Character Analysis: Rebecca de Winter
Rebecca de Winter, the titular character of Daphne du Maurier's novel, is a complex and enigmatic figure whose presence looms large over the entire story, despite her physical absence. As a central element of the psychological rivalry in Rebecca's Manderley, her character is pivotal to understanding the novel's themes and dynamics.
Highlight: Rebecca is described as possessing beauty, brains, and breeding, yet she was also wild and uncontrollable.
This description presents Rebecca as the epitome of an ideal upper-class woman of her time, but with a rebellious streak that sets her apart. Her character embodies the tension between societal expectations and individual desires, a key theme in the novel.
Quote: "Rebecca - beauty, brains, breeding - was wild, uncontrollable"
Rebecca's influence on the other characters is profound and multifaceted. She is the object of obsession for Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, who maintains Rebecca's rooms as shrines. For Maxim de Winter, Rebecca represents a dark secret and a source of guilt. For the unnamed narrator, Rebecca is both a figure of intimidation and a standard against which she constantly measures herself.
Example: The narrator's attempts to fit into life at Manderley are constantly overshadowed by comparisons to Rebecca, highlighting the psychological impact of Rebecca's legacy.
The character of Rebecca also serves to explore themes of power and control within the novel. Even in death, Rebecca exerts a powerful influence over Manderley and its inhabitants, manipulating events and emotions from beyond the grave.
Vocabulary: Legacy - Something left or handed down by a predecessor.
Understanding Rebecca's character is crucial to analyzing the power dynamics in Rebecca and the role of women in the society depicted in the novel. Her actions and their consequences drive the plot and shape the experiences of the other characters, particularly the narrator and Maxim.
The mystery surrounding Rebecca's true nature and the circumstances of her death form a central part of the novel's suspense. As the truth is gradually revealed, it forces readers to reevaluate their perceptions of Rebecca and the other characters, adding depth to the psychological exploration of the story.
