Analysis of 'Rebecca': Characters, Themes, and Plot Twists

What is the opening line of 'Rebecca'?

'Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.'

What does the narrator dream about Manderley?

She dreams of a locked gate, overgrown plants, and the house appearing alive.

How does the narrator feel about the changes in Manderley in her dream?

She feels fear and sadness, thinking the house is a 'sepulchre' or tomb.

Where is the narrator when she wakes up from her dream?

In a hotel in another country, far from Manderley.

What does the narrator think about her memories of Manderley?

She finds happiness in memories of Manderley, but acknowledges it no longer exists.

Why can't the narrator and the man she is with return to Manderley?

They are haunted by painful memories and fear from their past.

What is the significance of the character Jasper the dog?

Jasper represents the past and the beauty of Manderley, but he is now dead.

How does the narrator describe her life with the man she is with?

They live a simple life, sharing thoughts and feelings without secrets.

What does the narrator remember about tea at Manderley?

Tea was extravagant with fancy silver and cakes, unlike their simple current tea.

Who is Mrs. Danvers?

The housekeeper at Manderley who compared the narrator to Rebecca.

What does the narrator think about Mrs. Danvers now?

She wonders about Mrs. Danvers' whereabouts and feels free from comparison.

How does the narrator describe her past self?

She recalls being shy and sensitive, contrasting with her current brave self.

What does Mrs. Van Hopper do at the hotel?

She seeks out famous people and uses the narrator to attract their attention.

What does the narrator think of Max de Winter when she first sees him?

She sees him as dignified and mysterious, like a painting.

How does Mrs. Van Hopper treat the narrator?

She is dismissive and rude, making the narrator feel inferior.

What does Max de Winter ask the narrator during their first conversation?

He asks her how she likes Monte Carlo, showing interest in her.

What does the narrator do while Mrs. Van Hopper has a bridge party?

She tries to sketch Max de Winter.

What does Max de Winter's note to the narrator signify?

It shows he is considerate and acknowledges his earlier rudeness.

What themes are present in the narrator's reflections on Manderley?

Themes of memory, loss, and the contrast between past beauty and present reality.

How does the narrator feel about sharing her memories with her companion?

She refrains from sharing to avoid hurting him.

What does the narrator think about the state of Manderley in her dreams?

She views it as an empty shell taken over by nature.

What does the narrator remember about her appearance in the past?

Her hair was straight, and her clothes were homemade.

What does Mrs. Van Hopper say about Max de Winter?

She mentions he is tormented by the death of his wife.

What does the narrator think about her life path influenced by Mrs. Van Hopper?

She wonders if it would have been different without Mrs. Van Hopper's snobbery.

What does the narrator think about the treatment she receives from servants?

She feels sensitive to their rude treatment.

What does the narrator's relationship with her male companion signify?

It signifies a newfound happiness and freedom from the past.

What does the narrator think about the sound of a woman walking around Manderley?

It evokes fear and reminds her of the haunting presence of Rebecca.

What does the narrator's reflection on her past reveal about her character development?

It shows her growth from insecurity to strength and bravery.

Who sends a note to the narrator in Chapter 4?

Mr. de Winter

What illness does Mrs. Van Hopper have in Chapter 4?

The flu

What embarrassing incident happens to the narrator during lunch?

She spills water from a vase.

What does Mr. de Winter invite the narrator to do after lunch?

Have lunch with him.

What does Mr. de Winter apologize for during lunch?

Being rude to Mrs. Van Hopper.

How does the narrator describe her relationship with Mrs. Van Hopper?

She is her paid companion.

What does Mr. de Winter say about the narrator's name?

He calls it 'very lovely and unusual.'

What does the narrator reveal about her family?

Her father died of pneumonia and her mother died shortly after.

What does Mr. de Winter say they have in common?

They are both alone in the world.

What does the narrator want to sketch during her time off?

A street in Monaco.

How does the mood change when they reach the top of the mountain road?

It becomes serious and quiet.

What does Mr. de Winter describe about Manderley?

He talks about its beauty and flowers.

What poem does the narrator read in Chapter 5?

'The Hound of Heaven' by Francis Thompson.

What does the narrator feel about her relationship with Mr. de Winter?

She feels bright and happy after he kisses her head.

What does Mrs. Van Hopper think about Mr. de Winter?

She thinks he is hot but hard to get to know.

What does Mr. de Winter ask the narrator to call him?

'Maxim.'

What does the narrator wish to preserve in a bottle?

Memories.

What does Mr. de Winter express annoyance about?

That the narrator thinks he is just being nice out of pity.

What does the narrator feel after their first fight?

She feels on the verge of tears.

What does Mr. de Winter say about the past?

He doesn't want to remember anything about it.

What does the narrator realize about her time with Mr. de Winter?

She is wrapped up in thoughts that he will soon be gone.

What does the narrator think about her own elegance?

She wishes she were more elegant.

What does the narrator feel about her old life with Mrs. Van Hopper?

She feels she will return to it after Mr. de Winter leaves.

How does the narrator feel about her relationship with Mr. de Winter at the end of Chapter 5?

She feels it is being taken to the next level.

What does the narrator think about the memories of her time with Mr. de Winter?

She wants to save those memories.

What does Mr. de Winter do to reassure the narrator after their fight?

He kisses her head and tells her to forget about the morning.

What does the narrator think about Mr. de Winter's past?

She wonders what memories haunt him.

What does the narrator notice about the poetry book?

It has a dedication from Rebecca.

What does the narrator think about Maxim's late wife, Rebecca?

She believes Rebecca was gorgeous and hosted fabulous parties at Manderley.

What is the narrator's relationship with Maxim at the beginning of the story?

She is a companion to Mrs. Van Hopper and has feelings for Maxim.

How does the narrator feel about packing to leave the villa?

She feels a sense of sadness and loss.

What does the narrator imagine about her future with Maxim?

She dreams of being his wife and living at Manderley.

What significant event happens during the narrator's farewell to Maxim?

Maxim proposes to her, asking her to marry him.

How does the narrator initially react to Maxim's proposal?

She protests, feeling unworthy and thinking he feels sorry for her.

What does Maxim say about class and his feelings for the narrator?

He states that he is the one to decide if class matters and that he truly wants her.

What does the narrator do with Rebecca's book of poems?

She cuts out the dedication page and burns it.

How does Mrs. Van Hopper react to the news of the narrator's engagement?

She is rude and expresses doubt about the narrator's ability to manage Manderley.

What does Mrs. Van Hopper imply about Maxim's feelings for the narrator?

She suggests that Maxim is not in love with her and is marrying her out of necessity.

What is the narrator's attire when she arrives at Manderley?

She is dressed in school girl clothes and a big raincoat.

How does Maxim reassure the narrator about her arrival at Manderley?

He tells her that everyone is excited to see her and that she just needs to be herself.

What does Mrs. Danvers represent in the story?

She is an intimidating figure who was loyal to Rebecca and may be hostile towards the narrator.

What does the narrator think about the staff's reaction to her arrival?

She feels nervous and self-conscious as they stare at her.

What does Maxim curse about upon arriving at Manderley?

He curses Mrs. Danvers for gathering the entire staff to greet them.

What does the narrator feel when she meets Mrs. Danvers?

She feels intimidated and thinks Mrs. Danvers views her as ill-bred.

What does the narrator remember about Manderley from her childhood?

She recalls a postcard of Manderley that she had seen.

What does the narrator fear about her new life at Manderley?

She fears she won't be able to live up to Rebecca's legacy.

What does Maxim say about their wedding plans?

He wants to marry her quickly without a fancy ceremony.

What does the narrator think about her social life in New York?

She dreads the idea of meeting young men and feels disconnected from them.

How does the narrator feel about her future with Maxim after their engagement?

She feels overwhelmed and excited about becoming Mrs. de Winter.

What does the narrator wish for regarding her relationship with Maxim?

She wishes for a more intimate name to call him, like 'Max'.

What does the narrator think about her packing experience?

She finds it difficult and filled with emotional weight.

What does the narrator imagine about her last moments with Maxim before leaving?

She imagines saying silly things and feeling a sense of finality.

What does the narrator think about the letters she will receive from Maxim?

She expects them to be impersonal, especially the Christmas card.

What does the narrator feel when she arrives at Manderley?

She feels a mix of nerves and excitement about her new life.

How does Mrs. de Winter feel when Mrs. Danvers talks to her?

She feels uncomfortable and thinks Mrs. Danvers considers her 'ill-bred'.

What does Mrs. de Winter fantasize about during her honeymoon?

She imagines growing old with Maxim and having sons who bring joy into their lives.

What is significant about the east wing of Manderley?

It has been remodeled for Mrs. de Winter and Maxim, offering a lovely view of the rose garden.

What does Mrs. Danvers imply about Mrs. de Winter's status?

She suggests that Mrs. de Winter is not a 'great lady', indicating her disdain.

What does Mrs. de Winter learn about the rooms in the west wing?

They are bigger and better than those in the east wing, and one was Rebecca's room.

How does Maxim respond to Mrs. de Winter's concerns about Mrs. Danvers?

He reassures her that they can fire Mrs. Danvers if she becomes too much of a problem.

What does Mrs. de Winter discover about her new role at Manderley?

She realizes she has to adjust to a tight schedule and the expectations of running the house.

What does Mrs. de Winter find in the morning-room?

She finds freshly cut rhododendrons, a menu, a filing system, and stationery labeled 'Mrs. de Winter'.

What mistake does Mrs. de Winter make when answering the phone?

She initially responds harshly, thinking the caller has mistaken her for the deceased Rebecca.

How does Mrs. de Winter feel about her handwriting compared to Rebecca's?

She feels her handwriting is crude and messy, contrasting it with Rebecca's fancy handwriting.

What does Mrs. de Winter realize about her relationship with Mrs. Danvers?

She understands that Rebecca used to give orders to Mrs. Danvers, while she is expected to take them.

What does Mrs. de Winter think about the leftovers from breakfast?

She wonders what happens to the leftovers, indicating her unfamiliarity with the household's routines.

What does Mrs. de Winter notice about the atmosphere at Manderley?

She observes a sense of formality and the presence of reminders of Rebecca everywhere.

How does Maxim's demeanor change when he enters the east wing?

He appears excited and happy, complimenting the redecoration and expressing his joy about the room.

What does Mrs. de Winter feel when she sees Rebecca's old bedroom?

She feels a sense of foreboding and discomfort due to the dark and covered furniture.

What does Mrs. de Winter think about the ocean view from the west wing?

She feels relieved that their rooms overlook the rose garden instead of the potentially dangerous ocean.

What does Mrs. de Winter's interaction with the maids reveal?

It reveals her uncertainty about her status and role within the household.

What does Mrs. de Winter think about her first day at Manderley?

She realizes how different her life is from Rebecca's and feels the pressure of expectations.