Part One:
Scene 1: The Dream about Manderley
Mood: Wild
In the beginning of Rebecca, the main character describes a dream that she is having about her old house. As she describes the front yard, the word choice and phrasing create a dark and wild mood. "Nature had come into her own again and, little by, little, in her stealthy, insidious way had encroached upon the drive with long tenacious fingers" (Maurier 1). The words such as "encroached" and "tenacious" enhance the mood by conveying that the lawn had grown out of control, taking control of the yard. This creates a sense of wildness that forms the mood. |
Tone: Concerned
The author does a great job of describing the surroundings of the main character, and her choice of words clearly reveal the feelings she has towards the scene. " The trees had thrown out low branches, making an impediment to progress; the gnarled roots looked like skeleton claws" (Maurier 2). The descriptive words show the concern that the author has. This is because she is describing the lawn in such a way that the lawn seems worrying and scary. Due to Maurier depicting the lawn with scary "skeleton claws", this shows that she is concerned about the state of the Manderley and how out of control the nature around it has gotten.
The author does a great job of describing the surroundings of the main character, and her choice of words clearly reveal the feelings she has towards the scene. " The trees had thrown out low branches, making an impediment to progress; the gnarled roots looked like skeleton claws" (Maurier 2). The descriptive words show the concern that the author has. This is because she is describing the lawn in such a way that the lawn seems worrying and scary. Due to Maurier depicting the lawn with scary "skeleton claws", this shows that she is concerned about the state of the Manderley and how out of control the nature around it has gotten.
Scene 2: Maxim and the Main Character's Morning Drive
Mood: Peaceful
The drives that Maxim and the main character take become a routine for them and the mood of these drives is greatly emphasized in how the main character describes her surroundings. "All I remember is the feel of the leather seats, the texture of the map upon my knee, its frayed edges, its worn seams, and how one day, looking at the clock, I thought to myself, 'This moment ... must never be lost,' " (Maurier 36). The scene described seems very serene and establishes a peaceful mood. The description of the little things, such as the texture of the map, allows the reader to feel the moment and understand that the moment was so peaceful that the main character could remember the texture of a map on her knees.
The drives that Maxim and the main character take become a routine for them and the mood of these drives is greatly emphasized in how the main character describes her surroundings. "All I remember is the feel of the leather seats, the texture of the map upon my knee, its frayed edges, its worn seams, and how one day, looking at the clock, I thought to myself, 'This moment ... must never be lost,' " (Maurier 36). The scene described seems very serene and establishes a peaceful mood. The description of the little things, such as the texture of the map, allows the reader to feel the moment and understand that the moment was so peaceful that the main character could remember the texture of a map on her knees.
Tone: Joyful
When Maxim and the main character are taking their routine drive around Monte Carlo, Maurier describes the scene through the perspective of the main character. "Whether he talked or not made little difference to my mood. My only enemy was the clock" (Maurier 36). The main character did not want to leave the moment which conveys that she was enjoying what was going on. Because the author depicts the moment as enjoyable, Maurier's feeling about the situation would be joyful because the main character is truly happy with the moment.
When Maxim and the main character are taking their routine drive around Monte Carlo, Maurier describes the scene through the perspective of the main character. "Whether he talked or not made little difference to my mood. My only enemy was the clock" (Maurier 36). The main character did not want to leave the moment which conveys that she was enjoying what was going on. Because the author depicts the moment as enjoyable, Maurier's feeling about the situation would be joyful because the main character is truly happy with the moment.
Scene 3: Arriving at Manderley for the First Time
Mood: Conflicted
The day the main character has been waiting for her whole life had finally arrived. This scene is very interesting because there are mixed emotions. "It would be the best moment, before the full flush of summer ... I had dreaded this arrival at Manderley as much as I had longed for it in theory" (Maurier 62). The mood is conflicting due to the main character's dread and joy for arriving at Manderley. She is dreading arriving to Manderley because she worries about the challenges of filling the shoes of Rebecca. However, she is very excited because she has always dreamed of living in Manderely. This creates the conflicted mood.
The day the main character has been waiting for her whole life had finally arrived. This scene is very interesting because there are mixed emotions. "It would be the best moment, before the full flush of summer ... I had dreaded this arrival at Manderley as much as I had longed for it in theory" (Maurier 62). The mood is conflicting due to the main character's dread and joy for arriving at Manderley. She is dreading arriving to Manderley because she worries about the challenges of filling the shoes of Rebecca. However, she is very excited because she has always dreamed of living in Manderely. This creates the conflicted mood.
Tone: Nervous
Arriving at the Manderley caused a storm of emotions and thoughts for the main character. This is done on purpose by Maurier to create the mood but also convey how she feels about the main character arriving at Manderley. "I wanted to draw up at some way-side inn and stay there, in a coffee-room, by an impersonal fire. I wanted to be a traveler on the road, a bride in love with her husband. Not myself coming to Manderley for the first time" (Maurier 62). Maurier, earlier in the book, revealed that she wants the best for the main character. So with the main character being forced to go to Manderley and not doing what would make her the most happy, this means Maurier would also feel nervous about the situation. Maurier revealed the nervous tone through the thoughts of the main character before going to Manderley.
Arriving at the Manderley caused a storm of emotions and thoughts for the main character. This is done on purpose by Maurier to create the mood but also convey how she feels about the main character arriving at Manderley. "I wanted to draw up at some way-side inn and stay there, in a coffee-room, by an impersonal fire. I wanted to be a traveler on the road, a bride in love with her husband. Not myself coming to Manderley for the first time" (Maurier 62). Maurier, earlier in the book, revealed that she wants the best for the main character. So with the main character being forced to go to Manderley and not doing what would make her the most happy, this means Maurier would also feel nervous about the situation. Maurier revealed the nervous tone through the thoughts of the main character before going to Manderley.
Part Two:
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Scene 1: Meeting the Grandmother
Mood: Tense
One day while Maxim is away in London, the protagonist and Beatrice visit Maxim and Beatrice's grandmother. The visit goes smoothly at first, with laughter and conversation flowing about honeymoons and hobbies. Suddenly, the grandmother face turns blank and she starts a tantrum. In this fit she agitatedly asks about Rebecca: “‘Who are you, my dear? Why did not Maxim bring Rebecca? ...Where is dear Rebecca?’” (du Maurier 185). The reader and the characters surrounding the grandmother feel the awkwardness and tenseness of the scene as the characters are confused as to what to do. Beatrice also feels highly nervous, as she is the one who brought the protagonist to meet the grandmother, and the protagonist is once told again that she is not Rebecca.
Tone: Resigned
The tone of the author, du Maurier, seems to be slightly resigned. Although this scene is embarrassing, the author does not really seem to show that she herself has any emotion. The author appears to be indifferent in this short scene. This is also supported by the fact that du Maurier has the protagonist adopt a carefree attitude as well: “‘I tell you I don’t mind’” (du Maurier 186). The author probably feels a slightly empathetic to the protagonist, but not too much as the tone overall neutral. In addition, the short scene does not give the reader much information, which further supports the idea of du Maurier showing disinterest.
Scene 2: The Dress
Mood: Agitated
In this scene, before the party and the ball, the protagonist is excitedly descending the stairs in her new dress. She expects for Maxim and the others to be happy and compliment her on how pretty she is, but they are instead shocked, or in Maxim’s case, angry: “‘What the hell do you think you are doing?’ he said. His eyes blazed in anger” (du Maurier 213). The unexpected reactions scare and disturbs the protagonist. She thought the dress would make Maxim happy, - instead the opposite happened. Even the reader is surprised as they were not expecting those reactions either. Later, the protagonist sees Mrs. Danvers with an evil, smug smile directed towards her. Furthermore, the silence of the other guests and Maxim’s anger on what should be a happy night, adds to the agitated mood.
Tone: Pitiful
With Maxim’s anger directed towards the scared, distressed protagonist, the author clearly portrays her pitiful tone toward the scene and protagonist. As the main character runs “down the long narrow passage to [her]…room, tripping…over [her] dress” (du Maurier 214), du Maurier most likely was also upset. The author wants the character to be happy; but, with the protagonist so upset, the author pities for the character she created. Du Maurier showcases her pity with the main character’s feelings of the situation and with descriptive word choice for the scene and the character expressions.
Scene 3: Mrs. Danvers Telling the Protagonist to Jump
Mood: Terrifying
At this point in the novel, Mrs. Danvers bluntly shows her true feelings about the character.. She tells the protagonist how she should never have come to Manderley; how Rebecca will always be at Manderley even though she is dead; and that Rebecca will always be superior to the protagonist. She then tries to provoke the protagonist to jump out the window into the fog: “‘I won’t push you… You can jump of your own accord. What’s the use of your staying at Manderley? You’re not happy’” (du Maurier 246). In this scene the protagonist is afraid of dying and the pain of the jump.. But most of all, she is most scared of Mrs. Danvers and that she is correct in her statements about her From the reader’s perspectives, the reader fears that she will actually jump. These elements and the dark fog across the lawn helps convey the terrifying mood.
Tone: Grave
The author conveys a grave tone her, as this is one of the most intense scenes in the novel and one where we see Mrs. Danvers convincing the protagonist to kill herself. Mrs. Danvers whispers, “‘Why don’t you jump?’… ‘Go on’” (du Maurier 246-247). Up until now in the novel, the reader has not seen anyone try to actually physically hurt the main character, including Mrs. Danvers. Throughout the novel, Mrs. Danvers has only tried to sabotage and scare the protagonist; however, Mrs. Danvers now reveals she wants the heroine dead. This dramatic threat and the author’s care for the character depicts the grave tone in the author’s voice.
Mood: Tense
One day while Maxim is away in London, the protagonist and Beatrice visit Maxim and Beatrice's grandmother. The visit goes smoothly at first, with laughter and conversation flowing about honeymoons and hobbies. Suddenly, the grandmother face turns blank and she starts a tantrum. In this fit she agitatedly asks about Rebecca: “‘Who are you, my dear? Why did not Maxim bring Rebecca? ...Where is dear Rebecca?’” (du Maurier 185). The reader and the characters surrounding the grandmother feel the awkwardness and tenseness of the scene as the characters are confused as to what to do. Beatrice also feels highly nervous, as she is the one who brought the protagonist to meet the grandmother, and the protagonist is once told again that she is not Rebecca.
Tone: Resigned
The tone of the author, du Maurier, seems to be slightly resigned. Although this scene is embarrassing, the author does not really seem to show that she herself has any emotion. The author appears to be indifferent in this short scene. This is also supported by the fact that du Maurier has the protagonist adopt a carefree attitude as well: “‘I tell you I don’t mind’” (du Maurier 186). The author probably feels a slightly empathetic to the protagonist, but not too much as the tone overall neutral. In addition, the short scene does not give the reader much information, which further supports the idea of du Maurier showing disinterest.
Scene 2: The Dress
Mood: Agitated
In this scene, before the party and the ball, the protagonist is excitedly descending the stairs in her new dress. She expects for Maxim and the others to be happy and compliment her on how pretty she is, but they are instead shocked, or in Maxim’s case, angry: “‘What the hell do you think you are doing?’ he said. His eyes blazed in anger” (du Maurier 213). The unexpected reactions scare and disturbs the protagonist. She thought the dress would make Maxim happy, - instead the opposite happened. Even the reader is surprised as they were not expecting those reactions either. Later, the protagonist sees Mrs. Danvers with an evil, smug smile directed towards her. Furthermore, the silence of the other guests and Maxim’s anger on what should be a happy night, adds to the agitated mood.
Tone: Pitiful
With Maxim’s anger directed towards the scared, distressed protagonist, the author clearly portrays her pitiful tone toward the scene and protagonist. As the main character runs “down the long narrow passage to [her]…room, tripping…over [her] dress” (du Maurier 214), du Maurier most likely was also upset. The author wants the character to be happy; but, with the protagonist so upset, the author pities for the character she created. Du Maurier showcases her pity with the main character’s feelings of the situation and with descriptive word choice for the scene and the character expressions.
Scene 3: Mrs. Danvers Telling the Protagonist to Jump
Mood: Terrifying
At this point in the novel, Mrs. Danvers bluntly shows her true feelings about the character.. She tells the protagonist how she should never have come to Manderley; how Rebecca will always be at Manderley even though she is dead; and that Rebecca will always be superior to the protagonist. She then tries to provoke the protagonist to jump out the window into the fog: “‘I won’t push you… You can jump of your own accord. What’s the use of your staying at Manderley? You’re not happy’” (du Maurier 246). In this scene the protagonist is afraid of dying and the pain of the jump.. But most of all, she is most scared of Mrs. Danvers and that she is correct in her statements about her From the reader’s perspectives, the reader fears that she will actually jump. These elements and the dark fog across the lawn helps convey the terrifying mood.
Tone: Grave
The author conveys a grave tone her, as this is one of the most intense scenes in the novel and one where we see Mrs. Danvers convincing the protagonist to kill herself. Mrs. Danvers whispers, “‘Why don’t you jump?’… ‘Go on’” (du Maurier 246-247). Up until now in the novel, the reader has not seen anyone try to actually physically hurt the main character, including Mrs. Danvers. Throughout the novel, Mrs. Danvers has only tried to sabotage and scare the protagonist; however, Mrs. Danvers now reveals she wants the heroine dead. This dramatic threat and the author’s care for the character depicts the grave tone in the author’s voice.
Part Three:
Scene 1: Maxim Describes the Murder to Mrs. de Winter
Mood: Uncomfortable
During the scene when Maxim is discussing the murder with his wife, it is uncomfortable. First of all, it was quiet in the library and the only noises were the dog licking his foot and Maxim's watch ticking. The silence made the protagonist feel and Maxim feel compelled to continue speaking. At one point during the explanation Maxim "broke off abruptly" and "He began to laugh" (Du Maurier). The laughter is a sign of slight insanity and keeping the secret of murder has completely messed Maxim up. While maintains a good image and knows how to hide dark thoughts, he lets it out when he starts to laugh during the confession. It is also uncomfortable when he talks about the amount of blood: "'I'd forgotten,' said Maxim, and his voice was slow now, tired, without expression, 'that when you shot a person there was so much blood'" (Du Maurier 280). The was he says that he forgot the amount makes it sound like he has killed many people before. It adds a level of disturbing thoughts that an innocent girl married a killer.
Tone: Serious
The author is trying to convey that murder is a serious topic and usually comes with serious consequences. when Mrs. de Winter asks what they are going to do, the main character states that he does not know (Du Maurier 269). The fear of being caught makes the characters realize that Mr. de Winter is likely going to be executed for the murder. The act of her whispering a simple question is like a child; when children realize there is a serious topic, they have a tendency to get quiet and ask questions. When Maxim first tells his wife, she continues to have a proverb from her school run through her head (Du Maurier 267). She is trying to recover from the shock of the news and respond calmly. It conveys how the author does not intend for any of the laughter to be innocent; it is a form of trying to relieve some of the tension in the midst of a serious conversation.
During the scene when Maxim is discussing the murder with his wife, it is uncomfortable. First of all, it was quiet in the library and the only noises were the dog licking his foot and Maxim's watch ticking. The silence made the protagonist feel and Maxim feel compelled to continue speaking. At one point during the explanation Maxim "broke off abruptly" and "He began to laugh" (Du Maurier). The laughter is a sign of slight insanity and keeping the secret of murder has completely messed Maxim up. While maintains a good image and knows how to hide dark thoughts, he lets it out when he starts to laugh during the confession. It is also uncomfortable when he talks about the amount of blood: "'I'd forgotten,' said Maxim, and his voice was slow now, tired, without expression, 'that when you shot a person there was so much blood'" (Du Maurier 280). The was he says that he forgot the amount makes it sound like he has killed many people before. It adds a level of disturbing thoughts that an innocent girl married a killer.
Tone: Serious
The author is trying to convey that murder is a serious topic and usually comes with serious consequences. when Mrs. de Winter asks what they are going to do, the main character states that he does not know (Du Maurier 269). The fear of being caught makes the characters realize that Mr. de Winter is likely going to be executed for the murder. The act of her whispering a simple question is like a child; when children realize there is a serious topic, they have a tendency to get quiet and ask questions. When Maxim first tells his wife, she continues to have a proverb from her school run through her head (Du Maurier 267). She is trying to recover from the shock of the news and respond calmly. It conveys how the author does not intend for any of the laughter to be innocent; it is a form of trying to relieve some of the tension in the midst of a serious conversation.
Scene 2: The Interogation of Maxim
Mood: Worried
The evidence of murder has started to add up and people are thinking that Mr. de Winter could have something to do with it. After seeing the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. de Winter grow, it would be a shame for him to be charged. The evidence from the crime scene has illustrated that it was very unlikely to be an accident: "'It's my opinion, sir, that the boat never capsized at all. She was deliberately scuttled'" (Du Maurier 309). The ship maker noticed that the sea-cocks of the ship were turned on, opening the ship and also that holes were drilled into the bottom. This places an open accusation of either murder or suicide.
Tone: Pathetic
The way that Mrs. de Winter fears her for her husband conveys a pathetic tone. The author wrote the scene making the female in the room seem to be a helpless lady who will not live if people find out about the murder: "There was no air left in this place, and the person next to me was pressing close, close.... Someone in front of me was standing up, and they were talking, too" (Du Maurier 309). The author is addressing how many women used to act pathetic by needing a man and being portrayed as delicate and fragile. When Mrs. de Winter starts to overthink and build scenarios in her head, she is worrying about how she will live if Maxim is charged with murder and thinks people know about the secret. Instead of living independently and trying to do something, she sits back and watches.
The evidence of murder has started to add up and people are thinking that Mr. de Winter could have something to do with it. After seeing the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. de Winter grow, it would be a shame for him to be charged. The evidence from the crime scene has illustrated that it was very unlikely to be an accident: "'It's my opinion, sir, that the boat never capsized at all. She was deliberately scuttled'" (Du Maurier 309). The ship maker noticed that the sea-cocks of the ship were turned on, opening the ship and also that holes were drilled into the bottom. This places an open accusation of either murder or suicide.
Tone: Pathetic
The way that Mrs. de Winter fears her for her husband conveys a pathetic tone. The author wrote the scene making the female in the room seem to be a helpless lady who will not live if people find out about the murder: "There was no air left in this place, and the person next to me was pressing close, close.... Someone in front of me was standing up, and they were talking, too" (Du Maurier 309). The author is addressing how many women used to act pathetic by needing a man and being portrayed as delicate and fragile. When Mrs. de Winter starts to overthink and build scenarios in her head, she is worrying about how she will live if Maxim is charged with murder and thinks people know about the secret. Instead of living independently and trying to do something, she sits back and watches.
Scene 3: Arriving at Manderly (End Scene)
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Mood: Frustrating
Mr. and Mrs. de Winter just got away with murder, and there house is set on fire. It was frustrating when Mrs. de Winter did not fit the pieces together and was confused about the light: "' It's in winter you see the northern lights,' I said. 'Not in summer.' 'That's not the northern lights,' he said, 'that's Manderley'" (Du Maurier 380). Maxim already had a bad feeling, and light in the west should have been a bad sign. Plus, the novels last scene does not give closure with many characters like Frank and Jasper. Even though the people working at Manderley could probably have noticed the fire and gotten out, someone could have gotten stuck in the house and Jasper is a dog that cannot open doors on his own. Maxim has also shown that he has a temper and the reaction to the house might have been interesting to read.
Tone: Disillusionment
The author is trying to convey that even what might seem perfect can still end poorly. Before they see the fire, Mrs. de Winter believes that everything is fine and that they are completely safe. This is due to her still having some innocence and childlike tendencies. When she first hears of the murder and also when she notices the fire, she is awakened from this "perfect" marriage and is able to see what is happening realistically. The disillusionment in the last scene also illustrates how traumatic states result in forced maturity. She is first sleeping in the car and wakes up cold. However, she lives with it because her attention is brought away from the temperature: "'You're cold,' he said. 'Yes,' I said... 'It looks almost as though the dawn was breaking over there, beyond those hills. It can't be though, it's too early'" (Du Maurier 380). The attention being drawn away from her being cold shows the growth of the character because she was able to put her own issues aside to deal with a greater issue.
Mr. and Mrs. de Winter just got away with murder, and there house is set on fire. It was frustrating when Mrs. de Winter did not fit the pieces together and was confused about the light: "' It's in winter you see the northern lights,' I said. 'Not in summer.' 'That's not the northern lights,' he said, 'that's Manderley'" (Du Maurier 380). Maxim already had a bad feeling, and light in the west should have been a bad sign. Plus, the novels last scene does not give closure with many characters like Frank and Jasper. Even though the people working at Manderley could probably have noticed the fire and gotten out, someone could have gotten stuck in the house and Jasper is a dog that cannot open doors on his own. Maxim has also shown that he has a temper and the reaction to the house might have been interesting to read.
Tone: Disillusionment
The author is trying to convey that even what might seem perfect can still end poorly. Before they see the fire, Mrs. de Winter believes that everything is fine and that they are completely safe. This is due to her still having some innocence and childlike tendencies. When she first hears of the murder and also when she notices the fire, she is awakened from this "perfect" marriage and is able to see what is happening realistically. The disillusionment in the last scene also illustrates how traumatic states result in forced maturity. She is first sleeping in the car and wakes up cold. However, she lives with it because her attention is brought away from the temperature: "'You're cold,' he said. 'Yes,' I said... 'It looks almost as though the dawn was breaking over there, beyond those hills. It can't be though, it's too early'" (Du Maurier 380). The attention being drawn away from her being cold shows the growth of the character because she was able to put her own issues aside to deal with a greater issue.