Review of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca (1938) by Daphne du Maurier is a timeless gothic novel that blends elements of romance, mystery, and psychological suspense. The story is told from the perspective of the unnamed narrator, a young woman who marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves with him to his imposing family estate, Manderley. Once at Manderley, she becomes entangled in the lingering presence of Rebecca, Maxim’s first wife, whose memory casts a shadow over everything, from the household staff to Maxim himself. The narrator is forced to confront the legacy of Rebecca, whose life and mysterious death seem to haunt every corner of Manderley.

Du Maurier masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension and unease, blending psychological drama with a sense of foreboding that grows as the story unfolds. The novel explores themes of identity, obsession, love, and the destructive power of the past, all set against the bleak and atmospheric backdrop of the English countryside. Rebecca is not only a classic gothic novel but also a subtle exploration of social class, femininity, and the complexities of marriage.

Themes in Rebecca

  1. The Power of the Past: One of the central themes in Rebecca is the overwhelming influence of the past on the present. The memory of Rebecca pervades every aspect of the narrator’s new life at Manderley. Rebecca’s beauty, charisma, and the mystery surrounding her death cast a long shadow, preventing the narrator from ever fully escaping her influence. Throughout the novel, the narrator struggles to assert her own identity and place within Maxim’s life and the world of Manderley, as Rebecca’s presence continues to define and shape her new life. Du Maurier explores how the ghosts of the past—whether in the form of memory, legacy, or unresolved trauma—can shape and control the course of one’s future.

  2. Identity and Insecurity: The unnamed narrator’s journey is one of self-discovery and insecurity. She enters a marriage with Maxim de Winter with little confidence, constantly comparing herself to the idealized version of Rebecca, who was everything the narrator feels she is not—beautiful, charismatic, and beloved by all. The narrator’s internal struggle with her sense of worth and identity is a key aspect of the novel. She is unnamed throughout the book, which emphasizes her sense of anonymity and lack of self-definition compared to Rebecca’s powerful presence. This theme explores how the narrator must learn to reconcile her own identity and stop living in the shadow of Rebecca, ultimately discovering her own strength and worth.

  3. Obsession and Possession: The novel examines the psychological impact of obsession and possession, particularly in the relationship between Maxim and Rebecca. Maxim’s obsession with Rebecca, even after her death, and the narrator’s obsessive feelings about Rebecca’s memory, highlight the destructive effects of fixating on the past. The novel also explores how the concept of ownership—whether it’s Rebecca’s relationship with Maxim or the way Manderley becomes a symbol of both possession and loss—can distort relationships and individuals’ sense of autonomy. The narrator’s jealousy and fixation on Rebecca’s image ultimately drive her to uncover the dark secrets of Manderley, as she learns that obsession and possession are linked to emotional destruction.

  4. Jealousy and Rivalry: Jealousy plays a significant role in the development of the narrator’s character, as she constantly compares herself to Rebecca, whom she believes to be superior in every way. Her feelings of jealousy are not just directed at Rebecca but also at the relationships that others had with her, particularly with Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper who remains devoted to Rebecca even after her death. The rivalry between the narrator and Rebecca is internalized within the narrator’s psyche, leading to an intense emotional struggle that revolves around self-worth and social comparison. Du Maurier’s portrayal of jealousy highlights how powerful and destructive this emotion can be, affecting not only relationships but also one’s sense of self.

  5. Class and Social Expectations: Du Maurier subtly critiques the rigid class structures of early 20th-century England. The narrator, who comes from a lower social class, feels constantly out of place in the opulent and aristocratic world of Manderley. Her insecurity is exacerbated by the contrast between her humble origins and the expectations placed upon her as Maxim’s wife. Throughout the novel, the narrator struggles with her role within the class system, particularly as she attempts to measure up to the standards set by Rebecca, who was not only beautiful but also fully entrenched in the social order. The novel touches on how social class, wealth, and societal expectations shape people’s relationships and personal identities.

Character Roles in Rebecca

  1. The Narrator (Unnamed): The unnamed narrator is the protagonist of the novel, and her journey is one of growth and self-realization. She starts as a shy, insecure young woman who feels overshadowed by the memory of Rebecca and her perceived inadequacies. As the novel progresses, she begins to gain confidence in her own identity, ultimately learning that she can never fully escape Rebecca’s shadow. The narrator’s experiences in the novel are a reflection of the themes of self-worth, identity, and the struggle to assert one’s place in the world. Her character represents the universal challenge of defining oneself when one is constantly compared to a seemingly perfect ideal.

  2. Maxim de Winter: Maxim de Winter, the narrator’s husband, is a complex and somewhat enigmatic character. Initially, he is portrayed as a grieving widower, still haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. Over the course of the novel, it becomes clear that Maxim is hiding dark secrets about Rebecca’s life and death. Maxim’s relationship with the narrator is characterized by emotional distance and guilt over his past. As the story unfolds, Maxim’s insecurity and fragility are revealed, and he becomes both a tragic and sympathetic character. His obsession with Rebecca and his eventual confession highlight the emotional toll of living in the shadow of a person who is idealized but also destructive.

  3. Rebecca: Rebecca, the deceased first wife of Maxim de Winter, is a central figure in the novel despite never appearing directly. Her presence looms