sense of mystery as the protagonist reflects on her past and unravels the truth about Rebecca.

What role does sexual repression play in the novel?

Sexual repression is a key theme, particularly in the relationship between Maxim and the protagonist, which is initially devoid of intimacy. The novel also hints at Rebecca’s sexual promiscuity and potential bisexuality, with some characters, such as Mrs. Danvers, displaying unhealthy obsessions linked to sexuality.

How does the ending of *Rebecca* reflect themes of destruction and renewal?

The novel ends with the destruction of Manderley in a fire, which is left ambiguous in terms of its cause—whether it was accidental, an act of revenge, or a symbol of liberation. This destruction may represent both the end of the oppressive forces associated with Rebecca and Manderley, as well as a new beginning for Maxim and the protagonist.