"Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
Themes:
Identity and Self-Perception:
The novel delves into the theme of identity, particularly the protagonist's struggle
with her own sense of self in the shadow of her predecessor, Rebecca. The unnamed
narrator grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to conform to societal
expectations.
Power and Control:
The theme of power dynamics is evident in the relationships between characters,
especially in the marriage between the narrator and Maxim de Winter. The influence
of Rebecca's memory and the manipulative actions of other characters contribute to a
sense of power imbalance.
The Haunting Power of the Past:
The past, particularly the memory of Rebecca, exerts a powerful influence on the
present. The lingering presence of Rebecca shapes the relationships and events at
Manderley, emphasizing the inescapable impact of history.
Mystery and Secrets:
The novel is characterized by a pervasive atmosphere of mystery and secrecy. Hidden
truths, concealed motives, and undisclosed information contribute to a sense of
suspense and intrigue.
Thematic Statement:
A thematic statement could be something like: "Du Maurier's 'Rebecca' unravels a
tale of identity and power, illustrating the profound impact of the past on the present.
Through the narrator's journey, the novel explores the complexities of self-perception
and the struggle to assert individual identity in the face of societal expectations,
secrets, and the haunting influence of history."
Motifs:
1. Manderley:
Manderley, the grand estate where much of the story takes place, is a recurring motif.
It represents the opulence and grandeur of the aristocratic world.
2. Flowers and Gardens:
Flowers and gardens are frequently mentioned and play a symbolic role in the novel.
They represent the superficial beauty and societal expectations associated with the
aristocratic lifestyle.
3. Weather and Atmosphere:
The novel uses weather and atmospheric descriptions to create a sense of foreboding
and tension. Storms and changes in weather coincide with crucial events in the plot,
reflecting the emotional states of the characters and contributing to the Gothic
atmosphere.
4. Dreams and Nightmares:
Dreams and nightmares are woven into the narrative, emphasizing the psychological
and emotional turmoil experienced by the characters. The line between reality and
imagination becomes blurred, contributing to the overall sense of suspense and
mystery.
Symbols:
1. Manderley:
Symbolizes grandeur, power, and the past
2. Rebecca's portrait:
Symbolizes the idealized past, secrets, and the weight of expectations
3. The west wing and Rebecca's bedroom:
Symbolizes forbidden knowledge, secrets, and the past
4. The sea:
Symbolizes mystery, power, and the unpredictable nature of life
5. Maxim's cottage:
Symbolizes simplicity, escape, and a sanctuary from the past
Tone:
1) Gothic:
The tone of "Rebecca" is distinctly Gothic, characterized by elements of mystery,
suspense, and the supernatural. The imposing Manderley estate, the atmospheric
descriptions, and the sense of foreboding contribute to the Gothic tone.
Example: "Last night, I dreamt I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by
the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while, I could not enter, for the way was
barred to me."
2) Melancholic:
There is a pervasive melancholy tone throughout the novel, particularly in the
narrator's reflections on her own identity and the weight of living in the shadow of
Rebecca. The melancholy tone is heightened by the haunting atmosphere of
Manderley.
Example: "I knew that I had come face to face with someone whose mere personality
was so fascinating that, if I allowed it to do so, it would absorb my whole nature, my
whole soul, my very art itself."
3) Romantic:
The tone also carries a romantic element, not in the traditional sense of love but in the
romanticization of the past and the intense emotions that characters experience.
Example: "We can never go back again, that much is certain. The past is still too
close to us. The things we have tried to forget and put behind us would stir again,
and that sense of fear, of furtive unrest, struggling at length to blind unreasoning
panic—now mercifully stilled, thank God—might in some manner unforeseen become
a living companion as it had before."
Mood:
1) Suspenseful:
The mood is consistently suspenseful, keeping the reader on edge as secrets are
slowly revealed and the mystery of Rebecca's life and death unfolds. The narrative
builds tension, creating a palpable sense of anticipation.
Example: "But Manderley is ours no longer. Manderley is no more. Even the name I
took from a novel. I shall not take a name from a novel this time. I shall take a name
that is in no way associated with Manderley. I shall take a name that has nothing
whatever to do with what once went on within the great house. I shall call myself
plain Mrs. de Winter, and sign myself in the same way, and that is all."
2) Foreboding:
There is a pervasive sense of foreboding that hangs over the narrative, especially in
relation to the secrets surrounding Manderley and Rebecca.
Example: "There was Manderley, our Manderley, secretive and silent as it had
always been, the gray stone shining in the moonlight of my dreams, the mullioned
windows reflecting the green lawns and the terrace."
3) Eerie:
The mood is often eerie, with elements of the supernatural and the uncanny. The
mysterious occurrences, such as the presence of Rebecca's portrait and Mrs. Danvers'
eerie loyalty, contribute to the unsettling atmosphere.
Example: "The night was a great sluice that spilled, sluiced and spilled its waters out
over the blackened earth. The heavens opened then, I think, and the rain fell like
tides, like the disintegration of the skies, like the veils of death."
4) Tense:
The mood is tense, especially in the interactions between characters and in the
unraveling of the plot. The tension arises from the conflicts, secrets, and the
overarching question of what really happened to Rebecca.
Example: "We did not talk much, Maxim and I. We were too happy for words. But he
put his arm around me and kissed me, and the tension, the strain of the day, the
horror, left me. My heart beat normally, and there was peace in my heart and in my
body."
