Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938). Summary of the book.

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Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938): Summary of the Book

Rebecca, published in 1938, is a psychological thriller novel by Daphne du Maurier. It is a gothic piece of fiction that tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and subsequently moves into his estate, Manderley. She finds herself struggling to fit in with the house staff and guests, as she is constantly compared to the previous mistress of the house, the late Rebecca. As the story progresses, the protagonist discovers the truth about Rebecca’s death and is forced to confront the consequences of her actions.

The novel is set in the early twentieth century in England and is written in the first-person narrative, following the main character’s point of view. It is a suspenseful story which explores the complexities of relationships and power dynamics. The book has been adapted into films, television series and plays, and has been praised by readers and critics alike.

Main Characters

The main characters in Rebecca are:

  • Maxim de Winter, a wealthy widower and the owner of Manderley, the estate where the novel is set.
  • The unnamed protagonist, the second wife of Maxim de Winter and the narrator of the story.
  • Rebecca, the deceased first wife of Maxim de Winter.
  • Mrs. Danvers, the head housekeeper of Manderley and a loyal servant to Rebecca.
  • Jack Favell, Rebecca’s cousin and a frequent guest at Manderley.
  • Colonel Julyan, the lawyer and friend of Maxim de Winter.

Plot Summary

Rebecca begins with the narrator, an unnamed young woman, on her honeymoon with Maxim de Winter in Monte Carlo. It is revealed that Maxim is a wealthy widower, and that his previous wife, Rebecca, had died in a sailing accident the year before. The newlyweds return to Manderley, Maxim’s estate in Cornwall, where the protagonist is welcomed by Mrs. Danvers, the head housekeeper, who is devoted to Rebecca. The protagonist is uncomfortable in her new role and finds herself compared unfavorably to Rebecca by the staff and guests. Soon, secrets about Rebecca’s life come to light, and the protagonist discovers that her death was not an accident.

The story culminates in a dramatic court case, where the protagonist must confront the truth about Rebecca’s death and the consequences of her actions. In the end, the protagonist finds the strength to stand up for herself and take control of her life.

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Rebecca:

  • The novel was the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 film of the same name, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
  • The novel is set in the fictional town of Cornwall, which is based on the real-life town of Fowey in England.
  • The book has been adapted into several films, television series and plays.
  • The novel has been praised for its exploration of themes such as relationships and power dynamics.
  • The novel has sold millions of copies worldwide and is considered a classic of 20th century literature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the plot of Rebecca?

The plot of Rebecca follows the story of a young woman who falls in love with a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and subsequently moves into his estate, Manderley. She finds herself struggling to fit in with the house staff and guests, as she is constantly compared to the previous mistress of the house, the late Rebecca. As the story progresses, the protagonist discovers the truth about Rebecca’s death and is forced to confront the consequences of her actions.

Who wrote Rebecca?

Rebecca was written by Daphne du Maurier and published in 1938.

What are the main characters in Rebecca?

The main characters in Rebecca are Maxim de Winter, the unnamed protagonist, Rebecca, Mrs. Danvers, Jack Favell, and Colonel Julyan.

Is Rebecca a movie?

Yes, Rebecca was adapted into a 1940 film by Alfred Hitchcock, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

What themes does Rebecca explore?

Rebecca explores themes such as relationships, power dynamics, and the consequences of secrets.

Conclusion

Rebecca is an iconic psychological thriller novel by Daphne du Maurier, published in 1938. It follows the story of a young woman who falls in love with a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and subsequently moves into his estate, Manderley. It has been adapted into films, television series, and plays, and has been praised for its exploration of themes such as relationships and power dynamics. The novel has sold millions of copies worldwide and is considered a classic of 20th century literature.

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