“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier Essay Sample

thoughts, knowledge, or communication skills. This emphasizes her lack of personality and fear of failure in social situations. The narrator sees her as inexperienced and uninteresting.

On page 16, the narrator describes herself as "an ex-schoolgirl, with red elbows and lanky hair," which implies that she is seen as less than an individual deserving of respect and opinions. This highlights her own lack of self-appreciation.

Observing her constant self-deprecation, others are encouraged to do the same masochistic behavior, often referring to her as a "child" despite her occasional assertion as an adult (pp 16, 20). She repeatedly allows herself to be used.

Mrs de Winter feels a great sense of despair as she tries to gain acceptance from the society surrounding Manderley. This forces her to participate in an experience that she does not desire. Influential socialites insist that she must persuade her husband to attend the Manderley Fancy Dress Ball. They flatter her, implying that she has the ability to manipulate and influence others, including her own husband.

According to p201, the narrator believes that the woman is hesitant to receive compliments, despite secretly desiring them. The narrator acknowledges that the woman and Maxim value their privacy and prefer solitude over socializing with others. In addition, the narrator observes that the woman seems to be afraid of both her social equals and subordinates.

The storyteller feels intimidated by the retainers of Manderley, who she is in charge of. Their contentment with the old ways of the household prevents her from making any changes.

Within the first day of arriving at Manderley, Mrs. de Winter disrupts her staff's routines three times. She is uncertain of the duties and expectations placed upon

the wife of a household and, upon learning of Rebecca's habits, chooses to emulate them rather than impose her own preferences and routines.

The narrator prioritizes the comfort of her retainers over her own, leading her to permit Rebecca to continue as the mistress of Manderley. Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper of Manderley, is aware of and pleased by the narrator's fear of her, which potentially encourages her to continue bullying the narrator.

Under the guise of being politely subservient, Mrs. Danvers is given the responsibility of hiring a personal maid for Mrs. de Winter, who does not have one of her own. Mrs. Danvers fulfills this duty by choosing a young girl with very little experience, who happens to be the only person in the house that the narrator fears.

The text suggests that Mrs. de Winter's esteem is only truly necessary for the lowest of retainers. Clarice appears to be deemed "fit company" due to her lack of high standards (as referenced on page 143). It is only after a short period of singing that Mrs. de Winter's insecurities and uncertainties become apparent, as Clarice confides to her mother that serving the narrator is "not like being with a lady...it's like being with one of ourselves" (page 151).

Clarice suggests that she shares a comparable category and background with the storyteller, rendering it unnecessary to view or fear them. Their numerous and socially significant similarities establish this association. However, Maxim perceives this familiarity as disrespectful towards her superiors and thus an insult to the storyteller (ignoring her own opinions).

The narrator's self-worth and assurance have been continually reduced by her chaps, leading to a cycle of events where

she and they undermine her power and dignity, further encouraging each other to continue this behavior.

Charlotte Bronte's character Jane Eyre stands in sharp contrast to the narrator's inability to find anything. Even from a young age, Jane has placed an immense amount of trust in her own beliefs and allows little else to sway her. This is her response.

Jane's presence and opinions are highly valued by those who know her, reflecting her sense of self-worth. She possesses confidence that is upheld by those around her, as evidenced by the way she carries herself when faced with adversity - such as mistreatment from her cousins while caring for her late Aunt.

According to Jane, dismissive intervention no longer holds power over her as it once did. This indicates the lack of impact it has on an individual with higher intelligence. Jane stresses the significance of her own concerns over those of others, stating that she has "other things to think about" (p257).

Although Rebecca's storyteller is a passive character, Jane actively participates in all situations she encounters. This is evident when, after the traumatic murder committed by Richard Mason's sister, Jane spends two terrifying hours tending to him. Despite her fear and confusion, she repeatedly washes her sponge in a basin of blood and water and dutifully wipes away the dripping gore, displaying a hardened disregard for her own disgust and unwavering commitment to preserving Mr. Mason's life (p239).

Jane's passionate impact on everything that concerns her has an effect on others as well. Her presence and actions are noticeable in all situations, whether with those in positions of authority or with people she perceives as being beneath her.

During

a conversation with her condescending employer Mr. Rochester, Jane is insulted. However, rather than facing him impolitely or accepting his unfavorable judgments passively, she responds by detecting that he is not perfect or wholly knowing either. Consequently, she decides mutely that he may also make mistakes, unwilling to face him.

Despite being human (p 166), Jane was able to convey her emotions to her employer without speaking. Her employer responded positively and acknowledged her completely accurate response.

Jane's resolute conviction has caused others to recognize their individual errors and express gratitude for her valuable observations. Her demeanor and conduct are revered by those who encounter her, and even while approaching the end of her life, she persists in motivating with her fortitude.

When Jane was 10 years old, her aunt admitted to disliking her and being disturbed by her honest expression and voice. This caused the aunt to send Jane away to boarding school because she felt unable to deal with her. Although some people found Jane intimidating like Mrs. Reed, others admired her honesty, including Bessie who took care of Jane. (p267)

Jane was informed that Bessie preferred her over their other cousins because of her honesty and openness, which was evident when she stood up to their abusive cousin Jack (p71). This act of fondness was the first one Jane received from Bessie, and it set the tone for their continued relationship.

Jane achieves her greatest desire by earning the affection and love of her peers, which is evident through their exhibition of friendly feelings in response to her persistent efforts towards success (p101). Following her attendance at Lowood School, Jane's confidence and personality play a key

role in shaping her interactions and relationships with others.

Jane Eyre has won over various members of her family and extended relatives, including the estranged cousins who were impressed by her confident demeanor and perceived righteousness. Through her intelligent conduct, Jane inspires others to trust in her abilities and gain pleasure from her flexible nature. Her influence and power over others are both subtle and sophisticated, as suggested by the “influence…and the conquest” she achieves. Despite leading a happy life, Jane’s impact on those around her is significant. (pp 164, 182, 289)

She displays affection and empathy towards both herself and others, especially in how she interacts with them. This is apparent through her meticulousness and thoughtfulness.

Rebecca receives affirmation from people in her life, but the narrator who tells her story experiences misery because she feels insufficient and pointless to others.

The lackluster conduct of the storyteller results in others regarding her with disrespect and disapproval, hindering her likeability and preventing the development of a distinctive character. She lacks the fortitude to modify either her own actions or those of others.