Virago Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

PREFACE

Rebecca is a novel by Daphne Du Maurier, first published in 1938. It is a classic work of Gothic fiction and has been praised for its haunting atmosphere, complex characters, and suspenseful plot. The novel’s enduring popularity has led to numerous adaptations in film, television, and theater.

Synopsis:

The story is narrated by an unnamed young woman who becomes the second wife of wealthy widower Maxim de Winter. As she moves into Maxim’s grand estate, Manderley, she finds herself living in the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, whose presence seems to haunt every aspect of the household.

Plot Summary:

1. The Courtship and Marriage:
– The novel begins with the narrator working as a companion to a wealthy American woman. While in Monte Carlo, she meets Maxim de Winter, who is recovering from the recent death of his wife, Rebecca. Despite their differences in social status and age, they fall in love and marry quickly.

2. Life at Manderley:
– The narrator arrives at Manderley, Maxim’s estate in Cornwall, only to find that the memory of Rebecca pervades the house. The staff, particularly the sinister housekeeper Mrs. Danvers, are still devoted to Rebecca, making the new Mrs. de Winter feel inadequate and unwelcome.

3. The Haunting Presence of Rebecca:
– The narrator becomes increasingly obsessed with Rebecca, feeling that she cannot live up to the first wife’s legacy. Mrs. Danvers manipulates her insecurities, fostering a sense of inferiority and fear.

4. Uncovering the Truth:
– As the story unfolds, the narrator learns more about Rebecca’s life and her relationships. She discovers that Rebecca was not the perfect woman she appeared to be and that her death was shrouded in mystery.

5. Climactic Revelations:
– The truth about Rebecca’s death comes to light in a dramatic series of events, revealing dark secrets and hidden emotions. The revelations change the narrator’s understanding of Maxim, Rebecca, and Manderley itself.

6. Themes:
– The novel explores themes such as identity, jealousy, the power of the past, and the complexity of human relationships. It also delves into the psychological impact of living in someone else’s shadow and the quest for self-acceptance.

Characters:

The Narrator: A young, unnamed woman who becomes the second Mrs. de Winter. Her journey from insecurity to self-discovery is central to the novel.
Maxim de Winter: The wealthy owner of Manderley, haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.
Rebecca: The first Mrs. de Winter, whose presence looms large over Manderley despite her death.
Mrs. Danvers: The housekeeper at Manderley, fiercely loyal to Rebecca and hostile towards the new Mrs. de Winter.
Jack Favell: Rebecca’s cousin and lover, who plays a key role in the unraveling of the mystery.

Rebecca is a masterful exploration of psychological suspense and the enduring power of memory and identity. Its rich, atmospheric prose and intricate plot have cemented it as a timeless piece of literature, captivating readers for generations.