Mrs Danvers' Devotion and Hostility

Traces Mrs Danvers' obsessive loyalty to Rebecca and her relentless campaign to undermine the second Mrs de Winter, culminating in her disappearance.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First Meeting with Mrs Danvers

The Cold Welcome The Skull's Face Mrs Danvers emerged from the crowd of servants, tall and gaunt in black. Her hand was cold and lifeless. The narrator felt a chill of fear. Mrs Danvers' eyes held no warmth, only scrutiny. The Formal Speech She delivered a stiff welcome, but her voice was dead. The narrator stammered a reply and dropped her gloves. Mrs Danvers picked them up with a scornful smile. The First Impression The narrator knew instantly that Mrs Danvers despised her. She was not just a housekeeper; she was the guardian of Rebecca's memory.

The Tour of the West Wing

The Forbidden Rooms The Lost Way The narrator got lost and found herself in the west wing. Mrs Danvers appeared, offering to show her the rooms. The narrator declined, but Mrs Danvers insisted. Rebecca's Bedroom Mrs Danvers showed her Rebecca's bedroom, preserved as if she still lived there. The brushes, the nightdress, the slippers—all untouched. Mrs Danvers spoke of Rebecca with reverence. The Intimidation The narrator felt like an intruder. Mrs Danvers' devotion was unsettling. She made it clear that Rebecca was still the mistress of Manderley.

The Costume Suggestion

The Trap The Discarded Sketch Mrs Danvers found a sketch the narrator had thrown away. She suggested copying a portrait in the gallery—the one of Caroline de Winter. The Hidden Motive Mrs Danvers knew that Rebecca had worn the same costume at the last ball. She did not warn the narrator. She wanted to humiliate her. The Result On the night of the ball, the narrator appeared in Rebecca's dress. Maxim was horrified. Mrs Danvers watched from the west wing, triumphant.

The Confrontation in Rebecca's Room

The Final Battle The Accusation The narrator confronted Mrs Danvers in Rebecca's room. She accused her of deliberately setting the trap. Mrs Danvers admitted her hatred. The Temptation to Suicide Mrs Danvers tried to tempt the narrator to jump from the window. She whispered that Maxim did not love her, that she should end it. The narrator was tempted, but the sound of rockets saved her. The Aftermath Mrs Danvers' power was broken. The narrator realized she could not be defeated. Mrs Danvers left the room, defeated for now.

Mrs Danvers' Disappearance

The Departure The Packing Mrs Danvers packed her belongings and left Manderley. She did not say goodbye. She disappeared through the woods, avoiding the lodge. The Long-Distance Call She received a call from Favell, who told her about Doctor Baker's revelation. She knew the game was up. The End of an Era Her departure marked the end of Rebecca's reign. The narrator was finally free of her influence. Mrs Danvers vanished into the night, taking her devotion with her.

First day at Manderley

First morning at Manderley

Week before the ball

Morning after the ball

Evening after the inquest