Rebecca is an interesting topic to write about It is not just a name, but a literary heroine, an icon, and a symbol of rebellion. Rebecca is the main character in the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier, and a popular film adaptation starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. The novel tells the story of young and naïve Isabel de Winter, who falls head over heels for the enigmatic and mesmerizing Maxim de Winter. The novel illustrates the struggles of a young woman who must find her own identity, in the face of numerous challenges from her newfound life circumstance.
When it comes to thinking of essay topics about Rebecca, there is no shortage of possibilities. Below are five of the best essay topics about Rebecca that can be explored.
1. An analysis of the thematic significance of Rebecca’s character in the novel. Rebecca is a figure of much complexity and mystery. How can her character be interpreted in light of the novel’s themes?
2. The power of the female characters in the novel. How do the female characters in the novel- Rebecca, Mrs. Danvers, and Isabel- interact and influence each other in the story?
3. The symbolism of Rebecca’s name. In literature, names often carry symbolism. What symbolism is attached to Rebecca’s name in the novel?
4. An exploration of the social context of the novel. The novel is set in the 1930s, a time of sweeping social changes. What impact do these changes have on the characters in the novel?
5. The impact of Rebecca’s absence on the character of Isabel. Isabel is defined by the absence of Rebecca in her life. How does the character of Isabel change over the course of the novel as a result of Rebecca’s absence?
These are only five of the many possibilities for essay topics about Rebecca, but each one is sure to provide an interesting look into the complexity of the novel and its characters. With these essay topics, one may gain a better understanding of Rebecca, both as a character and as a symbol.