I considered posting specific prompts, asking for certain kinds of responses from you all . . . but let's be honest, we're all busy parents and don't have that kind of time, so in lieu of that, I'll just leave this thread open for anyone (anyone?) to comment on the novel as they like. Positive, negative, short-and-sweet, long-and-involved . . . let it fly. Just click the "# Comments" link below to voice your opinions!
I enjoyed the first section assigned in Rebecca!!! The way DuMaurier describes the setting makes me feel like I am sitting right there feeling, smelling, touching and tasting everything. I would love to visit and spend time there. I guessed England was being described. I enjoyed visiting London. England is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI like the real life experience. I can identify with Rebecca at times. It is sad the snobbery that goes on in some high society places.
I am impressed with how loving Maxim can be. His maturity comes out in their argument in the car,although he is still mourning. I wanted Rebecca to let go of her pride and continue on the date. There is much healing in forgetting and forgiving.
I did feel Rebecca thinks too much about what Maxim is feeling and thinking. I beleive she is blessed he is interested in her and wants to spend time with her. Jealousy is a waste of time and takes away from the love that could flourish naturally without it. Then again I strive toward unconditional love and that is not whst is always taught children in the world. I can't wait to see how their relationship continues to grow. But what conflicts will occur when those who do not know about the relationship find out? ;-D
Thank goodness! SOMEONE is reading!
ReplyDeleteShe's a whiz with the setting, isn't she? I agree. The dream sequence that opens the novel is as vivid as it gets, for my money.
I also like how the narrator cuts right through Mrs. Van Hopper's ritzy facade to uncover for us the shallow individual beneath it. Her cigarettes in the cold cream pop the brightest, for me. Disgusting.
Just a note to clarify, though, and a mistake that many of my students make on this first section, so don't feel too bad about it: REBECCA is Maxim's drowned wife, the NARRATOR has not yet been named.
Thank you for sharing your comments as well!!! ;-D I will pay better attention. I am really liking this book. Thank you for including parents in this reading.
ReplyDeleteI found the first two chapters very hard to read. The author went on for three pages describing the scenery. After the first two chapters it did improve but I still find the "old english" style of writing sometimes difficult to read. I feel the connection between the main characters could have been written better. They do not seem to be very involved with each other -- they seem somewhat distant.
ReplyDeleteFollow this link and scroll down to rhododendrons. Something to think about . . .
ReplyDeletehttp://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infoflowersymbolism.htm#OR
In this section of the reading I thought there might be more drama with the realization of a new Mrs. De Winter; especially with the age difference.
ReplyDeleteI was upset that Maxim did not want to allow the author to have a beautiful wedding in a church. The open commitment to receiving graces in their union. I can see how he may want to avoid it due to the passing of Rebecca. The author seems to be a very humble, grateful and understanding person to agree to Maxim's conditions. She must love him.
Mrs. Van Hopper also upset me. How selfish can a person be. I did not like the way she reacted to the news. Her non-supportive attitude disgusted me emotionally. I can see the author being thrown into Maxim's arms after having dealt with this type of women. I was hoping there was more to Mrs. Van Hopper.
Manderly seems so beautiful and well layed out. I would love to sit and write letters in the Morning Room. I could feel the flowers peer through the pages watching me read.
Mr. Frith and Mrs. Danvers seem very respectful and kind. I like the way they gently help the author move through her routine and responsibilities. I hoped Maxim would have prepared her better for this setting. In some cases sink and swim work out better than training.
Being who I am, I would hope her more responsible with her health. Making sure she is fed the way she needs to eat. I can also see how hard it would be to demand anything coming from where she worked before. Who knows how she was raised.
I can't wait to find out what type of a Mrs. De Winter the author will be. Will she step up to the plate or continue on as she has? ;-D
I wonder if the decorator of Manderly and the author meant this as a clue to what is to come or as a warning to the new Mrs. De Winter? I knew they were toxic but they are so beautiful!!! ;-D
ReplyDeleteRhododendron Flower Symbolism
The flower symbolism associated with the rhododendron is beware and caution. Rhododendron means "rose tree." Some spices are toxic to animals and may have a hallucinogenic and laxative effect on humans, thus the symbolism related to warning and danger. Rhododendrons were originally found in Nepal. Today there are over 1,000 species of rhododendrons. Rhododendrons are the national flower of Nepal, the state flower of Sikkim in India, and the state flower of West Virginia and Washington in the United States
The narrator sees herself as second-best. The second wife after the first wife has died, who was apparently madly loved by her husband. She was previously a paid companion, now she's the mistress of a large estate with a staff of servants. She has been given a smaller suite of rooms, even the old blind dog remembers the previous mistress and doesn't come to her. To dress for dinner, she would have to wear a hand-me-down from Mrs. Van Hopper's daughter because Maxim didn't take her shopping in London. It's amazing that Maxim leaves her alone her first morning there. He's been gone for months, can't he take one more morning to at least show her about the house? She's taking her cues as to how to behave from the servants. Maxim seems oblivious that she might feel out of her depth. I wonder if he really knows her at all. The information about the rhododendrons is very interesting. Will she find any friends or sympathetic characters here?
ReplyDeleteThe narrator finally meets Maxim's sister, Beatrice; her husband Giles and Frank Crawly. I felt compassion for Max as I do for my own brothers when we all get together. I know they love me but I can get on their nerves because I am very different from them. I liked experiencing their interaction. It helped me see how close Max and the narrator really are; how they care for each other in the only way they know how.
ReplyDeleteI did feel a little perturbed with the way Max held things in and did not share complete truths.
I enjoyed Beatrice's personality. She seemed so friendly and the only one to share something of what has been going on with the narrator. I felt a little sadness toward the narrator but at the same time respect for accepting herself just the way she is and going with the flow. Although sometimes her thoughts bring me to think she can assume too much of others thoughts, which seems to cause her to lower her own self esteem.
When the guest finally drove off I was happy the newly weds were going to spend time together. As they walked through Manderly, I could smell the azaleas; I felt the rhododendrons surround me with color. The fragrance must be astounding. Ah, just to be able to listen to the running water in the stream, the birds and how the leaves rustle together. The clean fragrance after it has been raining. I truly enjoy walking through the Missouri Botanical Gardens and using all of my senses. If only I could breathe in the fresh air at Manderly.
As the narrator climbed the rocks searching for Jasper I had an uneasy feeling, all the time hoping she would not get hurt. I hoped that Jasper would obey her, knowing that it is too soon for the dog to bond with her.
As the narrator spoke to Ben I hoped to find out more of what had happened to Rebecca but felt let down by their short conversation. I hoped that Max had grown stronger at the loss of Rebecca and would have gone with the narrator. How hard could it have been for the narrator to walk back on a familiar trail to Jasper, to wear the mackintosh and other clothing that Rebecca may have worn or wore? How hard could it have been for her to hold the handkerchief with the initials of Rebecca and the scent of azaleas? Is the narrator starting to feel ok with her position or would she still tear out the page that held the bold print of Rebecca as she did before in the book Max lent her? ;-D
We are loving your comments! I know it's a bit lonely in here still, but don't give up!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your participation!
Your welcome!!! I am grateful for the learning experience. I am starting to recall what I was taught in school. It has been so long. Thank you for being patient with me. ;-D
ReplyDeleteYay!!! We finally find out how Rebecca died. I had a sense that Frank Crawly cared about the narrator but I didn't realize how much. I am starting too really like the type of person Frank Crawly is. I enjoyed their conversation but felt uncomfortable with her spending alone time with him since I don't accustom spending alone time with any other male but my husband. All my family lives far away.
ReplyDeleteI felt that if the narrator breaks anything in her home she has the right to share it or not share it. At the time I forgot she lived with employees. I felt for her having to let everyone know she broke the expensive wedding gift given to Maxim and Rebecca; a cupid to top it off. This is why I prefer not to employ anyone to work in my home. I felt for Robert when accused by Mrs Danvers. This is his lively hood. How long would it take him to pay for the cupid. It upset me that Mrs. Danvers assumed it was him.
Beatrice reminded me of my sister-n-laws. They are always so thoughtful and loving. I was really impressed with the set of books on Art she gave the narrator!
I am starting to grow weary with the narrator’s lack of self esteem. Sometimes I wish she would decide she is now the wife of Maxim. She has the right to research what a woman in her statis usually does and then decide who she wants to be in this setting and like the Nike commercial says, "Just do it!".
After the narrator and Max conversed for a while, he got up and reacted angrily to the narrator. This put fear in me. The way he questioned their love made me feel like she was being controlled to react a certain way. It was not loving in my opinion.
I felt a little stab in my heart for the narrator when maxim mentioned Rebecca new of fine China. Only because I know how the narrator kills her spirit with her negative thoughts about herself. I felt some hope when Jasper rests on her lap. Sometimes fitting in just takes time; it takes time to build a bond with those who surround us. I hope the narrator has Mrs. Danvers pegged wrong. Although this is starting to feel like I'm beginning a game of Clue. Will everyone finally choose to get a long and play by the rules or will some choose to play by their own rules?;-D
Oh, I was so sad to realize how selfish and cruel Maxim and Mrs. Danvers could be. I hoped there would be a change for the better instead of the worse.
ReplyDeleteI don’t blame the narrator wanting to explore the whole of Manderely. If no one was telling me much of Rebecca; I would want to find out for myself. Besides, the narrator did marry Maxim; this was now her house as much as it was his. I did not read of a prenuptial agreement. As gifted as Mrs. Danvers is I would not put up with someone treating me badly. I would have mentioned it to Maxim as soon as possible. I would not have kept it to myself. After all, your husband should be your best friend. No one deserves to be bullied no matter what the circumstance.
I really enjoyed learning of Rebecca’s room. It does seem so lovely. I hope to read a description of the other rooms. I am into decorating.
My spirits livened when the narrator agreed to spend time with Beatrice. I like Beatrice’s personality and her good intentions.
In these three chapters I felt like the narrator was continuously getting beat up by her circumstance. The grandmother being so fond of Rebecca was understandable. How could that be pre-meditated? It was sad but what was worse was seeing her quickly fall into Mrs. Danvers trap. A little voice inside my head keeps trying to tell the narrator; don’t trust anyone. Do your own thing!
I wish Maxim showed more respect to the narrator as his wife instead as his child. I am now beginning to be irritated by his responses and reactions. Why must he yell at her so; Go change before the guests arrive; into anything. Instead of realizing she knows nothing because he has not shared anything with her. Why must anyone assume? Assumptions really just cause problems. They seem so real; we begin to believe them. Then the accused is treated as if it really did happen. What’s up with that?
I was so happy to learn that the narrator had a new friend in Clarice. The way she showed she truly cared moved me. If it weren’t for Beatrice softening the blows; I would probably end up enraged. Will the narrator dressing like Caroline de Winter throw Maxim into a deeper friendship with her or will he choose to completely ignore her? ;-D
This year, I am attempting to earn certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. One of the tasks required to do so is to write a bit about my "accomplishments," the things I do outside the classroom as a partner with parents and the community. I intend to use this blog as one of these accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteI also have to provide evidence that the accomplishment has actually had an impact on student learning, so I'm basically writing to ask whether or not you believe that your participation here and reading alongside your child has had a positive impact on his/her attitude or achievement.
If you do, would you be willing to sign a little statement that says as much? If not, I fully understand. Just email me at jason.becker@fhsdschools.org. Thanks!
I feel for the narrator but at the same time grow weary of the mortification she goes through with her assuming the worse. I hoped Mrs. Danvers would not be dysfunctional but it is so obvious she is now. Mr. Crawley comes in to save the day. I am so glad she has him to confide in.
ReplyDeleteTo be at a party and stand in a corner watching is not my style. Have fun while you have the chance I say. I can understand the narrator being careful with her actions after what happened though. I would have loved Maxim to come and whisk her off for a private conversation to set things straight. I’m sure there are a lot of hiding places in Manderley. I guess it’s not proper.
Mrs. Danvers scares me now. What is she capable of? I would steer clear of her. I would not want her working for me after what occurred in the bedroom. Why would I want someone who wants me dead living near me?
I would have felt some sense of accomplishment as a wife if I would have learned Rebecca had affairs. I would have thought the marriage must have not been as wonderful as Mrs. Danvers thought. How awful for Maxim to know that his spouse also preferred other lovers.
I am relieved that there was a distraction and the narrator chose to live instead of committing suicide. Will the new distraction bring Max and the narrator closer? I hope so.;-D
I was relieved to see that the marriage bond between the narrator and Maxim has now been sealed with Max's decision to confide in her.
ReplyDeleteThe situation between Max and Rebecca is so complex. Did Rebecca commit suicide by taunting Max to the point of emotional confusion? I believe Max should have never put the gun in his hand in the first place. It may have avoided the whole intent for both suicide and murder.
Then there is the question of how the narrator should respond. She was not present or part of the murder. Her job is to unconditionally love and support her husband. Should she keep quiet? What I do applaud her for is her love for Maxim. Her humanity comes out with the joy she feels when Maxim tells her he never loved Rebecca. I would still want some remorse for anyone that has passed away no matter how evil they are. Life is precious and there is always hope for conversion!!!
What nerve of Favell to ask for money to keep quiet about Rebecca. What type of love did he have for her? I felt it very distasteful with a huge lack of respect for her person. Then again who is to judge them when so unfamiliar with their upbringing?
I am impressed with the love Maxim shows the narrator by handling the accusation with maturity and self control. The love and support the narrator and Maxim show each other inspire me to love my husband even more; through thick and thin!!! How will events evolve now that Favell will not let this go? ;-D