Daphne du Maurier Criticism
Daphne du Maurier (1907–1989) stands as a significant figure in English literature, celebrated for her masterful blending of Gothic romance and suspenseful narrative. Her novels and short stories, often set against the dramatic Cornish coast, have captivated readers and influenced modern storytelling. Notable works like Rebecca and "The Birds" showcase her ability to craft intricate plots infused with mystery and psychological tension. John Barkham acknowledges her skill in creating atmospheric narratives, a hallmark that has ensured the lasting appeal of her stories. Despite occasional critiques regarding her use of contrived plots and shallow characterizations, as discussed in Richard Kelly's analysis, du Maurier's work is lauded for its captivating and surprising elements.
Her short fiction often disrupts the mundane with the intrusion of the fantastic or catastrophic, as seen in "The Birds," which challenges perceptions of the natural world, and "Don't Look Now," which handles themes of grief and fate. Malcolm Bradbury highlights how The Breaking Point explores psychological tension, delving into the strain between emotion and reason. Du Maurier's storytelling is characterized by a rich tapestry of suspense and intrigue, capturing the imagination of her readers despite some critical scrutiny.
In her novels, du Maurier's exploration of mystery, romance, and melodrama is evident in works like Jamaica Inn and My Cousin Rachel. Sean O'Faolain and Edward Weeks note the enduring appeal and intricate mysteries she creates, respectively. Her work's adaptability to visual media is noted by John Raymond, reflecting its cinematic quality. However, her biographical and autobiographical writings, while charming and introspective, as noted by critics like Pat Rogers, E. S. Turner, and Doris Grumbach, sometimes lack the depth of her fictional narratives. This blend of styles and themes across different genres highlights du Maurier's diverse literary talents and her unique place in literary history.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Du Maurier, Daphne (Vol. 11)
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Sean O'Faolain
(summary)
In the following essay, Sean O'Faolain praises Daphne du Maurier's novel Jamaica Inn for its engaging melodrama, drawing favorable comparisons to Robert Louis Stevenson and emphasizing its timeless appeal in modern storytelling.
- Basil Davenport
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John Raymond
(summary)
In the following essay, John Raymond critiques Daphne du Maurier's My Cousin Rachel as a mechanically crafted novel tailored for cinematic adaptation, emphasizing its reliance on visual and dramatic techniques over substantial literary innovation.
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Edward Weeks
(summary)
In the following essay, Edward Weeks explores Daphne du Maurier's talent for creating captivating mysteries, as demonstrated in My Cousin Rachel, through the spellbinding influence of the titular character on two English bachelors, highlighting the novel's atmospheric settings and complex character dynamics.
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Saving Her Bacon
(summary)
In the following essay, Pat Rogers critiques Daphne du Maurier's biography of Francis Bacon, highlighting her struggle to fully penetrate Bacon's character despite a comprehensive narrative, and suggests that while her literary talents are evident, they may not be optimally suited for this subject matter.
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Mild Oats
(summary)
In the following essay, E. S. Turner discusses the engaging qualities of Daphne du Maurier's Growing Pains, highlighting its charm and humor in portraying adolescence and its appeal to all but those averse to childhood minutiae.
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Doris Grumbach
(summary)
In the following essay, Doris Grumbach critiques Daphne du Maurier's autobiography "Myself When Young," arguing that its reliance on youthful diaries and poetry detracts from its potential depth, and suggests that a more mature reflection on her early life and literary influences would enhance its significance.
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Sean O'Faolain
(summary)
- Du Maurier, Daphne (Vol. 6)
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du Maurier, Daphne
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The Macabre and the Unexpected
(summary)
In the following review of Kiss Me Again, Stranger, Barkham lauds du Maurier's craftsmanship as a mystery writer.
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A Skilled Hand Weaves a Net of Horror
(summary)
In the following review, Berkman praises Kiss Me Again, Stranger for its insightful representation of painful and frightening human experiences.
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To a Moment of Truth
(summary)
In the following review of The Breaking Point, he expresses several reservations about the individual pieces but calls du Maurier's short stories her best work. The stories are concerned with the moment of truth that comes in the life of each individual, where the link between emotion and reason is stretched to the limit of endurance, and sometimes snaps.
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Behind the Curtain
(summary)
In the following review of The Breaking Point, Hurley commends du Maurier's talent as a suspense and horror writer, noting particularly her ability to create realistic settings and believable characters.
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Du Maurier Collection: Polished but Shallow
(summary)
In the following negative review of The Breaking Point, he perceives du Maurier's approach to human interactions as shallow and calculated.
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Don't Look Now
(summary)
In the following mixed review of Don't Look Now, she suggests that while du Maurier's stories are intriguing and entertaining, some have manipulative plots and unbelievable, superficial characters.
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The World of the Macabre: The Short Stories
(summary)
In the following excerpt from his book-length biographical and critical study of du Maurier, he concludes that her characters often remain undefined and secondary to her formulaic plots, and that her best short stories are those that break out of this pattern, such as "Ganymede," "Don't Look Now," and "The Birds."
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The Breaking Point 1946-1960 and Death of the Writer 1960-1989
(summary)
In the following excerpt from her authorized biography of du Maurier, she examines the stories collected in The Apple Tree, which were strange, morbid stories revealing deep undercurrents of resentment and even hatred about Daphne's inner fantasy life. The novella Monte Verita explores a woman's spiritual happiness found in a secret sect, suggesting that sexual love between men and women can spoil relationships and hinder self-fulfillment.
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The Macabre and the Unexpected
(summary)
- Further Reading