Rebecca is widely regarded as a Gothic novel. It contains elements like a dark and brooding atmosphere, a complex and secretive plot, and characters haunted by their pasts, which are common in the Gothic literary tradition.
Rebecca has elements that can be analyzed through a feminist lens. The female characters' experiences and their struggles against traditional expectations contribute to its potential classification as a feminist novel. But it's not a straightforward case and interpretations can vary.
No, it was not the very first horror novel. There were other horror works before it. For example, some Gothic novels in the 18th century like 'The Castle of Otranto' can be considered early horror works. These novels had elements of the supernatural, mystery, and fear that are characteristic of the horror genre. Rebecca, while a very well - known and important horror - related work, came later in the history of the horror genre.
The novel 'Rebecca' takes place in Manderley, a fictional estate in Cornwall, England. This setting plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and plot of the story.
The novel 'Rebecca' focuses on the new bride's struggle to find her place in a household still influenced by the presence of the deceased Rebecca. It involves mystery, jealousy, and a sense of foreboding.