Mrs. Danvers' profound love for Rebecca stemmed from a deep, complex, and all-consuming devotion that transcended a typical employer-employee relationship, harboring strong indications of romantic and possibly sexual feelings.
Profound Admiration and Deep Personal Connection
Mrs. Danvers worshipped Rebecca, viewing her as an almost mythical figure of beauty, charisma, and power. Rebecca represented everything Mrs. Danvers admired and perhaps aspired to be or possess. This admiration was not just intellectual; it was intensely personal and visceral.
- Idolization of Rebecca's Persona: Mrs. Danvers was captivated by Rebecca's elegance, sophistication, and commanding presence. Rebecca's ability to dominate Manderley and everyone in it deeply impressed Mrs. Danvers, fostering an obsessive loyalty.
- Intimate Affection: The depth of Mrs. Danvers' feelings is evident in her profound admiration for Rebecca's personal effects. She meticulously preserved Rebecca's belongings, cherishing them as sacred relics. This extended to an almost reverential appreciation of Rebecca's intimate apparel, such as her elegant underclothes, which Mrs. Danvers lovingly showcased to the new Mrs. de Winter. This act highlights a level of devotion that suggests a personal, intimate bond, potentially encompassing romantic or sexual longing for the late mistress.
- A Shared World: For years, Mrs. Danvers served as Rebecca's confidante and the meticulous manager of Manderley under Rebecca's direction. They shared a private world within the grand estate, with Mrs. Danvers operating as Rebecca's most trusted ally and enforcer. This long shared history cemented an unshakeable bond.
Unwavering Loyalty and Grief
Rebecca's death did not diminish Mrs. Danvers' devotion; instead, it solidified into an obsessive grief and a fierce protection of Rebecca's memory and legacy within Manderley.
- Preservation of Memory: Mrs. Danvers was unable to move on from Rebecca's death, treating Manderley as a shrine to her former mistress. Every room, especially Rebecca's, was kept exactly as she left it, meticulously clean and ready, as if Rebecca might return at any moment.
- Hostility Towards the New Mrs. de Winter: Her intense love for Rebecca directly fueled her animosity towards the new Mrs. de Winter, whom she saw as an inferior intruder attempting to usurp Rebecca's rightful place. This hostility was a manifestation of her enduring loyalty and possessive love for Rebecca.
Ultimately, Mrs. Danvers' love for Rebecca was an all-consuming force that defined her existence, extending beyond life and profoundly influencing her actions and perceptions.
