Rebecca Lies and Deceit Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"All the pictures in the gallery would make good costumes," said Mrs. Danvers, "especially that one of the young lady in white, with her hat in her hand." (16.75)

Notice how slyly Mrs. Danvers operates, how practiced she is in deceit. In this scene, Mrs. Danvers even asks Mrs. de Winter if Maxim has suggested a costume for her, giving her the perfect opportunity to remember Maxim's Alice-in-Wonderland suggestion. But she thinks Maxim is joking, and she wants to prove she's an adult, with an adult costume.

Quote #5

If he had no more tenderness for me, never kissed me again, did not speak to me except on matters of necessity, I believed I could bear it if I were certain that nobody knew of this but our two selves. (18.4)

This is a common thread throughout Rebecca. It's preferable to Maxim, to Mrs. de Winter, and possibly to Rebecca to present the false front of a successful marriage than to admit that a marriage is a failure.

Quote #6

"Mr. de Winter doesn't love you. There's not much for you to live for, is there? Why don't you jump now and have done with it? Then you won't be unhappy any more." (18.142)

Mrs. Danvers is telling the truth as she sees it. She has no idea Maxim killed Rebecca. The old housekeeper truly believes he's in mourning and that he feels the same way about Rebecca that she does. Mrs. de Winter believes the lies because they are very close to the way she herself sees the truth at this time.