12 Questions
What is the primary sound that the narrator is aware of in the library?
The ticking of Maxim's watch
What is Jasper doing in the library?
Licking his foot
What proverb is the narrator reminded of in the library?
Time and Tide wait for no man
How does the narrator describe their emotional state in the library?
Characterized by a lack of emotion
What is the narrator's concern for Jasper in the library?
The thorn in Jasper's foot
What is the narrator's attitude towards their own lack of emotion in the library?
Shocked
What does the narrator feel when Maxim kissed her?
Nothing, as if she had no more feeling left in her
Why does Maxim say 'it's too late'?
Because the narrator doesn't love him
What does the narrator see when she opens her eyes while Maxim is kissing her?
A little patch of curtain above his head
What does Maxim say they've found?
The boat
What is the narrator's response to Maxim's statement that it's too late?
She tries to convince him otherwise
What does the narrator want to happen with Maxim?
She wants to be together with him always
Study Notes
The Quiet Moment in the Library
- The library is described as very quiet, with only the sound of Jasper licking his foot and Maxim's watch ticking close to the narrator's ear.
- The narrator recalls the proverb "Time and Tide wait for no man" and is struck by the normality of the everyday sounds.
The Narrator's Emotional State
- The narrator is in a state of shock, likening it to losing a limb, where they don't feel the pain or loss at first.
- They are aware of no feeling, no pain, and no fear, but instead think of mundane tasks like taking the thorn out of Jasper's foot.
- The narrator is shocked by their lack of emotion and feels like a "wooden thing" in Maxim's arms.
Maxim's Kiss
- Maxim begins to kiss the narrator, which is unlike his previous kisses.
- The narrator is overcome with emotion, thinking that this is what they have wanted to hear from him every day.
- However, they remain detached, observing the curtains and the sun's fading effects on the fabric.
The Realization
- Maxim stops kissing the narrator and says it's too late, implying that she doesn't love him.
- The narrator's heart jumps in panic, and they quickly reassure Maxim that they love him more than anything.
- The narrator explains that they felt stunned and shaken, unable to feel anything during the kiss.
The Aftermath
- Maxim is skeptical, saying that women are not like men and that the narrator's lack of feeling is proof that they don't love him.
- The narrator begs Maxim to kiss them again, but he refuses, saying it's no use now.
- The narrator pleads with Maxim to be together, with no secrets or shadows, but he reveals that the authorities have found Rebecca's boat, and their time together may be limited.
Test your understanding of a pivotal scene in Daphne du Maurier's classic novel Rebecca, where the narrator begins to understand Maxim's emotions and feelings towards her. Analyze the emotions and interactions between the characters in this romantic and intense passage.
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