Daphne Du Maurier's 'Rebecca' is a gothic novel that weaves a tale of romance, mystery, and psychological intrigue. Set in the grand Manderley estate, it follows the second Mrs. de Winter as she grapples with the shadow of her predecessor, Rebecca. Themes of jealousy, identity, and the complexities of marriage are explored against the backdrop of a suspenseful narrative, culminating in a dramatic conclusion that sees the de Winters' lives changed forever.
Show More
The protagonist's struggle with self-doubt and societal expectations is intensified by the enigmatic and omnipresent memory of Rebecca
His Marriage to Rebecca
Maxim's true sentiments and the grim reality of his marriage to Rebecca force the protagonist to reassess her understanding of love and devotion
Mrs. Danvers' loyalty to Rebecca and psychological manipulation contribute to the novel's escalating suspense
The protagonist's struggle to establish her identity in the shadow of the ostensibly perfect Rebecca highlights the theme of self-identity and the inescapable influence of the past
The power imbalances between genders and societal expectations placed upon women are explored through the protagonist's marriage to Maxim and Rebecca's deceitful character
The novel's non-linear narrative, haunting atmosphere, and exploration of the uncanny embody the gothic tradition
The protagonist's discovery of the truth about Rebecca's character and death leads to the novel's climax
Mrs. Danvers' Vindictive Act
Mrs. Danvers' orchestration of the inferno at Manderley is a culmination of her loyalty to Rebecca and her desire for revenge
The de Winters are liberated from Rebecca's haunting legacy but left displaced and bereft of their former life