Mexican Gothic vs. Rebecca

Attribute	Mexican Gothic	Rebecca
Author	Silvia Moreno-Garcia	Daphne du Maurier
Setting	1950s Mexico	1930s England
Genre	Gothic horror	Gothic romance
Protagonist	Noemí Taboada	The second Mrs. de Winter
Themes	Colonialism, family secrets, horror	Jealousy, identity, power dynamics

Plot

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier are both Gothic novels that revolve around a young woman who finds herself in a mysterious and unsettling situation. In Mexican Gothic, the protagonist, Noemí Taboada, travels to a remote Mexican estate to check on her cousin, who has married into a wealthy and enigmatic family. Similarly, in Rebecca, the unnamed protagonist marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves to his estate, Manderley. Both novels explore themes of isolation, secrets, and the supernatural, but they do so in different settings and with different twists.

Setting

The settings of Mexican Gothic and Rebecca play a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the novels. Mexican Gothic is set in 1950s Mexico, specifically in the isolated and decaying High Place estate. The estate is surrounded by misty mountains and dense forests, adding to the sense of foreboding and mystery. On the other hand, Rebecca is set in England, at the grand and imposing Manderley estate by the sea. The grandeur and opulence of Manderley contrast with the dark secrets that lurk within its walls, creating a sense of unease and tension.

Protagonists

Noemí Taboada in Mexican Gothic and the unnamed protagonist in Rebecca are both young women who find themselves in unfamiliar and dangerous situations. Noemí is a bold and independent socialite who is not afraid to speak her mind and challenge authority. She is determined to uncover the secrets of the High Place estate and save her cousin from harm. In contrast, the protagonist of Rebecca is a shy and insecure young woman who struggles to find her place in the shadow of Maxim de Winter's deceased first wife, Rebecca. She is haunted by the memory of Rebecca and feels like an outsider at Manderley.

Antagonists

The antagonists in Mexican Gothic and Rebecca are central to the plot and contribute to the sense of dread and suspense in the novels. In Mexican Gothic, the antagonist is the patriarch of the Doyle family, Howard Doyle, who is a sinister and controlling figure with dark secrets of his own. He exerts power over his family and the estate, manipulating and exploiting those around him. In Rebecca, the antagonist is Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper at Manderley who is fiercely loyal to the memory of Rebecca and resents the new Mrs. de Winter. Mrs. Danvers is manipulative and cold, using psychological tactics to undermine the protagonist.

Themes

Both Mexican Gothic and Rebecca explore themes of power, control, and the supernatural, but they do so in different ways. Mexican Gothic delves into themes of colonialism, racism, and eugenics, as Noemí uncovers the dark history of the Doyle family and the High Place estate. The novel also explores the power dynamics between men and women, as Noemí fights against the patriarchal structures that seek to silence and oppress her. On the other hand, Rebecca focuses on themes of jealousy, obsession, and identity, as the protagonist grapples with the shadow of Rebecca and struggles to assert herself in a world dominated by the memory of a dead woman.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mexican Gothic and Rebecca are both compelling Gothic novels that explore themes of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. While they share some similarities in terms of plot and themes, they also diverge in terms of setting, characters, and tone. Mexican Gothic offers a fresh and unique take on the Gothic genre, blending elements of horror and social commentary, while Rebecca remains a classic of the genre, known for its haunting atmosphere and psychological depth. Both novels are worth reading for fans of Gothic fiction looking for a thrilling and atmospheric read.