Exploring Themes in "Rebecca" by Daphne Du Maurier
Delve into the intricate narrative of "Rebecca" by Daphne Du Maurier, analyzing themes of power dynamics, transition, jealousy, and inadequacy as the story unfolds through the eyes of the unnamed protagonist. Uncover the nuances of relationships, both past and present, while navigating the ominous presence of characters like Mrs. Danvers and unraveling the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic Rebecca.
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Rebecca Rebecca by Daphne Du by Daphne Du Maurier Maurier Advanced Higher English
The Opening Chapter What observations can be made about the narrator? What impact and effect does the setting have? How does this chapter foreshadow the later events of the novel? Chapter 2 What more do we learn about the narrator? Consider her physical description and attitude. The setting both where they are and Manderley. Who are Mrs Van Hopper, Flavell and Mrs Danvers?
Chapters 3 and 4 Consider the narrator The Girl and Rebecca. In these chapters (and beyond), where do we begin to see where there are similarities or differences? Discuss and take notes on this use the critical reading on the blog to develop your understanding and analysis. The Girl Rebecca
Chapters 5 and 6 Chapters 5 and 6 Explore the relationship between Maxim and the narrator. You should consider: His paternal qualities How he proposes How he describes her love for him Her romantic ideals versus the reality References to age Jealousy of Rebecca Also consider where we can see similarities/contrast between this relationship and that of Jane and Rochester.
Chapters 5 and 6 Chapters 5 and 6 Discuss and take notes on how the novel explores these emerging themes: The balance of power in marriage Transition the narrator Past versus present Jealousy Inadequacy
Chapters 7 Chapters 7- -10 Mrs Danvers How is Mrs Danvers described? Consider the connotations of the language used. How does this link to the Gothic genre? 10 Beatrice, Giles and Frank What is the heroine s relationship with Beatrice and Giles? What do you think about the advice Beatrice offers her? How is Maxim portrayed in these chapters? What more of Rebecca do we learn? Chapter 8 Find and analyse all the references to Rebecca in this chapter. How does the narrator feel and react? The Handkerchief What is its significance? The Girl What is the heroine led to believe about Rebecca? At this point, what are your feelings towards the new Mrs DeWinter?
Chapters 9 and 10 Chapters 9 and 10 The Girl What is the heroine led to believe about Rebecca? At this point, what are your feelings towards the new Mrs DeWinter? Beatrice, Giles and Frank What is the heroine s relationship with Beatrice and Giles? What do you think about the advice Beatrice offers her? How is Maxim portrayed in these chapters? What more of Rebecca do we learn? The Handkerchief What is its significance?
Chapters 11 and 12 you are so very different from Rebecca. (Beatrice) kindliness, and sincerity, and modesty are worth far more to a man, to a husband, than all the wit and beauty in the world. (Frank Crawley) What are these characters trying to convey to the narrator? How does she interpret their words? What other clues about Rebecca s true nature has Du Maurier planted along the way? How has she foreshadowed this realisation about Rebecca s character? The marriage Maxim cannot understand why the narrator does not assert herself. Parent and child. Maxim is condescending and aloof in turn, this makes the narrator feel that he does not view her as an equal. Pressure on the narrator to be more like Rebecca.
Chapters 13 and 14 For the quotes below consider: Jack Favell Why do you think he visits when Maxim is away? What does the narrator make of him? - Who says it? - Who is it about? - What more does this tell us? You won t put me in an asylum, will you? You're not like the other one, he said. She gave you the feeling of a snake. Be night she d come. I seen her. She s gone now, ain tshe? Mrs Danvers and Rebecca Why does Mrs Danvers keep this room as if it is still in use? What more do learn of Mrs Danvers and Rebecca here?
Chapters 15-18 How has the narrator and Maxim s relationship changed since coming to Manderley? Why is the fancy dress ball a turning point in the novel? How are the following aspects portrayed in these chapters: - Mrs Danvers - The narrator s identity - Our perception of Maxim - Rebecca s dominance in the house and marriage
Chapters 19-20 Finding Rebecca How does the relationship between Maxim and narrator change in Chapter 19? Chapters 21-23 The Maxim Debate Should Maxim be punished for what he has done? Half class will be on the Yes team; the other will be on the No team. You will aim to persuade the class as a whole to your argument. Use up to the end of Chapter 20 for your evidence, as well as considering the consequences of killing and/or not killing Rebecca. What are the pros and cons of Maxim being punished/not punished? What does this do to our perception of him as a Byronic hero ? Rebecca Describe the Rebecca that people know. Describe the real Rebecca that Maxim knows. As a reader, do we like Rebecca? Are we intrigued by her? What redeeming qualities does Du Maurier give her, if any? How is she and the narrator - used to explore gender roles? Could it be argued that she is a feminist character?
Chapters 21 Chapters 21- -23 23 The Maxim Debate Should Maxim be punished for what he has done? Half class will be on the Yes team; the other will be on the No team. You will aim to persuade the class as a whole to your argument. Use up to the end of Chapter 20 for your evidence, as well as considering the consequences of killing and/or not killing Rebecca. What are the pros and cons of Maxim being punished/not punished? What does this do to our perception of him as a Byronic hero ?
Chapters 21 Chapters 21- -23 23 The DeWinters How has the relationship between Maxim and narrator changed? Are we more sympathetic towards him now we know the truth? Why does Maxim no longer want to lie? What does this say about Rebecca s power? Has the narrator accepted her married name? Still no first name give, though why? What does this do to our relationship with her as the reader? How about her relationship with Rebecca by contrast, why is Rebecca always referred to by her first name?
Chapters 24 Chapters 24- -26 26 Discuss why you think that Rebecca wanted to die. Use up to the end of Chapter 23 only as evidence. Chapter 24 Ben what other information do we learn from him? Why is his statement not viable? Mrs Danvers what more do we learn about Rebecca from her? Who is this Baker?
Chapters 24 Chapters 24- -26 26 Chapter 26 What is Dr Baker s role in the novel? How does this almost absolve Maxim of her murder? What more do we learn about Rebecca? Why do you think that she pushed Maxim to do it? Does this information really absolve Maxim of Rebecca s murder? What elements do we need to consider here? Why does du Maurier choose to not have Maxim face any consequences?
Themes Themes Power, Control, and Information Memory Feminism and Gender Roles Coming of Age Place, Imprisonment, and the Gothic Identity How are these explored in Rebecca, and how do they link with Jane Eyre?
Symbolism Symbolism The blood-red rhododendrons and white azaleas planted by Rebecca in the grounds of Manderley. The postcard of Manderley that the narrator buys as a child. The clash of wedding presents the art books given to the narrator by Beatrice, which subsequently smash the figurine of Cupid. The satyr statue. Rebecca s boat. Manderley itself. The White Dress. Rebecca.
Symbolism Symbolism Comparisons between Rebecca Comparisons between Rebecca and Bertha Mason and Bertha Mason Both could be argued to be Gothic doppelgangers of the central characters. Discuss the presentation of these characters (and symbols) in the novel. What are they used to explore re characterisation, theme, etc.?
Setting Discuss the thematic effectiveness of the use of setting in two novels. How could this question be answered when considering both Jane Eyre and Rebecca? What common themes do they share? How are the key settings presented in the novels? What is the impact of the settings on their characters? Remember, you are not just discussing characterisation it is the setting you need to analyse in order to explore this other aspect.
Prelim Revision Prelim Revision You will be assigned ONE of the below questions and plan a response today. You will use that plan to present a response to the class. 1. The novel can deal unflinchingly with the social issues of the day. Discuss with reference to any two novels. 2. Discuss the extent to which the principal characters in two novels are limited by the external constraints placed upon them. 3. Discuss the ways in which themes of isolation and/or estrangement are explored in two novels. 4. Compare and contrast the role and function of the principal female characters in two novels. 5. Discuss some of the principal means by which tension is created and sustained in any two novels. 6. Compare and contrast the treatment of love in any two novels. 7. Discuss the thematic significance of social status in any two novels. 8. Discuss the effectiveness of the exploration of identity in any two novels.
Discuss how effectively the openings of two novels present central concerns explored in the remainder of the texts. Discuss the thematic significance of imagery and/or symbolism in two novels or three short stories. Discuss to what extent the main characters in two novels are shaped by their acceptance or rejection of society and its conventions. Discuss the presentation of the destructive power of love in two novels
