Maxim vs. the Law

Traces Maxim's conflict with the legal system, from the inquest to the threat of exposure, and his ultimate escape from justice.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Identification

The Mistake The Body at Edgecoombe A body was found. Maxim identified it as Rebecca's. He knew it was not her, but he had to maintain the lie. The Funeral Rebecca was buried in the crypt. The lie was sealed. Maxim was free, but haunted. The Risk He knew the truth could come out. He lived in fear of discovery.

The Discovery of the Boat

The Crisis The Diver's Find The diver found Rebecca's boat with a body inside. The truth was about to surface. The Inquest Maxim had to face the inquest. He had to lie again. The pressure was immense. The Verdict The jury returned a verdict of suicide. Maxim was safe, but the threat remained.

The Blackmail Threat

The Legal Danger Favell's Accusation Favell accused Maxim of murder. He had Rebecca's note. He threatened to go to the police. The Magistrate's Intervention Colonel Julyan came. He saw through Favell's blackmail. But the danger was real. The Escape Doctor Baker's revelation saved Maxim. The truth about Rebecca's illness provided a motive for suicide. The legal threat was neutralized.

The Final Freedom

The Escape The Fire Manderley burned. The evidence of the crime was destroyed. The Exile Maxim and the narrator left England. They were beyond the reach of the law. The Peace Maxim was free. He had escaped justice, but he had found peace. The law could not touch him anymore.

After Rebecca's disappearance

Day after the ball

Evening after the inquest

After the fire