Seminar 1. Jane Eyre in the XX Century: Daphne du Maurie's "Rebecca"
1. Read Daphne du Maurie's Rebecca. What similarities to Bronte's Jane Eyre have you noticed on the plot level?
2. Perform a comparative analysis of female characters: Bertha vs Rebecca, Jane Eyre vs Rebecca's nameless protagonist. Highlight as many overlaps and differences as possible. What might be the reason for leaving Rebecca's protagonist anonymous? Are there any hidden similarities between Bertha and Jane in Bronte's novel? Can we treat Bertha as Jane's dark double and why?
3. Perform a comparative analysis of male characters: Rochester vs Max de Winter. Note as many overlaps and differences as possible. What role did both man play in their wives' fates? Can they be treated as situational hostages and victims of their passions?
4. What are your expectations of the couples' further life in "Jane Eyre" and "Rebecca"? Would both protagonists be equally happy?