Rebecca context

When was Rebecca published?

1938

Du Maurier’s husband’s ex-fiancée

Frederick Browning (du Maurier’s husband) had previously been engaged to a woman called Jan Ricardo. Du Maurier reportedly found love letters written by Ricardo to Browning in the early years of their marriage and du Maurier’s biographist theorised that she was still haunted by the suspicion that her husband found her less attractive than Ricardo.

In what way was the aristocracy fading by 1938?

Rise of modern tabloids exposed the dark secrets of the aristocracy (as is seen during the inquiry into Rebecca’s death), stately homes in Britain were beginning to die off, Rebecca = published in inter-war years - WWs played a significant role in shaking up Britain’s class structure. Fire of Manderley could reflect fading role of aristocracy

In general terms, how is Rebecca a typical modern Gothic novel?

Features a picturesque setting concealing troubled characters/reality, atmosphere of mystery and terror, hints towards the supernatural, bears distinct similarities to the classic Gothic novel Jane Eyre, features an unreliable narrator

How could the sinister presentation of motherhood and child-rearing in the novel perhaps be influenced by du Maurier’s own attitude?

Although she had 3 children, she did not seem to exhibit particularly maternal qualities and complained in her letters about the “brats” at home

What trope could Rebecca be seen as fulfilling?

Femme Fatale (although could present counterargument that she was a victim of society.. would be difficult to argue though)

Abdication crisis year - link to instability of the aristocracy

1936

Wall Street Crash

1929

First Labour gov - link to crumbling class structure

1924

What saw a resurgence in the 1930s?

Gothic literature

In what way is the ambiguity surrounding Maxim’s feelings towards the narrator, her insecurity and emotional distance between the pair typical?

Typical of narrative of romantic literature

Despite the dysfunctional nature of their relationship, in what way can Maxim and the narrator’s relationship be seen as typical of romantic literature?

There’s the initial attraction, courtship and eventual marriage and come close to a happy ever after

In what way is the narrator a typical Gothic narrator?

Unreliable

In what way could Rebecca/the narrator be seen as inspired by real people?

Both Rebecca and Ricardo reportedly signed with a "great, wonderful R”. Both the narrator and du Maurier have names that are typically misspelled