Rebecca discussion

1. Favorite character? Favorite scene/chapter?

1.a. But also, did you find anyone in this book likable? If the answer is no, is that a problem for you as a reader? Why or why not?

2. Which character needs the most therapy?

3. Why do you think the heroine remains nameless? Why do you think there is that contrast between the dead wife, Rebecca, being named, but the heroine not? Do you see her anonymity as indicative of some deeper meaning?

3.a. Fun fact! Du Maurier later admitted that her heroine has no name because she could never think of an appropriate one—which in itself is a telling comment.

4. Rebecca has one of the more famous opening lines in literature: "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again." It suggests that the narrator has had this dream before. How does the opening line of Rebecca begin to develop the theme of Past versus Present?

5. Consider the evolution of the young heroine and Maxim’s relationship. Did you like or trust Maxim at first, and did that change later on? Why do you think the narrator was so unsure of his affection? Did you share her doubt? Are Maxim and Mrs. de Winter good for each other? If so, why?


6. What role does Mrs. Danvers play in this story—in her relationships with the characters (dead and alive) and also with the suspense within the novel?

7. Both Beatrice and Frank Crawley talk to the heroine about Rebecca, saying how the heroine is so very different from her, such as in her kindness and modesty. Frank, among others, also uses the word “creature” to describe Rebecca. Why do you think this word is so often used? What are both characters trying to convey to the heroine...and how does she interpret their words?

8. What are some of the other clues about Rebecca's true nature that the author carefully plants along the way?

9. How might the costume ball—and the heroine's appearance in Rebecca's gown—stand as a symbol for young Mrs. de Winter's situation at Manderley?

10. Were you surprised by the plot twist when Rebecca's body is found...and when Maxim finally tells the truth about his and Rebecca's marriage? Did the strange details of the plot fall into place for you?


11. How, if at all, do Maxim's revelations change your attitude toward him? Did you feel relief upon first reading his confessions? Can you sympathize with his predicament, or do you censure his actions? What do you think of the heroine's reaction? In her place, how might you have reacted?

12. Is it morally right that Maxim is absolved of any crime? Was he caught in an untenable position? Was Rebecca simply too evil—did she get what she deserved? Do you think Rebecca was as evil as Maxim makes her out to be?

13. How do you view the destruction of Manderley? Is it horrific, freeing, or justified vengeance on Rebecca's part? Would the de Winters have had a fulfilling life at Manderley had it not burned?

14. Were you satisfied with the ending? Why or why not?

15. How would you classify Rebecca? Love story? Ghost story? Tragedy? Mystery? It’s been called one of the greatest gothic romances; would you agree?

16. Why do you think this book was selected for Isabel in the 8th grade?

2. Which character needs the most therapy? Maxim needs the most therapy BUT not the type of therapy that was offered in the 1930s (lobotomy, shock treatment) Maxim would be wise to stay away from 1930s style therapy. He has severe anger issues, he hasn't come to terms with his brutal murder of his wife (and what he thought was an unborn child), and I suspect that he is traumatized by the shame of having accepted being cuckolded - and living a lie - for so many years. Plus ... if Maxim time travels and receives 21st century therapy, he will have to lie - perhaps tell his doctor the Alfred Hitchcock version of events that he argued with Rebecca and she fell and hit her head (that completely ruins the movie for me but might get Maxim off the hook if he amends the events of Rebecca's death while seeking help for himself).

1. Favorite character? Favorite scene/chapter? I have read the book many, many times since my first reading (many years ago) at age 16. On my first reading my favorite character was the second Mrs. De Winter - I loved reading (and related) to her inner thoughts. My favorite chapter is the chaste two week courtship that culminates with the abrupt proposal (what is going on here???). I have also watched two movie adaptations of Rebecca (Laurence Olivier as Maxim and Jeremy Brett as Maxim). Jeremy Brett as Maxim becomes my favorite character - he plays Maxim as haunted and hurting and his "Maxim" is completely true to the book - he confesses to murdering Rebecca and you want to hug him (just like his nameless second wife did).

1.a. But also, did you find anyone in this book likable? If the answer is no, is that a problem for you as a reader? Why or why not? Reading the book alone (not watching the BBC Jeremy Brett adaptation), I like the second wife, Frank, and Bea. However, I don't think it would be a problem if I didn't like any of the characters as the book is so well written and spell binding.

Favourite character was the narrator.