Identity In Rebecca By Daphne Du Maurier

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Throughout the novel Rebecca written by Daphne du Maurier, the narrator is a perfect example of the theme of identity. Identity can be defined as: who someone is, what they do, and how they act. The narrator goes un-named until she marries. The absence of a name adds to the mystery of her identity. Although her name and family is unknown, we can still see some of her personality.
The narrator, later Mrs. De Winter, is a very mysterious character. The novel begins with her being a travel companion to the wealthy Mrs. Van Hopper. In being a travel companion the narrator lacks a true personal identity. Because the narrator does not have an identity of her own, she feels unimportant. Being a travel companion it is difficult to develop her own …show more content…

A young child does not have the skills to develop an identity of their own. A young child will act similar to the adult figures in their life. As the young child grows and matures, he or she will develop their own identity. Just like the young child develops their own identity, so will the narrator.
At lunch one day, Mrs. Van Hopper and her companion meet a man by the name of Maxim De Winter. Maxim was a high profile man. Later that day a letter arrives. The letter is from Maxim.This letter was very special because it was to be delivered to the companion. Mrs. Van Hopper was the one who usually received all the attention. It was her companion for once. Receiving the letter made the narrator feel important. The narrator begins to develop an identity.
Maxim and the narrator begin to do things together. Mrs. Van Hopper has no idea that her companion and Maxim were doing things together. After a little while, Mrs. Van Hopper began to ask where she was going all the time. The narrator gave the excuse that she was getting tennis lessons. Mrs. Van Hopper awakes one morning and decides to travel to New York. The narrator goes quickly to tell Maxim that she has to go. Maxim proposes marriage. Maxim is in love with the narrator. Mrs. Van Hopper is upset when she hears of

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