"Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier (1938): A Review

Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca (1938) is a haunting and atmospheric Gothic novel that has captivated readers for over eight decades with its dark themes, intricate plot, and deeply unsettling atmosphere. Often regarded as one of the most compelling novels of the 20th century, Rebecca combines elements of romance, psychological suspense, and mystery, while delving into themes of identity, obsession, and the consequences of the past. It is a masterwork of suspenseful storytelling, propelled by du Maurier's gift for creating tension and atmosphere.

Plot Summary

The novel is told through the eyes of an unnamed young woman, who starts as a humble, self-effacing companion to a wealthy widow, Mrs. Van Hopper. While in Monte Carlo, she meets Maxim de Winter, a brooding and charismatic widower who has recently inherited the grand estate of Manderley. After a brief courtship, they marry, and the young woman becomes the second Mrs. de Winter.

However, as soon as they arrive at Manderley, the grand estate where Maxim once lived with his first wife, Rebecca, the new Mrs. de Winter becomes overshadowed by Rebecca's lingering presence. Rebecca, who died in a mysterious drowning accident, is seemingly everywhere: in the house, in the memories of the servants, and in the conversations of those who knew her. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, is particularly obsessed with Rebecca and makes it clear that she has no regard for the new Mrs. de Winter. As the young woman tries to adjust to her new life, she becomes increasingly obsessed with Rebecca’s memory and begins to doubt her own place in Maxim’s life.

The tension escalates as dark secrets about Rebecca’s life and death emerge, leading to a chilling revelation that shatters the young woman’s perceptions of her husband and the truth about Rebecca’s legacy. The story is a psychological unraveling of a woman’s search for her own identity and her struggle to escape the shadow of her predecessor.

Themes and Analysis

1. The Past and Its Haunting Presence

One of the most dominant themes in Rebecca is the inescapability of the past. Rebecca, the first wife of Maxim de Winter, is dead, but her presence lingers over Manderley and everyone connected to it. The new Mrs. de Winter is never able to escape Rebecca’s shadow. Her memory is so powerful that it shapes not only the new Mrs. de Winter’s perception of herself but also the way others view her. Rebecca's image is constantly invoked—through photographs, the house’s décor, the obsession of Mrs. Danvers, and the comparisons made by people in Maxim’s life. The novel examines how the past can dominate the present and distort personal identity, making it difficult for the protagonist to form her own sense of self outside of Rebecca’s lingering legacy.

2. Identity and Self-Perception

The theme of identity is intricately woven into the story. The unnamed protagonist is a shy, insecure young woman with little sense of self-worth at the beginning of the novel. Her marriage to Maxim thrusts her into a world of wealth and privilege that she feels ill-prepared for. She constantly compares herself to Rebecca, whose beauty, charm, and elegance seem to be everything the new Mrs. de Winter is not. The novel explores the psychological toll this comparison takes on her as she struggles with feelings of inadequacy and fear of not living up to Rebecca’s standard. Over time, the protagonist begins to take ownership of her own identity, particularly as she learns more about Rebecca’s true character and the dynamics of her marriage to Maxim.

3. Power, Control, and Obsession

Rebecca’s presence, even after her death, reflects the theme of control and obsession. Maxim’s first wife was not just a beautiful figure but also a powerful one, manipulating those around her through charm and cruelty. Mrs. Danvers’ obsession with Rebecca is one of the novel’s most unsettling elements. Her devotion to Rebecca borders on the fanatical, and she seeks to undermine the new Mrs. de Winter at every opportunity. This obsession is a reflection of the power dynamics in the de Winter household, where Rebecca’s memory casts a long, oppressive shadow. The novel explores the dangers of obsession, as Mrs. Danvers’ unhealthy fixation on Rebecca leads to destructive behavior and even attempts to sabotage the new Mrs. de Winter’s happiness.

4. Love, Marriage, and Deception

The novel also explores the complexities of love and marriage. Maxim and his new wife’s relationship is initially built on a foundation of secrets, deception, and misunderstandings. Maxim’s reluctance to discuss Rebecca’s death or the circumstances surrounding it creates a wall between him and his new wife. The young Mrs. de Winter is constantly grappling with her feelings of love for Maxim and the realization that she may not be the person he desires her to be. As the story unfolds, the truth about Maxim’s feelings for Rebecca and the nature of their marriage comes to light, leading to revelations about the nature of love and the masks people wear in their relationships. This theme of deception and concealed truths adds depth to the novel, as it forces both the protagonist and the reader to reconsider the foundations of love and trust in marriage.

Literary Style

Du Maurier’s writing in Rebecca is marked by its evocative and atmospheric prose. The novel is rich in imagery, with vivid descriptions of Manderley and the surrounding landscape, which create an almost Gothic setting that enhances the tension of the story. The oppressive atmosphere of the mansion and the eerie quality of Rebecca’s presence are brought to life through du Maurier’s detailed and sensual descriptions. The narrative voice of the new Mrs. de Winter is one of the novel’s most effective tools for creating tension; her uncertainty and self-doubt infuse the story with a sense of unease and suspense. The first-person narration also deepens the reader's engagement with her psychological journey, creating a strong emotional connection with the protagonist.

Reception and Legacy

When Rebecca was first published in 1938, it was an immediate success, gaining widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and its richly drawn characters. The novel’s themes of obsession, jealousy, and the complexities of love resonated with readers, and it soon became a bestseller. Over the years, Rebecca has been regarded as one of the best Gothic novels of the 20th century and has maintained its popularity through adaptations, most notably Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 film version. The novel’s influence on the Gothic genre is undeniable, with many modern writers drawing inspiration from du Maurier’s psychological suspense and exploration of the dark side of human nature.

In the years since its publication, Rebecca has been lauded for its ability to blend romance with elements of suspense and psychological drama. It remains a staple of literary study, often praised for its exploration of themes that transcend time and culture, such as identity, obsession, and the consequences of the past.

Conclusion

Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca is a timeless classic that combines elements of romance, suspense, and psychological depth. With its richly atmospheric setting, complex characters, and gripping narrative, the novel has captivated generations of readers. Through the story of the unnamed protagonist’s struggle with her identity and the overwhelming presence of Rebecca, du Maurier explores themes of love, obsession, power, and the haunting effects of the past. Rebecca is a masterpiece of Gothic fiction that continues to captivate and intrigue, offering both suspenseful storytelling and profound psychological insight.