Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier - Thesis essay - 1815 Words

The way an individual is seen and the impression that person makes upon others determines the way that person is treated. If one has charisma and self confidence in ones own abilities, those around unconsciously recognise this trait and are inclined to respond with respect. In Daphne du Mauriers novel Rebecca, the narrator Mrs de Winters lack of self confidence and assertion are responsible for the lack of respect she receives from others. In comparison, when a character, such as Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre has self confidence, she earns the respect of both other characters and herself. Mrs de Winter in Rebecca, is a young woman who openly admits to herself and her readers that she is a martyr to [her] own inferiority complex;†¦show more content†¦Mrs Danvers, Manderleys housekeeper, is both aware of and delighted by the narrators fear of her. She is almost encouraged to continue her intimidation of the narrator, under the guise of subservient courtesy. As Mrs de Winter is not in possession of her own personal maid, Mrs Danvers is entrusted with the task of appointing one. This she fulfils, choosing a young girl of negligible experience and who was, the only person in the house who stood in awe of the narrator, insinuating that only the lowliest of servants finds it necessary to respect Mrs de Winter, because Clarice has had no alarming standards and consequently they seem to be fit company (p 143). Eventually though, after experiencing for only a short time, Mrs de Winters insecurities and uncertainties, Clarice is confident enough to confide in her mothe r that serving the narrator is not like being with a lady... its like being with one of ourselves (p 151). By this it can be assumed that Clarice is referring to the similar class and background she shares with the narrator, therefore considering it unnecessary to respect or fear the narrator, as the similarities they share are so numerous and of such social importance. This familiarisation, as perceived by Maxim and consequently, the narrator (devoid of her own opinions) is indeed an insult and displays a lack of respect for her betters on the part of Clarice, further lowering the