The Nature of Love
RebeccaExplores different forms of love in the novel: possessive, obsessive, and liberating.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingRebecca's Possessive Love
The Selfish Love
The Manipulation
Rebecca loved no one but herself. She used people for her own amusement. Her love was possessive and destructive.
The Control
She controlled Maxim through guilt and fear. She controlled Mrs Danvers through devotion. She used Favell for pleasure.
The Emptiness
Her love was empty. She was incapable of true affection. She left only pain.
Mrs Danvers' Obsessive Love
The Devotion
The Idolization
Mrs Danvers worshipped Rebecca. She saw her as perfect. Her love was obsessive and blind.
The Jealousy
She resented anyone who took Rebecca's place. She tried to destroy the narrator.
The Destruction
Her love consumed her. She ended up alone, with nothing. Obsessive love leads to ruin.
Maxim and the Narrator's Liberating Love
The True Love
The Growth
Their love grew from misunderstanding to deep partnership. They learned to trust each other.
The Sacrifice
They faced the crisis together. They were willing to sacrifice everything for each other.
The Freedom
Their love set them free. It was not possessive or obsessive. It was liberating. They found peace.
Throughout her life
Throughout her service
Throughout their relationship
