Narrator vs. Mrs Danvers

Chronicles the power struggle between the second Mrs de Winter and Mrs Danvers, from initial intimidation to the narrator's eventual victory.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Skirmish

The Cold Welcome The Handshake Mrs Danvers' hand was cold and lifeless. The narrator felt a chill. She knew she was not welcome. The Scornful Smile When the narrator dropped her gloves, Mrs Danvers picked them up with a scornful smile. She had already judged her. The Unequal Battle The narrator was intimidated. She did not know how to assert herself. Mrs Danvers held all the power.

The House Telephone

The Daily Humiliation The Menu Call Mrs Danvers called every morning to discuss the menu. The narrator stammered approval. She felt like a child. The Comparison Mrs Danvers always referred to what Rebecca would have done. The narrator felt inadequate. The Silent War Every interaction was a battle. Mrs Danvers was polite but condescending. The narrator dreaded her calls.

The Costume Trap

The Deception The Suggestion Mrs Danvers suggested the narrator wear the costume of Caroline de Winter. She knew it was the same costume Rebecca had worn. The Innocence The narrator trusted her. She thought Mrs Danvers was being helpful. She had no idea of the trap. The Result On the night of the ball, the narrator appeared in Rebecca's dress. Mrs Danvers watched from the west wing, triumphant.

The Confrontation in the West Wing

The Turning Point The Accusation The narrator confronted Mrs Danvers. She accused her of setting the trap. Mrs Danvers admitted her hatred. The Temptation Mrs Danvers tried to tempt the narrator to jump from the window. She whispered that Maxim did not love her. The Victory The narrator resisted. She realized Mrs Danvers had no real power over her. She walked away, free.

The Final Defeat

The Departure The Disappearance Mrs Danvers left Manderley. She did not say goodbye. She vanished into the woods. The Relief The narrator felt a profound relief. She was finally free of Mrs Danvers' influence. The End of the War The power struggle was over. The narrator had won. She was the true mistress of Manderley.

First day at Manderley

First morning at Manderley

Week before the ball

Morning after the ball

Evening after the inquest