Rebecca, written by Daphne du Maurier, is a classic novel that has captivated readers for over 80 years. From the very first line, “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again,” the reader is drawn into the mysterious and haunting world of the unnamed narrator. With vivid descriptions and intricate characterizations, du Maurier weaves a tale of love, jealousy, and secrets that will keep the reader engrossed until the very end. As the story unfolds, the reader is forced to confront the darker aspects of human nature and question their own perceptions of reality. If you are looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read, then Rebecca is the perfect novel for you.
Introduction
Rebecca is a novel written by Daphne du Maurier and published in 1938. It is a Gothic novel that tells the story of an unnamed young woman who marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves to his estate, Manderley. The novel is famous for its opening lines, which set the tone for the rest of the story. In this article, we will analyze the opening lines of Rebecca and discuss their significance in the novel.
The Opening Lines
The opening lines of Rebecca are as follows:
“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. There was a padlock and a chain upon the gate. I called in my dream to the lodge-keeper, and had no answer, and peering closer through the rusted spokes of the gate I saw that the lodge was uninhabited.”
These lines are significant because they introduce the main themes of the novel, such as memory, identity, and the power of the past. The narrator’s dream of returning to Manderley suggests that she has a connection to the place, even though she has never been there. The fact that she cannot enter the gate highlights the barriers that prevent her from fully accessing her memories.
Memory
The opening lines of Rebecca emphasize the role of memory in the novel. The narrator’s dream of returning to Manderley suggests that she has a deep connection to the place, even though she has never been there. This connection is based on her memories of the place, which are tied to her identity. The fact that the way is barred to her suggests that these memories are not always accessible, and that they can be blocked by external forces.
The theme of memory is central to the novel, as the narrator struggles to come to terms with her own identity and the legacy of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca. The opening lines of the novel set the stage for this struggle, highlighting the power of memory to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Identity
The opening lines of Rebecca also introduce the theme of identity. The narrator’s dream of returning to Manderley suggests that she is searching for a sense of belonging, and that she sees the estate as a part of her identity. This connection is based on her memories of the place, which are tied to her sense of self.
The fact that the way is barred to her suggests that she is facing obstacles in her quest for identity, and that these obstacles are external in nature. This theme is central to the novel, as the narrator struggles to find her place in the world and to define herself in relation to others.
The Power of the Past
The opening lines of Rebecca also highlight the power of the past. The narrator’s dream of returning to Manderley suggests that she is haunted by the legacy of the past, and that this legacy is shaping her present experiences. The fact that the way is barred to her suggests that she is unable to escape the past, and that it is exerting a powerful influence on her life.
This theme is central to the novel, as the narrator grapples with the legacy of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca. The opening lines of the novel set the stage for this struggle, highlighting the inescapability of the past and the ways in which it can shape our present experiences.
Conclusion
The opening lines of Rebecca are a powerful introduction to the novel, setting the stage for the themes of memory, identity, and the power of the past. These lines highlight the narrator’s deep connection to Manderley, and the obstacles that she faces in accessing her memories. They also introduce the struggle that the narrator will face in defining herself in relation to others and in coming to terms with the legacy of the past. Overall, the opening lines of Rebecca are a masterful example of how to set the tone for a novel and how to introduce its central themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of “Rebecca”?
“Rebecca” is a novel by Daphne du Maurier published in 1938. It tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves to his estate, Manderley. However, the ghost of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, still haunts the house and the new Mrs. de Winter struggles to fit in and unravel the secrets of her husband’s past.
Has “Rebecca” been adapted into a movie?
Yes, “Rebecca” has been adapted into several movies, including the 1940 version directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. There have also been television adaptations, such as the 1997 miniseries starring Charles Dance and Emilia Fox.