Rebecca Lecture with Dr. Margaret Mitchell
Hosted by New Castle–Henry County Public LibraryJoin University of West Georgia professor Margaret Mitchell as she explores the narrator of the novel Rebecca, part of the Henry County Reads program.
Event Details
The New Castle–Henry County Public Library is sponsoring Henry County Reads, a community-wide read of the classic gothic novel Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. The library will distribute 500 free copies of the book (pick up yours at the main circulation desk) and will offer several related programs.
At this event, Dr. Margaret Mitchell delivers a presentation on Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.
“Who Is the Second Mrs. de Winter?”
The famously nameless narrator of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca insists that she is awkward, plain, shy, and girlish, hopelessly overshadowed by her lovely and sophisticated predecessor. But can we trust her? Or is she as wrong about herself as she is about Rebecca? And if so, then who is she, really? Perhaps when Maxim suggests that she dress up as Alice in Wonderland, he has stumbled upon the key to her character. This talk will explore the possibility that the narrator’s vivid imagination tests the limits of empathy.
Dr. Mitchell teaches English and creative writing at the University of West Georgia. She has published articles in a number of academic journals and anthologies; her essay on Daphne du Maurier’s fiction appeared in Women: A Cultural Review. She also publishes fiction as Maggie Mitchell. She is the author of the novel Pretty Is, which the New York Times called “a stunning, multi-layered debut.” Her short fiction and essays have appeared in The South Carolina Review, New Ohio Review, and elsewhere. She lives in Atlanta.
Registration is required for this program. To register, click on the RSVP button above and fill out the information at the bottom of the linked web page. Dr. Mitchell will present her talk virtually. Program attendees may watch the presentation from the library’s computer training room or join online via Google meet at https://meet.google.com/auy-qpkm-bqs.
For more information, call the library at 765.529.0362 ext. 1304, email krystals@nchcpl.org, or visit the library’s event web page.
This program received support from an Indiana Humanities Action Grant.