Before the Ball:
* Stormy weather: The intense storm that rages before the ball foreshadows the tumultuous and unpredictable nature of the events to come. It symbolizes the emotional turmoil and dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface of Manderley, mirroring the protagonist's growing sense of unease and fear.
* Dark and oppressive atmosphere: The gloomy and oppressive weather mirrors the feeling of entrapment and intimidation the unnamed narrator experiences in Manderley. The shadows cast by the storm and the suffocating atmosphere foreshadow the presence of Rebecca's ghost and the oppressive influence she continues to exert over the household.
After the Ball:
* Clear and calm weather: The sudden shift to clear and calm weather after the ball is a stark contrast to the previous storm and serves as a temporary reprieve from the tension. This represents the protagonist's fleeting moments of hope and relief. However, the calm is deceptive and short-lived, foreshadowing the inevitable return of the storm and the tragic events that follow.
* The haunting stillness: The quietness and stillness that follow the storm foreshadow the growing tension and uncertainty in the protagonist's life. It symbolizes the eerie silence that settles over Manderley as the truth about Rebecca's death and Mrs. Danvers' obsession begin to unravel.
Overall Symbolism:
The weather in "Rebecca" acts as a powerful symbol of the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by the protagonist. The shift from stormy to calm weather signifies the constant fluctuation between hope and despair that she faces throughout the novel. The overall effect is to create a sense of impending doom and foreshadow the tragic events that will ultimately unfold.
Furthermore, the weather can be seen as a metaphor for the oppressive atmosphere of Manderley itself. The house, like the weather, is both beautiful and menacing, concealing dark secrets and dangerous characters. The constant change in weather mirrors the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and her struggle to find her place in a world dominated by the memory of Rebecca.