1. Mrs. Van Hopper has informed the young narrator about the history of Manderley and its owner, Maxim de Winter. Considering this prior knowledge, do you think the narrator has fallen in love with Maxim or with Manderley?

2. Examine the relationship between the narrator and Mrs. Danvers. Why does Mrs. Danvers harbor animosity towards the second Mrs. de Winter?

3. What is the importance of the boathouse? Why does Maxim avoid it?

4. Why is Doctor Baker's testimony crucial for Maxim's defense? Does it alter your perception of the events related to Rebecca's death?

5. Identify some objects at Manderley that remind the narrator, Mrs. Danvers, and Maxim of Rebecca.

6. Why was the narrator's costume a mistake? What is the significance of this error?

7. Beatrice Lacy, Maxim's sister, is kind to the second Mrs. de Winter, yet frequently argues with Maxim. What is the background of her relationship with her brother?

8. Why is Rebecca written in the first person? Does this narrative choice enhance the suspense?

9. The narrator observes, "But Rebecca would never grow old. Rebecca would always be the same. And her I could not fight. She was too strong for me." Does she ultimately prove herself wrong by the novel's conclusion?

10. Why is it considered unusual that Rebecca's boat sank? What clues are later revealed that suggest foul play? Ideas for Reports and Papers