Who has all the power?

The characters with power (information /knowledge) are manipulative

and secretive and intimidating; they use psychological weapons.

Genre Evidence Effect

Bildungsroman “The Enchantment was no To show how powerless the

more” narrator is

Power “Excuse for not coming over
the rocks, I suppose.”
To show that she attempts
to gain power in the liminal
space (cove), begins
questioning him and
demanding a reason for not
coming with her.

Frank ‘ally’ comes to shift “It is refreshing to have Gives her power through
this someone like you…” knowledge /helps her grow
up

1. I didn’t understand Bildungsroman and how to explain it. My best guess is that the
narrator is powerful because she cannot control the enchantment and her happiness.

2. Du Maurier demonstrates that knowledge is power and that characters with power
are able to manipulate those without power. In the quote “Excuse for not coming over
the rocks, I suppose” we are able to see the narrator attempt to learn more about her
husband by questioning his actions. He though, denies this, leaving a void of power
over her that she cannot touch until she gains the knowledge of Rebecca. This
manipulates the narrator into being the perfect wife and in the end, forms a trap
ensuring she will be curious so that he could catch her in the wrong.

3. Du Maurier then begins to introduce Frank to become her Ally to help her gain more
knowledge, resulting in greater power. This helps even out the power within the
marriage. In the quote “It is refreshing to have someone like you…” describes how
Rebecca had so much power that it was new to have a lady of the house that was
unable to control the household as she did. Frank provides her with knowledge on
Rebecca to allow her to form her opinions, gain power and thus, step up to her place
in the future.