“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier, published in 1938, reflects the socio-political tensions of the late 1930s, marked by the Great Depression and impending World War II. The novel delves into British class structures and evolving gender roles, influenced by du Maurier’s aristocratic background and personal experiences. Its gothic romance and exploration of identity and power have garnered enduring critical acclaim, inspiring numerous adaptations and maintaining its relevance in modern cultural discourse.
Historical Context
Daphne du Maurier wrote “Rebecca” in the late 1930s, with its publication in 1938. This era was marked by significant global tension, leading up to the outbreak of World War II. The 1930s were a tumultuous decade, characterized by the Great Depression’s lingering effects and the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe. The shadow of impending war loomed large, creating a sense of uncertainty and anxiety that influenced contemporary literature. In the United Kingdom, where du Maurier lived and worked, there was a palpable sense of change and foreboding as the nation prepared for potential conflict.
The socio-political environment of the 1930s was one of social stratification and shifting norms. The British class system, while still rigid, was beginning to show signs of change. The aristocracy’s influence was waning, and new social dynamics were emerging. Women, too, were experiencing a shift in their roles and opportunities, as the suffrage movement had recently achieved significant milestones. “Rebecca” reflects these tensions and transitions, exploring themes of identity, power, and social status within the confines of a gothic romance. The novel’s exploration of memory, guilt, and the past’s haunting presence can also be seen as a metaphor for the uncertain times in which it was written
Cultural Context
“Rebecca” portrays the rigid class distinctions and gender roles of early 20th-century British society. The protagonist, an unnamed young woman, marries Maxim de Winter, a wealthy and aristocratic widower, and enters the elite world of Manderley, his grand estate. The novel depicts the expectations placed upon women, emphasizing their roles as dutiful wives and the keepers of domestic harmony.
The book subtly critiques these cultural norms by highlighting the oppressive nature of societal expectations and the destructive power of obsession with the past. The protagonist’s struggle with her identity and the ghostly presence of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, underscore the limitations placed on women and the impact of living in someone else’s shadow. Through the narrative, du Maurier explores themes of jealousy, insecurity, and the search for self-worth in a society that often marginalizes women.
Daphne du Maurier’s Personal Context
“Rebecca” was hardly Daphne du Maurier’s first best-selling novel. Du Maurier had already been an established writer who was recognized for a distinct writing style and highly memorable plot structures in all of her works. Her career began as a short story writer after which she moved into writing novels, with the first of her repertoire being “The Loving Spirit.” Published in 1931 to a generally favorable reception, the novel did not achieve lasting fame like some of her later works did.
Over the next few years, du Maurier continued to hone her skills with the publication of four other novels, including the sharp and witty “I’ll Never Be Young Again” (1932) and best-seller “Jamaica Inn” (1936). The author proved herself capable of navigating various genres with ease, especially with the publication of a novel about her ancestors, “The du Mauriers” (1937) as well as a biography of her late father, Sir Gerald du Maurier (an actor/manager) titled “Gerald: A Portrait” (1934).
By the time du Maurier wrote “Rebecca,” she had already earned a reputation of being an excellent creator of setting and place – a reputation that was effectively sealed with the depiction of Manderley in “Rebecca.” Several influences inspired the creation of the Manderley estate in the novel, some of them including Menabilly, Cornwall, and Milton Hall.
One of the major inspirations for “Rebecca” is Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre,” which follows a similar structure in terms of plot. Du Maurier’s own life (specifically the jealousy that she felt towards her husband, Frederick Browning’s ex-wife) served as inspiration for the plotline as well.
Gothic Influence
Although “Rebecca” is often categorized under the genres of crime fiction, murder mystery, or romantic suspense, the novel is an embodiment of a Gothic novel at its heart.
“Rebecca” contains several defining characteristics of the Gothic including death, a haunted home, overpowering love or romance, ghosts, women in distress, and so on. The picturesque setting of Manderley hardly calls to mind a peaceful or blissful atmosphere that you might expect with a grand ancestral estate. Instead, the air is shrouded in mystery and suspense – an atmosphere that is amplified by the ghost of Rebecca that haunts the house.
Rebecca’s eerie presence is felt no matter where you go in Manderley, and her memory is kept alive by the sinister Mrs. Danvers, who is the picture of Goth herself. Dressed in deep black with a tall, gaunt figure and a white skull-like face, Mrs. Danvers sends shivers down the spines of both the narrator and the readers every time she enters a scene.
Several elements serve to enhance the Gothic nature of “Rebecca.” The very beginning of the novel, for instance, produces a mystery in the minds of the readers. With the iconic first line, “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again,” the readers are given a glimpse into the secret-enshrouded house of Manderley. A mysterious incident has taken place there – one which was so traumatic that it has left Mr. and Mrs. de Winter lost and wandering for the rest of their lives. The opening lines immediately set the tone for the novel, which continues on its Gothic journey.
The romance between an older man and a younger woman is a popular Gothic plot element that seems to have been inspired by the 19th-century classic, “Jane Eyre.” In fact, “Rebecca” has heavily borrowed from this novel by Charlotte Bronte, which has been duly celebrated for its macabre and suspenseful plot, as well as its Gothic characters. A second resemblance is usually drawn between “Rebecca” and one of its literary predecessors, the French folktale about “Bluebeard.” “Bluebeard” is a story about a wealthy nobleman who brings his young wife to his mysterious mansion, where she discovers that her husband had previously killed all of his ex-wives.
Violence, which is a popular element of the Gothic novel, makes an appearance as well. In a fit of rage and emotion, Maxim de Winter brutally shoots his wife, Rebecca to death. Further, in classic Gothic fashion, the weather in the novel mirrors the emotions of the characters in several instances. For example, a mysterious fog seems to hang over Manderley whenever Mrs. de Winter feels miserable, while on the other hand, the skies seem to clear up whenever she feels some self-assurance. Similarly, on the night that Rebecca confesses to Maxim that she is pregnant with another man’s child, a terrible storm rages on while Maxim flies into a fit of temper.
Finally, fire, a popular Gothic element, makes it into the novel as well. The house of Manderley is set on fire in the very last lines of the book. This incident brings the book full circle and reveals the tragic secret behind the lives of Mr. and Mrs. de Winter as well as the eerie Manderley. Although the so-called truth is out by the end of the novel, the air of Gothic mystery and suspense never leaves the reader even after they turn the last page.
Critical Reception
Published in August 1938, “Rebecca” became world-famous almost overnight. With more than 200,000 copies being sold in just 4 months of its release, the novel was an instant hit both in the United Kingdom and in the United States. It became clear to du Maurier’s publisher, Viktor Gollancz just two weeks after the publication of “Rebecca” that no more advertisement was going to be necessary to promote this novel. Word about du Maurier’s thrilling best-seller spread like wildfire and “Rebecca “quickly became the talk of the town.
Despite its success, Daphne du Maurier had an extremely slow start to “Rebecca.” She had been thinking about replicating the jealousy in her marriage in one of her novels ever since 1932. She finally signed a 3-book deal with her publisher in 1937. She admittedly had a sluggish start to the novel and even tore up her first manuscript “in disgust.” She called this a “literary miscarriage” that hindered her progress on the novel. However, she finally finished it in early 1938 and immediately sent it in for publication.
Even though du Maurier had already written several popular novels in the past and continued to do so in the future, none of them garnered as much attention as “Rebecca” did. Contemporary critics received the novel as an exemplary masterpiece that was both exciting and ingenious at the same time. The Times Literary Supplement praised du Maurier’s knack for storytelling and almost every critic at the time seemed to agree upon the trance-like narrative voice and the gripping nature of the plot itself. “Rebecca” has enjoyed lasting popularity, and it has never gone out of print since it was first published. The novel has remained a classic over the years and is still just as well-loved by readers even today.
Modern Relevance
“Rebecca” remains relevant in modern times due to its exploration of themes such as identity, power dynamics, and the impact of the past on the present. The book’s focus on the protagonist’s struggle with self-worth and societal expectations resonates with contemporary issues surrounding mental health, self-identity, and the pressures of conformity. In today’s world, where social media and public personas often create unrealistic standards, the unnamed protagonist’s insecurity and comparison to Rebecca reflect ongoing struggles with self-image and societal judgment.
The novel’s examination of toxic relationships and emotional manipulation continues to hold significance. The character of Mrs. Danvers, with her manipulative and obsessive nature, provides a compelling depiction of psychological control and abuse. This theme is pertinent in contemporary discussions about emotional abuse and the importance of mental well-being in relationships.
“Rebecca” has also seen numerous adaptations and reinterpretations, demonstrating its enduring appeal. Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 film adaptation is perhaps the most famous, but the story has also been adapted for stage, radio, and television. In 2020, a new film adaptation was released on Netflix, introducing the story to a new generation and highlighting its timeless relevance.
Critical analysis of “Rebecca” has evolved over time. Initially praised for its suspenseful narrative and gothic atmosphere, the novel has since been examined through various lenses, including feminist and psychoanalytic perspectives. Scholars have explored the power dynamics between characters, the protagonist’s quest for identity, and the subversion of traditional gender roles.
The impact of “Rebecca” on literature and culture is significant. It has influenced countless gothic novels and suspense thrillers, setting a high standard for atmospheric storytelling and complex character development. The book’s exploration of dark psychological themes has inspired writers and filmmakers, cementing its place as a classic in both literature and popular culture. Its continued relevance and adaptability underscore its profound impact and enduring legacy.
