Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to the Author-1

1.2 Introduction to Rebecca-1

1.3 Literature Review-2

1.4 Thesis Structure-3

Chapter Two Female Gothic-4

2.1 Definition and Features of Gothic-4

2.2 Definition and Features of Female Gothic-4

2.3 Classic Works and Research Direction of Female Gothic-5

Chapter Three The Interpretation of Female Gothic in Rebecca-6

3.1 Female Gothic Character and Female Self-consciousness-6

3.1.1 Angel-like Narrator-6

3.1.2 Devil-like Rebecca-7

3.2 Female Gothic Atmosphere and Female Psychology-7

3.2.1 Female Gothic Atmosphere-8

3.2.2 Female Psychology-8

3.3 Rebecca’s Female Gothic Rebellion-9

3.3.1 Subversion against Men’ Status-9

3.3.2 Satire on Patriarchal Society-9

3.3.3 Breaking from Patriarchal Society-10

Chapter Four Conclusion-12

References-13

Abstract

Daphne du maurier (1907-1990), a famous British female writer, was a member of the Royal College of Literary works. Rebecca, as one of her most well-known works, is an example of Female Gothic at that time. Daphne was clever at combining Gothic elements with Feminism, which highlight the difficult and embarrassing situation faced by women in the process of seeking their new life as well as indicates women eager pursuit for happiness under the stress of patriarchal society. Hence, Female Gothic becomes a symbol against sexual discrimination. 

In recent years, domestic and foreign scholars have studied Rebecca from different perspectives. However, they mainly focus Male Gothic, while seldom paying attention to the analysis of Female Gothic. On the basis of previous research, this paper attempts to interpret Rebecca from the perspective of Female Gothic and explores the deep social reasons for women’s physical trauma and personal repression. The first chapter will briefly introduce Daphne’s life experience and writing styles, and the main idea and literature review of Rebecca. The second chapter will briefly introduce the theory of Female Gothic, including its definition, features and classic works. The third part is the core part of this novel, which will dwell on the analysis of the female characters and analyze women’ rebellion under patriarchal society. The last one is the conclusion of the paper.

Keywords: Rebecca  Female Gothic  patriarchal society