Rebecca Marriage Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

"Were relations between you and the late Mrs. de Winter perfectly happy?" (22.134-36).

Oh, how we wish Maxim had gotten the chance to answer that question. He probably would have lost his notorious temper! Everybody, including him, seems to realize that Mrs. de Winter's fainting spell is what keeps him under control.

Quote #11

"We'll start again, once this thing is behind us. We can do it, you and I. It's not like being alone. The past can't hurt us if we are together. You'll have children too." After a while he glanced at his watch. "It's ten past six," he said, "I shall have to be going. It won't take long, not more than half an hour. We've got to go down to the crypt." (23.88)

Maxim is just too romantic, combining baby-making, love, and a visit to the crypt to bury the real body of his first wife, who he murdered. Marriage is so fun!

Quote #12

"All married men with lovely wives are jealous, aren't they? And some of 'em just can't help playing Othello. They're made that way. I don't blame them. I'm sorry for them. […] I can't think why fellows can't share their women instead of killing them." (23.157)

What do you think of the points Favell is making? Are married men naturally jealous? Did Maxim kill Rebecca because he was jealous, or is it something else? Is Favell suggesting that marriage is a dangerous institution?