Here are key instances of this metaphor:
* Manderley as a powerful force: The narrator describes Manderley as a place with "a life of its own" and possessing "a presence" that "seemed to fill the whole air." This personification suggests that the house itself has a powerful influence, both on the narrator and on her relationship with Maxim.
* Manderley as a jealous entity: The narrator feels Manderley's "jealousy" and "resentment" towards her, as if the house is somehow possessive of Maxim and his affections. This further highlights Manderley's influence over her life and her growing anxieties.
* Manderley as a source of secrets: The house is described as harboring "secrets" and "memories" from the past, creating an air of mystery and intrigue that adds to the narrator's feelings of insecurity.
* Manderley as a symbol of the past: The house serves as a constant reminder of Rebecca, the previous mistress, and her tragic fate. This constant reminder of the past haunts the narrator and prevents her from truly moving on.
By extending this metaphor throughout the novel, Du Maurier creates a powerful atmosphere of dread and suspense. The reader is constantly aware of Manderley's presence, its unspoken power, and its insidious influence on the characters' lives.
The extended metaphor of Manderley as a living entity allows the reader to see the house not just as a physical structure but as a symbol of the past, of the characters' fears and anxieties, and ultimately, of the destructive nature of obsession.