Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (continued)

Rebecca (continued)

Daphne du Maurier

Where I am in the story so far, speaks of Max describing the garden in his home. Although this may seem quite lacklustre, the author uses vivid description of the senses to make the reader feel as though they are being taken on a journey to Manderley. An example of this, is '...from the terrace you could hear the ripple of the coming tide washing in the little bay'. However, the main focus of his recollection, is to inform us of his pride and joy; his flowers. There are numerous types, including: hydrangeas, syringa, crocuses, and daffodils - '...stirring in the evening breeze, golden heads cupped upon lean stalks.' As a reader, you immediately believe that he has a passion for agriculture, but also you feel a pang of sympathy, as you dwell on the possibility that the flowers might be filling the place of his 'beloved' Rebecca. 

As I continue to read Rebecca, I find that I am learning new words and phrases within the formal language used by the author, that are helping to extend my vocabulary. I have since learnt two new words: 'raucous' and 'blowzy', both of which are used to describe the roses at Manderley, the home of Max de Winter. I find this rather unusual, as the words are supposed to mean harsh-sounding and course-looking; all of which could suggest unconventional beauty, perhaps reflecting the loneliness of Max.