The Literary Analysis of Rebecca: The Creation of Mood through Literary Techniques
In the excerpt from Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier’s skillful use of literary techniques paints astounding images, both beautiful and grotesque, of the pathway to Manderley, the narrator’s beloved estate, and also creates a variety of moods. A classic piece of modern gothic literature, the story contains settings embossed with awe alongside lavish descriptions. These descriptions evoke certain associations and robust emotions that place the reader in the narrator’s perspective. As the narrator advances in her dream of visiting Manderley, it becomes very clear that the excerpt is divided into three distinct yet discrete parts, each of which are composed of unique…show more content… One key point of evidence is in lines 57 through 58, where the narrator is reflecting upon the beauty of Manderley’s remains, “The mullioned windows reflecting the green lawns and the terrace.” this example from the passage illustrates the narrator’s reflections which could be interpreted as symbolism, whereas the reflection of the green lawns and terrace could plausibly be the narrator reflecting upon positive memories. This illustration of symbolism and specific imagery evokes positive memories and feelings in the reader, creating a great shift in mood, from one of horror and nightmare, to an atmosphere of nostalgia and sentimental affection. To continue, in lines 58 and 59, du Maurier explicitly declares, “Time could not wreck the perfect symmetry of those walls, not the site itself, a jewel in the hollow of a hand…”. Here, the impression of nostalgia is crafted by the positive, and majestic diction, such as “perfect symmetry” and “jewel in the hollow of the hand” evoking positive, sentimental thoughts and reflection upon the past, and to almost “think of it as it might have been” (lines 64-65), the quote reveals that the rich imagery conveys the narrator’s positive memories from the past, the peaceful atmosphere, and contrasts it to the nightmarish forest. In short, the peaceful, reflective and majestic image painted by the diction, vivacious imagery and detail, provokes the reader to feel nostalgia, and in turn, shifting the mood from nightmarish, to
