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Daphne Du Maurier
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โก Free 3min Summary
Rebecca - Summary
In this haunting Gothic romance, a naive young woman marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and becomes the new mistress of his estate, Manderley. As she attempts to adjust to her new life, she finds herself increasingly haunted by the lingering presence of Rebecca, Maxim's first wife, whose mysterious death and seemingly perfect legacy cast a long shadow over the marriage. Through the psychological manipulation of Mrs. Danvers, the sinister housekeeper who remains devotedly faithful to Rebecca's memory, the second Mrs. de Winter's insecurities deepen until she uncovers the shocking truth about her predecessor's fate.
Key Ideas
Power of the Past
The overwhelming influence of memory and history shapes the present, as Rebecca's ghostly presence continues to dominate Manderley and torment the new bride, highlighting how the past can hold destructive power over the present if not properly confronted and resolved.
Female Identity and Power
The stark contrast between the unnamed narrator's timidity and Rebecca's bold personality explores how women's identities are shaped by societal expectations and personal agency, revealing the complex dynamics of female power in patriarchal society.
Psychological Manipulation
The subtle yet pervasive ways that fear, doubt, and suggestion can be used to control others is demonstrated through Mrs. Danvers' calculated undermining of the new Mrs. de Winter, showing how psychological warfare can be more devastating than physical confrontation.
FAQ's
This deliberate literary choice emphasizes her lack of identity and power in comparison to Rebecca, while also allowing readers to more easily identify with her character and experience her journey of self-discovery.
Her unwavering devotion to Rebecca, combined with her subtle psychological manipulation and intimate knowledge of Manderley, makes her a formidable opponent who can attack the narrator's vulnerabilities without appearing overtly malicious.
Manderley serves as a character in its own right, representing the aristocratic traditions, secrets, and psychological constraints that trap both Maxim and his new wife, while also symbolizing the power Rebecca continues to hold over all who lived there.
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