Daphne du Maurier is a master storyteller, and within this literary masterpiece, she takes her readers on a journey that spans several themes, including love and marriage, death and memory, justice, deceit, and even sexuality. Using the simplest of symbols as placeholders for feelings, actions, and personalities, the author enables the novel to come alive in the minds of the reader. Her writing style is poetic prose and with a unique touch of nostalgia in the narration, “Rebecca” has been transformed into a timeless masterpiece.
Themes
In “Rebecca,” themes of love, death, and justice intertwine amidst a haunting tale. Love’s complexities, memories of the deceased, and moral reckonings shape the characters’ fates.
Love and Marriage
Love and marriage form the very basis of this novel. Marriage is where the story begins as the heroine and Maxim fall in love and shortly after, get married. The young couple views marriage as both a social and economic responsibility and tries to uphold it as such. However, with immense baggage on both sides, the marriage is off to a rocky start, and the love that the young couple has for each other is constantly tested.
Other forms of love also make an appearance in this novel. For instance, the love that Mrs. Danvers feels for Rebecca is dangerous, to say the least, and it pervades the entire novel with such an intensity that ultimately culminates in the fire at Manderley. We also witness the twisted affection that Rebecca and her cousin, Jack Favell feel for each other – an affection that ultimately leads to Rebecca’s death.
Death and Memory
From the very title of the novel (which is the name of a dead woman) to the ghostly atmosphere of Manderley, death is an all-pervasive theme in “Rebecca.” Mrs. de Winter, a living breathing woman is obsessed with the memory of her husband’s dead wife – to such an extent that she barely lives herself.
Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, continues to fan an undying flame to the memory of her beloved Rebecca long after her death.
Maxim is also haunted by the crime he committed – and the memory of his ex-wife casts a dark gloom over his ancestral property. This is further intensified when Rebecca’s dead body is washed up on shore in her old sailboat. In the end, we learn that Rebecca, even when she was alive, was almost dead from a terminal illness.
Justice
The latter half of the novel is filled with an investigation into Rebecca’s death – which is ultimately chalked up to suicide. This leaves Maxim, her killer, to escape scot-free. However, the novel does seem to offer some kind of justice in the end – in the form of Maxim’s one true love, Manderley going down in flames.
Deceit
Nobody is aware of the truth in Rebecca from start to finish – neither the characters nor the readers. The unreliable first-person point of view sets the tone of deceit throughout the novel, and the whole story is littered with lies no matter which way you turn. Whether it’s Maxim lying about the truth behind his ex-wife’s death, Mrs. Danvers deceitfully pushing the heroine to a suicide attempt, or Rebecca lying about her pregnancy with Maxim, this novel is one big story full of lies. Not to mention, Rebecca’s whole life had been a lie – as she charmed the hearts of the people around her and successfully hid her wicked streak.
Sexuality
Throughout the novel, Rebecca is painted as a brilliant and desirable woman who can charm every man and woman who comes her way. Some scholars have even suggested that she might be bi-sexual – especially considering the intimate relationship she shared with Mrs. Danvers. Her sexual affair with her cousin (and several other men) was the reason for her death, and it seems as if she did not enjoy a sexual relationship with her husband before her marriage.
This is unfortunately mirrored in Maxim’s second marriage as well, and Rebecca is yet again the cause behind the lack of a sexual relationship between the newlyweds. Mr. and Mrs. de Winter suffer a slowdown in their passion due to the haunting memory of his ex-wife. Maxim, therefore, becomes the polar opposite of Rebecca and is painted throughout the novel as a sexually restrained man. However, the spark in the marriage is reignited once the truth about Rebecca’s affair is made known to Mrs. de Winter – and they resume a romantic and sexual relationship once again.
Analysis of Key Moments
Here is a numbered list of all the key moments in “Rebecca”, along with a critical analysis of why each moment is significant.
- The unnamed narrator meets Maxim de Winter in Monte Carlo. This moment sets the stage for the entire story. The meeting between the narrator and Maxim initiates their relationship, which is central to the plot. It also introduces Maxim’s mysterious and brooding character, hinting at his troubled past.
- They fall in love, get married, and move to Manderley. The narrator’s transition from a shy, inexperienced girl to the wife of a wealthy widower marks a major turning point in her life. Moving to Manderley, a grand estate filled with memories of Rebecca, Maxim’s first wife, introduces the central conflict and tension of the novel.
- The young heroine struggles to adjust to her new life in Manderley. The narrator’s struggle highlights her feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, especially in the shadow of Rebecca. This struggle is essential for developing her character and for setting up the psychological drama that unfolds.
- She is haunted by the housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, and the ghost of Maxim’s ex-wife, Rebecca. Mrs. Danvers embodies Rebecca’s pervasive influence, constantly reminding the narrator of her predecessor’s seemingly perfect legacy. This haunting presence adds to the suspense and foreboding atmosphere and deepens the narrator’s internal conflict.
- The heroine accidentally shows up at a costume ball wearing Rebecca’s old gown. This moment is a critical point of humiliation and horror for the narrator. It symbolizes the inescapable presence of Rebecca and the heroine’s failure to establish her own identity. It also intensifies the tension between her and Mrs. Danvers.
- She is horrified by her mistake and almost kills herself. The near-suicide reflects the narrator’s extreme despair and sense of hopelessness. It underscores her emotional vulnerability and the immense psychological pressure she is under.
- A rocket goes off near the cove to signal that a boat has run aground. This event shifts the narrative from internal psychological drama to external action and mystery. It serves as a catalyst for the unraveling of Rebecca’s true story and the secrets hidden in Manderley.
- The boat turns out to be Rebecca’s sailboat and contains her dead body in it. The discovery of Rebecca’s body transforms the story into a suspenseful mystery. It raises questions about Rebecca’s death and sets the stage for the subsequent revelations and investigations.
- Maxim reveals the truth to his wife – that he had killed Rebecca for having an affair and getting pregnant, and sunk her boat. Maxim’s confession is a pivotal moment that alters the narrator’s perception of her husband and their marriage. It shifts the story from one of romantic suspense to a darker tale of crime and moral ambiguity.
- The coroner’s report comes back as suicide. The coroner’s verdict initially seems to exonerate Maxim, but it also adds complexity to the moral landscape of the novel. It raises questions about justice and truth, and whether the characters can ever escape Rebecca’s shadow.
- Rebecca’s cousin and lover, Jack Favell accuses Maxim of murdering Rebecca. Favell’s accusation introduces new tension and conflict. It brings the threat of legal consequences and exposes the fragility of the narrator’s newfound stability.
- The magistrate finds out that Rebecca had traveled to London on the day of her death to meet with a doctor. This discovery is crucial for understanding Rebecca’s actions and state of mind before her death. It provides a lead that will eventually unravel the true circumstances of her demise.
- The doctor reviews that Rebecca had been terminally ill and infertile. The revelation of Rebecca’s illness and infertility explains her reckless behavior and manipulative actions. It shifts the narrative towards a resolution by clarifying her motives and intentions.
- The death is ruled as a case of suicide. The ruling of suicide provides a legal closure to the investigation, but it also leaves lingering questions about moral accountability and the characters’ future.
- Maxim and the heroine learn that Mrs. Danvers has disappeared from Manderley. Mrs. Danvers’ disappearance signifies the collapse of Rebecca’s lingering influence. It suggests a turning point where the characters might finally move on from the past.
- They arrive home to find Manderley up in flames. The destruction of Manderley symbolizes the end of an era and the ultimate liberation from Rebecca’s ghost. It is a dramatic and fitting conclusion to the story, leaving the future of Maxim and the narrator open to interpretation.
Writing Style
Daphne du Maurier’s writing style in “Rebecca” blends nostalgia with poetic prose, creating a vivid, emotive narrative. Detailed descriptions and rhythmic language evoke a haunting atmosphere throughout the novel.
Deceptive and suspenseful tone
Not only is “Rebecca” a study of deceit, but the entire tone of the novel is deceptive as well. The reader never knows what is about to happen, or what the truth is throughout the novel. Daphne Du Maurier has carefully constructed the tone of her novel to be disruptive – and manipulates the reader into forming judgments that they otherwise might not have made. Take this quote for example,
No, Maxim. No. You will put his back up. You heard what Frank said. You must not put his back up. Not that voice. Not that angry voice, Maxim. He won’t understand.
Mrs. de Winter, Chapter 22.
Here, Mrs. de Winter is desperately begging for her husband to be deceptive enough and fool the justice system and the readers are unwittingly drawn to do the same – willing, against all better judgment, for a murderer to be set free.
Detailed and Nostalgic Narrative
Daphne du Maurier’s writing style in “Rebecca” is marked by a profound sense of nostalgia, meticulously recounted by the unnamed heroine. Through her intricate attention to detail, du Maurier crafts a narrative that immerses readers in the vivid world of Manderley, painting a visceral and raw image of both its physical setting and the events that transpired there. Each description is laden with emotive resonance, capturing not just the sights and sounds but also the atmosphere of the past. This nostalgic lens serves to deepen the novel’s emotional impact, drawing readers into a haunting exploration of memory, loss, and the enduring echoes of history.
Poetic Prose
Daphne du Maurier’s mastery of poetic prose in “Rebecca” is evident from its opening line: “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” This line, crafted in iambic hexameter, not only introduces a haunting nostalgia but also establishes a lyrical rhythm that pervades the entire novel. Du Maurier’s use of poetic devices such as meter and imagery enriches the narrative, infusing it with a timeless quality that echoes the romantic allure and melancholic shadows of Manderley. The poetic tone enhances the novel’s atmospheric depth, inviting readers into a world where language itself evokes emotions and memories, shaping the very essence of the story.
Analysis of Symbols
“Rebecca” is rich with symbolism, enhancing the novel’s themes and deepening the psychological impact. Let’s explore some key symbols:
Flowers
The novel overflows with flowers on almost every page, whether it is the rhododendrons that stand blood red against the background or the pale azaleas that cover the earth on the so-called “Happy Valley.”
The two flowers have been planted by Maxim’s dead wife and seem to represent two sides of Rebecca herself. The rhododendrons are reminiscent of Rebecca and the glorious life she led when hot red blood pumped through her veins, and the white azaleas remind one of her Rebecca lying pale and white in death.
The flowers continue to haunt Mrs. de Winter throughout the novel, much like Rebecca herself does. Rebecca smelled like azaleas when she was alive, but the rhododendrons and azaleas were inescapable long after her death.
Manderley House
The ancestral property of Maxim de Winter takes on a larger-than-life role in this novel. Besides being the predominant setting for most of the events, it seems like the house takes on a personality of its own – one which would haunt Mrs. de Winter almost as much as Rebecca herself.
It is impossible for the heroine to step foot in the house without being reminded of her predecessor, and the house has to ultimately be burned down for Mrs. de Winter to finally be rid of the haunting memory of her husband’s ex-wife.
The Statue of The Satyr
Satyrs are a class of lustful Greek gods that have come to represent sexuality and sexual appetite in literature. When she was alive, Rebecca installed a statue of a satyr which can be viewed from the morning room. This statue – which appears distasteful to Mrs. de Winter – represents Rebecca’s own lustful nature and sexual adventures.
By the end of the novel, we catch Mrs. de Winter thinking to herself about tearing the statue down – an act that suggests that she is sexually reticent when compared to her husband’s ex-wife.
The Cupid Figurine
Rebecca and Maxim receive a cupid figurine as a wedding present which is ultimately smashed to the ground by Mrs de Winter’s own wedding present, a set of art books.
This foreshadows coming events in the novel – where the happy picture that Mrs. de Winter had conjured up regarding the marriage between Maxim and Rebecca is shattered to pieces when she finds out the truth.
The Sea
The sea symbolizes Rebecca’s wild nature. While Rebecca’s bedroom window had a full view of the sea, the narrator (who was completely opposite in terms of personality) had a bedroom far from the sea. The sea in the novel was a raging mass of waves that the narrator stayed away from – similar to the manner in which she shied away from Rebecca’s wild and adventurous spirit.
Personal Perspective
“Rebecca” is a masterclass in gothic suspense, drawing readers into a world where the past looms ominously over the present. From the moment I stepped into Manderley alongside the second Mrs. de Winter, I was captivated by the atmospheric tension and psychological complexity. The protagonist’s journey from a timid, insecure young woman to someone who confronts the haunting legacy of Rebecca is both gripping and poignant. The enigmatic Maxim de Winter and the sinister Mrs. Danvers add layers of intrigue and menace, making the narrative richly textured.
What strikes me most is du Maurier’s exploration of identity and memory. The way Rebecca’s presence pervades every corner of Manderley, despite her absence, is a powerful commentary on how the past can shape and sometimes distort our present reality. The novel’s twists and turns kept me on edge, and the revelation of Rebecca’s true nature was a satisfying and unexpected twist. Overall, “Rebecca” is a brilliantly crafted novel that delves deep into the human psyche, making it a timeless and unforgettable read.
