Rebecca and Mrs. de Winter

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the plot of the novel which revolves around the second Mrs. de Winter who becomes obsessed with tales of Rebecca, the first Mrs. de Winter, who was mysteriously murdered. The writer contends and explains why Mrs. de Winter's longing to be like Rebecca leads to a journey of self-discovery which also helps her unearth the mysterious past of her husband Maxim and his first wife. The paper discusses the author's use of symbolism to foreshadow Mrs. de Winter's connection with Rebecca. This paper delves into the second wife's feelings of inadequacy when trying to measure up to the image of her husband's first wife. The writer of this paper details the immense power Rebecca has over Mrs. de Winter while also delving into the dysfunctional relationship between Mrs. de Winter and her husband.

From the Paper:

"Rebecca is thus an elusive entity for the girl who longs to become more like her and thus develops her own images and version of her. She follows these images, copying them in her desire to be deserving of the title of Mrs. De winter. Her marriage with Maxim was not exactly successful because the girl was pre-occupied with her middle-class upbringing and wanted to somehow trade that for a more adult, grown-up attitude. She found herself inexperienced in sexual matters which left her often feeling empty and unfulfilled after her sexual encounters with Maxim. Mrs. De Winter blamed this on her middle-class ness, something that she had come to resent deeply. She felt that only a woman like Rebecca could have a fulfilling marriage and a satisfying sexual life with her husband since she was experienced in the art of winning and pleasing people."

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