Character Analysis of Maxim de Winter and the Narrator in Rebecc

Character Analysis of Maxim de Winter and the Narrator in Rebecca (Chapters 5 & 6)

L.O.: to analyze the personalities, relationships, and development of Maxim de Winter and the narrator in Rebecca, focusing on Chapters 5 and 6.

ATL: Critical Thinking

Word Cloud

Write two adjectives to describe Max de Winter

Word Cloud

Write two adjectives to describe the narrator in Rebecca

Read: Maxim’s conversation about Manderley and the narrator’s reaction (Chapter 5).

• work in pairs to highlight phrases that reveal:

  Maxim’s personality traits, mood, and attitude.

​​Max de Winter

Read: The narrator’s internal monologue and her sense of insecurity (Chapter 6).

• work in pairs to highlight phrases that reveal: The narrator’s thoughts, insecurities, and self-perception.

​​The narrator

• Hot Seat Setup: One student plays Maxim de Winter, and another plays the narrator. They sit at the front of the class.

• Questions from Class:

  • Students ask questions like:

    • "Why do you react the way you do when talking about Manderley?" (Maxim)

    • "Why do you feel so insecure around Maxim?" (Narrator)

    • "What do you admire or dislike about each other?" (Both)

  • The "characters" must respond based on evidence from Chapters 5 and 6.

​

HOT SEAT

Complete the handout.

​

S.T.E.A.L. Character Analysis

Multiple Choice

How does Maxim de Winter’s attitude toward Manderley in Chapters 5 and 6 reflect his emotional state and past experiences?

• a. He speaks fondly of Manderley, showing his pride in its beauty and history.

• b. He avoids discussing Manderley in detail, hinting at painful memories connected to the estate.

• c. He expresses excitement about returning to Manderley, eager to start a new chapter of his life.

• d. He describes Manderley as a place of happiness, free from complications.

Multiple Choice

In what ways does the narrator’s insecurity shape her perception of Maxim and her role in their relationship?

• a. She believes she is his equal in all aspects and feels confident about their future together.

• b. She constantly compares herself to others, particularly Rebecca, feeling inferior and unworthy.

• c. She views herself as a savior who can help Maxim heal from his emotional scars.

• d. She questions Maxim’s love for her but remains indifferent to his opinions of her.

Dropdown

Du Maurier uses ​

Select answer

and internal ​

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to reveal the differences in Maxim’s and the narrator’s ​

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. Dialogue demonstrates Maxim’s control and mystery, while internal monologue highlights the narrator’s ​

Select answer

and dependence.

Open Ended

How does the narrator’s lack of confidence affect the power dynamics in her interactions with Maxim?

Draw

Draw your favourite character from the book - the rest of the class will have to guess who they are.