Abigail Cockles examines Daphne Du Maurier’s female gothic works, specifically Rebecca and My Cousin Rachel, analyzing how Du Maurier constructs atmospheric, psychologically unsettling narratives through Cornish coastal settings and morally ambiguous female characters. Born in London 1907, Du Maurier’s oeuvre explores themes of trauma, mystery, and the uncanny, blending romance with darkness to create profound psychological discomfort. Cockles argues that gothic literature’s power lies in its atmospheric density and thematic complexity, merging human experience with death and romance simultaneously. The essay contextualizes Du Maurier’s influence on cinema, referencing Hitchcock’s 1940 film adaptation of Rebecca, while emphasizing how her heroines challenge conventional morality and expectations. Published on Generally Gothic webzine, this guest post represents contemporary literary scholarship examining Du Maurier’s enduring relevance to female gothic tradition and psychological horror aesthetics.
Original article published on Generally Gothic — AI-generated summary.
