Daphne du Maurier in *Rebecca*
* Gothic atmosphere and suspense: Du Maurier uses a chilling atmosphere, a mysterious past, and a sense of impending doom to create suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats. This suspense is a powerful tool for exploring themes of identity, love, and the past's influence on the present.
* Unreliable narrator: The story is told from the perspective of the unnamed second Mrs. de Winter, whose naivete and insecurities make her an unreliable narrator. This forces readers to question what they are reading and to consider the truth behind the events. It also allows du Maurier to explore themes of self-doubt, social pressure, and the power of perception.
* Symbolism and allegory: The haunting presence of Rebecca, the grand mansion Manderley, and the stormy weather all serve as powerful symbols for themes like the past's hold on the present, the weight of expectations, and the destructive nature of jealousy.
John Green in *The Fault in Our Stars*
* First-person narrative: Green uses a first-person narrative voice from Hazel Grace Lancaster, allowing readers to intimately experience her thoughts, feelings, and struggles with cancer. This immediacy fosters empathy and understanding of Hazel's perspective on life, love, and death.
* Humor and wit: Green uses humor and witty dialogue to lighten the heavy subject matter of cancer and mortality. This adds layers of depth to the story, showcasing that even in the face of tragedy, life and love can still be found.
* Exploration of themes through dialogue: Rather than relying on exposition, Green uses conversations between characters to explore important themes like love, loss, the meaning of life, and the search for purpose.
Key Differences:
* Tone: *Rebecca* is a gothic thriller with a darker, more suspenseful tone, while *The Fault in Our Stars* is a contemporary novel with a more emotional and light-hearted tone, despite dealing with serious themes.
* Narrative style: *Rebecca* utilizes an unreliable narrator to create suspense and mystery, while *The Fault in Our Stars* uses a first-person narrative to provide a more intimate and personal perspective.
In conclusion: Both authors utilize distinct techniques to convey their messages, but both are ultimately successful in engaging readers and prompting them to reflect on universal human experiences. *Rebecca* uses gothic elements and an unreliable narrator to explore the complexities of identity and relationships, while *The Fault in Our Stars* uses humor and a personal narrative to explore themes of life, love, and loss.