Abstract: Rebecca is the masterpiece of Daphne du Maurier. There are a great number of the descriptions of natural scenery, especially, the rhododendron and the sea. This article will explore the symbolic meanings of natural images. The image of rhododendron is the authentic portrayal of Rebecca, reflection of marriage and course of “my” life and mood diary. The image of sea is symbol of freedom, moods and thoughts of the author. The author uses the scenery descriptions to promote the development of the plot, to reveal the character’s psychology. I hope these exploration can help deepen the understanding of the novel.

Key words: rhododendron; sea; natural image; symbolic meanings 

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1.Introduction1

  1.1 Introduction to Daphne du Maurier

  1.2 Introduction to Rebecca

2. Natural Images and Symbolism in Literature.4

2.1 The Definition of Symbol

2.2 Symbolism in Literature

3. Symbolic Meanings of Rhododendron and Sea6

3.1 The Image of Rhododendron

  3.1.1 Authentic Portrayal of Rebecca

    3.1.2 Reflection of Marriage

    3.1.3 Course of “My” Life and Mood Diary

3.2 The Image of Sea

3.2.1 Symbol of Freedom

3.2.2 Changes of Moods

3.2.3 Thoughts of the Author

4. Conclusion.12

Bibliography..14

Acknowledgements.15