I will preface all of this by apologizing for being a latecomer in this discussion. Also, I have not read the books involved for about a year -- so I may be sticking my neck out a bit.Jane Eyre and Rebecca
Posted by JacqueJ on October 17, 1997 at 12:55:51:
I will preface all of this by apologizing for being a latecomer in this discussion. Also, I have not read the books involved for about a year -- so I may be sticking my neck out a bit.
But...
I had occasion the other day to reflect on the parallels between Jane Eyre and Rebecca.
Both tell the story of a relationship between an “older” man and a young woman.
Both stories are situated in a “house” (Thornfield and Manderley) and both men have a dog which plays a role in the story. And, in both cases, the house is ultimately distorted by fire.
Both men made a bad first marriage, both based on deception, and both realized their mistake within a few days.
Both have “silenced” their first wife. There is, however, a vast difference between murder and confining someone who is demented.
Both are “haunted” by their first wife.
Both men have a "housekeeper" -- but beyond that I can see little to compare in Miss Danvers and the other lady (sorry - her name escapes me).
Both men make or attempt to make a second marriage based on deception.
Both women are young, innocent, un-worldly, poor, and alone. Jane, of course, is a fully drawn character. We don’t even know Mrs. DeWinter’s first name. They are both very strong women.
A major difference in the stories is the reaction of the young women when they hear the truth. Jane departs from Rochester. Mrs. DeWinter becomes a kind of co-conspirator. Mrs. DeWinter takes a role in the resolution of the story. Jane waits for events to take their course before she returns.
Any other thoughts on a similar vein?
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