Dorothy Bonett answers “Do you think Mrs. Danvers was in love with...”

Leanna asked this question about Rebecca:

Do you think Mrs. Danvers was in love with Rebecca?

Dorothy Bonett No. I think people get that idea from a twisted viewing of the Hitchcock movie. In the book it seems like she's a bizarre Miss Havisham, enjoying Rebe…moreNo. I think people get that idea from a twisted viewing of the Hitchcock movie. In the book it seems like she's a bizarre Miss Havisham, enjoying Rebecca being beautiful and cruel and vicariously liking her punishment of men. She did raise Rebecca and seems to have encouraged her desire to bully other people and animals and to feel superior by hurting or fooling others. She seems to like Rebecca to have sex with men and then tell her about it and mock them. I don't know what that is, and it's sick, you can decide what to call it. I'm glad DuMaurier is tastefully reticent about it and hints rather than shows.
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Penny Yes, I think Danvers lived vicariously through Rebecca.
Jul 22, 2024 07:31AM · flag

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