Abstract

This thesis elaborates on suspense and inter-structural characterization in the novel Rebecca. It deals with the inter-structural characterization of the two female characters, Rebecca and the narrator through three main features or aspects of suspense. It is wildly acknowledged that the novel is characterized by the setting of suspense. Scholars and critics both from home and abroad have already been dived into the study of its themes and writing techniques. There are some main research aspects. On themes, critics prefer to studying its female gothic, feminism, romanticism, etc.. In the aspect of writing techniques, there are mainly the analysis of gothic images and characters, the way of setting suspense, the perspective of aesthetics, the comparison between the novel and its film adaptation. Based on the studies, the thesis discusses functions of suspense in the characterization of Rebecca and the heroine “I”, which helps to enrich studies on suspense and characterization. 

Keywords: suspense; Rebecca; narrator; characterization

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Daphne du Maurier and Her Rebecca-1

1.2 Literature Review-1

1.3 The Framework of the Thesis-2

2. Cohesive Function-3

2.1 Mutual Coherence between Rebecca and the heroine “I”-3

2.2 Conjunction among Plots-4

2.2.1 Between the Outset and Sequel-4

2.2.2 Promotion of the Plot-4

3. Aesthetic Perspective-5

3.1 Reading Pleasure for the Full Text-5

3.2 The Unique Images Created by Suspense-5

3.2.1 Rhododendrons-6

3.2.1 The Sea-6

4. Structural Function-7

4.1 Shift Between Plots-7

4.2 Transition in the Character-7

4.3 Structural Function in Time-8

5. Conclusion-9

References-10