Themes in 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier
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Questions and Answers

In her former life, what was the narrator sometimes worried about?

the waste of food at Manderley

What was the quality of Mrs. Danvers' smile?

superior

Why is the meal with Mrs. Van Hopper eaten in silence?

Mrs. Van Hopper likes to concentrate on the food

What does the narrator believe to be inevitable in everyone's life?

<p>a moment of trial</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator define happiness?

<p>she says it is a quality of thought, a state of mind</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the narrator value boredom?

<p>it is a pleasant antidote to fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the narrator reminded of an English spring?

<p>through old copies of the magazine Field</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which birds remind the narrator of Manderley?

<p>pigeons</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fruit does the narrator anticipate being served at tea?

<p>fresh raspberries</p> Signup and view all the answers

About what is the narrator especially knowledgeable?

<p>the English countryside</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Jasper has gone to the happy hunting grounds'?

<p>Jasper is dead</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the figurative language in the phrase 'lies like an empty shell.'

<p>this is a simile</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Themes and Definitions

  • The narrator worries about food waste at Manderley, indicating her sensitivity towards resources and the lifestyle of the estate.
  • Mrs. Danvers has a superior smile, suggesting her confidence or perhaps a condescending attitude towards others.

Social Dynamics

  • Silence during meals with Mrs. Van Hopper arises from her focus on the food, highlighting her character's priorities and perhaps diminishing the narrator's voice in conversations.

Personal Reflections

  • The narrator believes moments of trial are inevitable in life, signifying her awareness of life's challenges and personal growth.
  • Happiness is defined by the narrator as a quality of thought and a state of mind, indicating a philosophical approach to emotions.

Perceptions of Boredom

  • The narrator values boredom as it serves as a pleasant antidote to fear, suggesting she finds solace in stillness amidst life's uncertainties.

Nostalgia and Nature

  • Old copies of the magazine Field remind the narrator of an English spring, linking her memories to nature and the pastoral lifestyle.
  • Pigeons evoke memories of Manderley, symbolizing the connection between her past and present experiences.

Anticipations and Knowledge

  • The narrator looks forward to fresh raspberries being served at tea, emphasizing her appreciation for food and perhaps a longing for familiarity.
  • She possesses extensive knowledge about the English countryside, showcasing her connection to the land and its beauty.

Animal Symbolism

  • The phrase "Jasper has gone to the happy hunting grounds" conveys the death of Jasper, highlighting themes of loss and the cycle of life.

Literary Devices

  • The expression "lies like an empty shell" utilizes a simile, illustrating emptiness or a loss of vitality in a vivid manner.

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Description

Explore key themes and reflections from 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. This quiz delves into the narrator's insights on personal growth, social dynamics, and the significance of emotions in her life. Test your understanding of nostalgia, food waste, and boredom within the context of the novel.

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