Jamaica Inn: Summary

Jamaica Inn is a dramatic novel by Daphne Du Maurier, set in the wilds of Cornwall in 1820. The story follows Mary Yellan, a young woman sent to stay with her aunt and uncle at the titular Jamaica Inn. When she arrives, she discovers that her uncle is the leader of a gang of smugglers and that he uses the inn as their headquarters. The key themes explored in Jamaica Inn include justice, morality, revenge, fate, and identity. The novel examines how people are shaped by their environment, and how even good people can be driven to commit immoral acts when faced with difficult circumstances. It also explores how individuals can take control of their own lives and make choices that will shape their destiny. In addition, the novel delves into issues of class struggle and inequality in early 19th century England.

1. What is the significance of the title Jamaica Inn?
2. Does Mary's character change over the course of the novel?
3. How do Mary and Joss's relationship develop throughout the story?
4. Compare and contrast the settings in Jamaica Inn and Bodmin Moor.
5. What themes are present in Jamaica Inn?
6. How does Daphne du Maurier use foreshadowing to create suspense in the novel?
7. What is the role of religion in Jamaica Inn?
8. How does Mary's gender shape her role in the story?
9. Discuss how Daphne du Maurier uses symbolism to create a sense of mystery in Jamaica Inn.
10. What is the moral lesson at the end of Jamaica Inn?

• The imagery in Jamaica Inn is incredibly vivid and captivating.
• The novel has a great sense of atmosphere and mood, which really draws the reader in.
• I was particularly impressed by the character development in Jamaica Inn; each character felt distinct and complex.
• The plot of Jamaica Inn is full of suspense and intrigue, making it a thrilling read.
• Daphne du Maurier does a great job of creating an immersive story world in Jamaica Inn.
• Jamaica Inn is a great example of Gothic literature, with its mysterious setting and dark subject matter.
• I found the moral ambiguity of some of the characters to be especially intriguing in Jamaica Inn.
• The way du Maurier intertwines themes of lawlessness, justice, and morality throughout the novel is masterful.
• There’s something timeless about Jamaica Inn; its themes are still relevant today, even over 70 years after its publication.
• It’s easy to see why Jamaica Inn has remained a classic that continues to be widely read and discussed today - it's truly a masterpiece!

1. "It's not wise to go against the law, sir."
2. "All I want is a quiet life."
3. "You can't get away with murder!"
4. "I was born to be hanged and I shall be."
5. "The devil rides out on a black horse."

TV * Jamaica Inn (2014): A three-part British television drama miniseries based on Daphne du Maurier's novel, starring Jessica Brown Findlay and Matthew McNulty. Film * Jamaica Inn (1939): A film adaptation of the novel directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara. Radio * Jamaica Inn (1943): An Australian radio adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's novel, produced for the ABC. Podcast * Jamaica Inn (2019): An eight-episode podcast adaptation of the novel by J.D. Watt and Justin Beatty, featuring an all-star cast including Miles Jupp and Charlotte Ritchie.

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