Key Quotations (AQA A-Level English Literature A): Revision Notes
Key Quotations
Understanding how to use quotations effectively
When preparing for your exam, remember that assessment objectives emphasise the importance of using textual references, which includes quotations. This means you can demonstrate your understanding through various methods: summarising key moments, paraphrasing dialogue, referencing specific words, or citing plot events. All these approaches are equally valid alongside direct quotations.
Rather than memorising quotations word-for-word, focus on developing a thorough understanding of the text itself. Strong textual knowledge enables you to select and use references effectively in response to exam questions. Your understanding matters more than rote memorisation.
The quotations below are organised by key themes to help with revision. Each includes analysis and contextual information to deepen your understanding of how Du Maurier develops ideas throughout the novel.
Identity
Du Maurier examines how individuals perceive themselves within the constraints of societal expectations. The aristocratic world depicted in the novel imposes strict standards that challenge characters' sense of self and independence. These expectations prove particularly restrictive for women, who face pressure to conform to specific ideals of behaviour and appearance.
The narrator's self-perception
I realise, every day, that things I lack, confidence, grace, beauty, intelligence, wit – Oh, all the qualities that mean most in a woman – she possessed – Narrator, Chapter 11
Context: This reflection occurs when the narrator returns to Manderley and encounters Frank. She speaks with him about her constant comparison of herself to Rebecca, revealing her profound sense of inadequacy.
Analysis: The narrator's words expose her deep-rooted insecurity as she measures herself against Rebecca. Her acknowledgement of lacking confidence, grace, beauty, intelligence and wit demonstrates feelings of inferiority that dominate her thoughts. She views Rebecca as the perfect embodiment of femininity, and this idealisation becomes a crucial narrative element that shapes her behaviour throughout the story.
These qualities the narrator lists were traditionally associated with expectations for women in aristocratic society during this period. The social standards of this world dictate her understanding of self-worth, creating obstacles as she attempts to establish her own identity. The memory of Rebecca affects not only how others perceive the narrator but also fundamentally shapes how she views herself.
The narrator's self-comparison to Rebecca reveals a key theme: how societal expectations of "feminine perfection" create psychological barriers. This reflects broader Victorian and early 20th-century attitudes toward women's roles in upper-class society.
Mrs Danvers's declaration of loyalty
She's the real Mrs de Winter, not you. Why don't you leave Manderley to her? – Mrs Danvers, Chapter 18
Context: The morning following the Manderley ball, the narrator confronts Mrs Danvers about the costume incident.
Analysis: Mrs Danvers's statement reveals the symbolic significance of Rebecca's continuing presence at Manderley. Even death has not diminished Rebecca's influence over the estate. Her spirit and memory maintain a powerful hold, contributing to the Gothic and mysterious atmosphere that pervades the novel.
This quotation demonstrates Mrs Danvers's unwavering devotion to Rebecca, a loyalty that extends beyond the boundaries of life and death. By insisting that Rebecca remains the true mistress of Manderley, Mrs Danvers refuses to acknowledge the second Mrs de Winter in this role. This creates a stark contrast between the narrator and Rebecca, highlighting the power Mrs Danvers continues to exercise over the narrator through her allegiance to the dead woman.
Power and control
The novel explores how individuals maintain dominance over others through manipulation, intimidation and psychological pressure. The narrator's vulnerability and inexperience expose her to those who wield greater power, particularly Mrs Danvers, who exploits this weakness to frighten and control her.
The narrator's liberation
I knew then that the dress had not been white. I remembered something I had seen in the picture. I thought I was hurting her but actually I was not hurting her at all. All that time she had been laughing at me. Rebecca was still mistress there. She could not hurt me. She would never haunt me again. She had lost her power over me – Narrator, Chapter 21
Context: This moment arrives when the complete truth about Rebecca's death and the events surrounding it has been fully disclosed. The narrator reflects on the aftermath of this revelation.
Analysis: The quotation captures the narrator's transformation in perspective. The phrase she could not hurt me signals a fundamental shift in the power relationship between the narrator and Rebecca. Initially, Rebecca's memory had threatened and intimidated the narrator, but she now recognises that this power has vanished.
The imagery describing Rebecca's power dissolving into the air, like mist suggests an irreversible fading of influence. The declaration she would never haunt me again emphasises the narrator's sense of liberation from Rebecca's psychological grip and her developing feelings of empowerment. This moment marks the narrator's significant character development and growth.
Symbolism of psychological freedom: The narrator's realisation represents a turning point in the novel. Her newfound strength comes not from external validation but from understanding the truth about Rebecca, which breaks the psychological hold that both Rebecca's memory and Mrs Danvers have maintained over her.
Maxim's expression of regret
I can't forget what it has done to you... It's gone forever, that funny, young, lost look that I loved. It won't come back again. I killed that too when I told you about Rebecca...You are so much older... – Maxim, Chapter 21
Context: Maxim reveals the truth about the circumstances surrounding Rebecca's death. He expresses regret about sharing this information with the narrator.
Analysis: Maxim's words convey profound regret and sorrow. The revelation has stripped the narrator of her naivety, which Maxim had found endearing. The phrase you are so much older now implies a loss of innocence rather than physical ageing.
Whilst Maxim mourns the disappearance of his wife's innocent nature, he simultaneously acknowledges the personal growth that accompanies this change. This development aligns with Gothic literary traditions, where corruption and the loss of innocence commonly feature as central elements. The quotation reveals a more vulnerable aspect of Maxim's character, contrasting with his typically reserved and controlled demeanour.
Mrs Danvers's continuing devotion
She's still mistress here, even if she is dead – Mrs Danvers, Chapter 18
Context: The narrator explores the west wing, Rebecca's former domain, and encounters Mrs Danvers there.
Analysis: Mrs Danvers's devotion and loyalty to Rebecca are powerfully conveyed through this statement. The use of present tense demonstrates the enduring nature of Rebecca's influence and memory at Manderley. Despite her death, Mrs Danvers continues to regard her as the true mistress of the estate.
This quotation serves multiple purposes: it establishes a contrast between Rebecca and the second Mrs de Winter, demonstrates the power and dominance Mrs Danvers maintains over the narrator, and shows how the past continues to shape present circumstances at Manderley.
The burning letter
The letter R was the last to go, it twisted in the flame, it curled outwards for a moment, becoming larger than ever. Then it crumpled too; the flame destroyed it – Narrator, Chapter 6
Context: The narrator examines the poetry book Maxim had given her whilst he speaks with Mrs Van Hopper.
Analysis: The fire motif appears twice in the novel: in this chapter and later when Manderley burns at the story's conclusion. Fire represents purification, and this moment foreshadows the final destruction of Manderley by flames.
Literary symbolism: The letter R being last to burn serves as a powerful symbol of Rebecca's enduring presence. Even in destruction, Rebecca's influence persists - a motif that runs throughout the entire novel. This early foreshadowing technique builds tension and anticipation for the climactic fire at Manderley.
The letter R being last to burn alludes to Rebecca's enduring memory. Even as the narrator tears the inscribed page from the book, Rebecca's spirit persists and maintains its presence. This symbolism reinforces Rebecca's lasting influence over Manderley and its inhabitants.
Deception and secrets
The tension between outward appearance and hidden reality creates much of the novel's mysterious atmosphere. Du Maurier examines the consequences of concealed truths and demonstrates how deception and secrecy affect characters and their relationships with one another.
Maxim's aversion to the cottage
I never go near the bloody place, or that God-damned cottage. And if you had my memories you would not want to go there either, or talk about it, or even think about it – Maxim, Chapter 10
Context: The narrator has visited the cottage against Maxim's wishes.
Analysis: Maxim employs forceful language such as bloody place and God-damned cottage to express his strong aversion to Manderley and the cottage. This reveals the painful memories and trauma these locations hold for him, emphasising how the past continues to haunt him.
The quotation underscores how past events maintain their grip on present circumstances, affecting characters' behaviour and emotional states. Maxim's reaction demonstrates the depth of his psychological distress related to these places.
Maxim's uncharacteristic outburst reveals the intensity of his trauma. His normally stoic demeanour breaks down when confronted with reminders of Rebecca, showing how deeply the past affects him. This emotional vulnerability contrasts sharply with his usual controlled exterior.
Maxim's vulnerable confession
You despise me, don't you?... You can't understand my shame, and loathing and disgust? – Maxim, Chapter 20
Context: The narrator stands with Maxim in the library after learning he killed Rebecca. Maxim discloses the complete truth about his marriage to Rebecca.
Analysis: Although Maxim generally presents himself as reserved and controlled (described as stoic), this quotation reveals a more vulnerable dimension to his character. The phrase you can't understand my shame highlights the emotional disconnection between Maxim and the narrator.
Maxim's past and his turbulent marriage to Rebecca continue to haunt him psychologically. This quotation exposes the lasting impact of his actions and the weight of guilt he carries.
Class divisions
Du Maurier examines the power imbalances inherent in class distinctions. The narrator's lower social standing and her interactions with the aristocratic de Winter family and Manderley's staff reveal the control mechanisms operating within hierarchical social structures.
The narrator's awareness of class prejudice
I could see she despised me, marking with all the snobbery of her class that I was no great lady, that I was humble, shy, and diffident – Narrator, Chapter 7
Context: The narrator has just arrived at Manderley and Mrs Danvers shows her to the bedroom. Mrs Danvers explains she has worked at Manderley since the first Mrs de Winter's marriage.
Analysis: This quotation foregrounds the theme of social class distinctions. Mrs Danvers holds contempt for the narrator, looking down on her because of her perceived lack of social standing. The words no great lady, humble, shy and diffident reveal the narrator's own understanding of herself and how she believes others perceive her.
Class consciousness: The narrator's acute awareness of class prejudice demonstrates how deeply embedded social hierarchies were in early 20th-century British society. Her self-perception is shaped not only by her own feelings but also by how she believes others judge her based on social status.
These descriptors also illuminate the criteria by which individuals are evaluated within the novel's social hierarchy. The narrator's class consciousness and awareness of prejudice create additional challenges as she attempts to establish her position at Manderley.
Key Points to Remember:
- Quotations can be used alongside other textual references such as paraphrasing and plot summary to demonstrate your knowledge effectively
- Focus on understanding the text thoroughly rather than memorising quotations word-for-word, as this enables more flexible and appropriate use in exam responses
- The key themes explored through quotations include identity, power and control, deception and secrets, and class divisions
- Rebecca's memory and influence persist throughout the novel, creating Gothic atmosphere and affecting all characters
- The narrator's journey involves transformation from insecurity and powerlessness to greater confidence and liberation from Rebecca's psychological dominance