My Cousin Rachel*
by Daphne Du Maurier
- Did you like read the story told in the first person from Philip’s point of view? What were the pros and cons of the story being told through Philip’s eyes?
- How would you describe Philip and Ambrose’s relationship?
- What role does Philip’s house play in his life? How did Philip’s opinion of house change after Rachel moved in?
- In reference to page 255, Philip showed Mr. Kendall the will and Kendall said to Philip, “You are completely infatuated with your cousin, are you not?” What do you think? Did Philip issue the will out of respect for Ambrose or infatuation of cousin Rachel?
- What were your feelings toward Rachel?
- Did Rachel love Ambrose? Do you feel you had enough objective information to make a judgement?
- Do you think Rachel was trying to poison Philip? And did she poison Ambrose?
- Do you think that Rachel loved Philip? If the will had not stated that she would lose everything, do you think she might have married Philip? Were you surprised upon finding out that she had returned all the jewels to the bank?
- How would you describe the relationship between Rachel and Mr. Rainaldi?
- In reference to pages 294 to 295, do you believe that Rachel invited Mary Pascoe to stay at the house because she was afraid of Philip (because he had put his hands around her neck the night before?) Or was she trying to drive Philip crazy?
- Was Philip crazy?
- What clues did the author present that were in favor of Rachel? In favor of Philip?
- Did you like the ending? Had you made a decision whether Rachel was good or evil?
- The author used the same quote both at the beginning and ending of the novel (“They used to hang men at Four Turnings in the old days”). Why?
- How many of you read Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier? Did you notice any similarities between the two novels?
*Questions written by Mount Prospect Public Library Staff
Published 1952
