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Rebecca Daphne Du Maurier Essay

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In Daphne Du Maurier's "Rebecca," the haunting legacy of the eponymous Rebecca de Winter profoundly impacts the dynamics within Manderley, exploring themes of power, identity, and the sense of being an outsider. Through masterful storytelling, Du Maurier examines how power, both seen and unseen, shapes perceptions and interactions among the characters, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by the unnamed protagonist. The struggle for identity and recognition within the power structures of Manderley is poignantly illustrated through the experiences of the new Mrs. de Winter. Initially, her outsider status is highlighted during a revealing interaction with Mrs. Danvers, emphasizing her discomfort and alienation: "Who is it?" I said, "who do you want?"... "I'm afraid you have made a mistake," I said; "Mrs. de Winter has been dead for over a year."... "It's Mrs. Danvers, Madam," said the voice. "I'm speaking to you on the house telephone" (Du Maurier, 84). This moment not only signifies her initial detachment from her role, but also reflects the overarching influence of Rebecca, making the narrator feel like an imposter in her own home. The complexities of …show more content…

I had said the word Rebecca aloud. It was a tremendous relief" (Du Maurier, 123). This act of voicing Rebecca's name aloud marks a critical step in overcoming her sense of invisibility and marginalization. It signifies not just the acknowledgment of Rebecca's indelible mark on Manderley but also the beginning of the protagonist's path to carving out her own identity within the imposing legacy left behind. By finally naming Rebecca, she confronts the source of her outsider status, initiating a transformative process that challenges the existing power dynamics and perceptions within the

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