Rebecca

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. In Rebecca, the narrator, Mrs. Van Hopper, and Mrs. Danvers all experience varying degrees of jealousy.

• Where does jealousy first appear in the novel, and what does this jealousy reveal about the character who experiences it? (topic sentence)
• Give at least three examples of moments when the characters experience extreme jealousy, and what these moments suggest about the characters themselves.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how jealousy connects to the theme of The Haunting or The Narrator’s Journey.

2. A symbol is an object or event that holds a metaphorical meaning—it stands for something beyond itself.

• What does the narrator know about Manderley in the beginning of the novel? (topic sentence)
• Provide at least three examples of moments in the text when Manderley stands out as a significant symbol.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how the symbol of Manderley connects to the theme The Paradise of Manderley.

3. A text’s atmosphere is the feeling created through the details and language used to describe a setting.

• How does Daphne du Maurier establish an atmosphere of suspense when the narrator arrives at Manderley? (topic sentence)
• Give at least three examples of details, images, or phrases that support the suspenseful effect of Manderley’s atmosphere. Explain how these details, images, or phrases accomplish this task.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how the atmosphere adds complexity to the theme of The Paradise of Manderley.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Consider the namelessness of Rebecca’s narrator. Why does the narrator remain nameless? Why would Rebecca be given such a prominent name in contrast? Give at least three examples of moments of the narrator’s characterization that relate to her namelessness. Then, connect your ideas to a theme or themes in the novel. As you compose your response, support your assertions with details and language from the text. Cite any quotes in the style your teacher prefers.

2. How does the narrator’s relationship with her husband change after the revelation of Rebecca’s murder? How does the narrator change, and what effect does this have on her relationship with Maxim? How has the narrator lost her innocence, and how has this altered the power dynamic in their relationship? Provide at least three examples of the development of their relationship, then connect your ideas to a theme or themes in the novel. As you compose your response, support your assertions with details and language from the text. Cite any quotes in the style your teacher prefers.

3. Gothic literature is often associated with elements such as tormented heroes, mysteries, ghosts, death, haunted mansions, and more. Du Maurier was inspired by the classic Gothic novel Jane Eyre when writing Rebecca. In what ways does Rebecca exemplify the traditional elements of Gothic literature? Provide at least three examples from the text to prove your assertions. Cite any quotes in the style your teacher prefers.