Rebecca: Summary

Rebecca, written by Daphne du Maurier and first published in 1938, is a haunting novel of suspense, romance, and mystery. It tells the story of a young woman named Rebecca whose relationship with her new husband is haunted by the memory of his dead first wife. The novel explores themes such as social class, love and jealousy, power dynamics, and the consequences of secrets. It also examines traditional gender roles and their implications for relationships. Ultimately, the novel is about finding one's identity in the midst of tragedy and uncertainty.

1. How did you feel about the narrator’s feelings of inadequacy and isolation?
2. Why do you think Max de Winter married a second time so quickly after Rebecca's death?
3. What does the novel say about gender roles in the early 1900s?
4. How much of a role did class play in the events of the novel?
5. What is the significance of Manderley, both as a physical space and as a metaphor?
6. How do Mrs. Danvers' views on Rebecca and her relationship with Max differ from those of other characters in the novel?
7. In what ways does Rebecca symbolize power and control?
8. What role does gossip and rumors play in the events of Rebecca?
9. Do you think justice was served at the end of the novel?
10. How does Rebecca explore themes of identity, guilt, and secrets?

• Rebecca's ability to capture the intricacies of human relationships is truly remarkable.
• The vivid imagery and symbolism in her work bring the story to life.
• Rebecca's writing style is captivating, drawing readers in and creating a powerful connection with the characters.
• Her talent for making complex topics accessible and understandable is impressive.
• Rebecca has a knack for creating suspenseful, memorable plots that keep readers engaged until the very end.
• She skillfully weaves together multiple plotlines and characters to create a compelling narrative.
• The depth of the emotions portrayed in her stories are truly remarkable.
• Rebecca's works are incredibly thought-provoking and inspiring.
• Her unique perspective on difficult topics is both eye-opening and inspiring.
• Her writing is beautifully crafted, with language that is both poetic and powerful.

1. "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again."
2. "The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there."
3. "Oh, why must people fear what they don't understand?"
4. "I am glad it cannot happen twice, the fever of first love."
5. "We all have our secrets, and we all keep them for different reasons."

TV: -Rebecca (2020) (miniseries) -Rebecca (1997) (miniseries) -Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1932) -Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938) Film: -Rebecca (1940) -The Witch of the West Is Dead: The Story of Rebecca Cauldwell (2015) -Rebecca's Secret (1997) Radio: -Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca (2012) (BBC Radio 4 drama adaptation) Podcast: -Novel Reflections Podcast: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier Theatrical Adaptations: -Rebecca, the Musical (2006)

• The Loving Spirit
• Frenchman's Creek
• Jamaica Inn
• My Cousin Rachel
• The Scapegoat
• Hungry Hill
• The House on the Strand
• The Birds and Other Stories
• The Parasites
• Vanishing Cornwall Mary Anne
• The Winding Stair and Other Poems
• Gerald: A Portrait
• Rule Britannia
• Don't Look Now and Other Stories
• The Breaking Point
• Kiss Me Again, Stranger
• The Infernal World of Branwell Brontë