Daphne du maurier brief biography examples

Daphne Maurier

English writer and biographer who wrote in the psychological thriller genre
Date of Birth: 13.05.1907
Country: Great Britain

Content:
  1. Daphne du Maurier: A Literary Icon
  2. Literary Debut
  3. Cornwall and Literary Breakthrough
  4. Marriage and Family
  5. Complex Relationships
  6. Her Obsession: Cornwall
  7. Literary Legacy: Psychological Thrillers
  8. Notable Works
  9. Awards and Honors
  10. Later Life and Death
  11. Legacy and Controversy

Daphne du Maurier: A Literary Icon

Early Life and Influences

Daphne du Maurier, born on May 13, 1907, to actors Gerald du Maurier and Muriel Beaumont, was destined for a life in the spotlight. Her grandfather, George du Maurier, was a renowned caricaturist and novelist. Daphne's siblings, Angela and Jeanne, also pursued careers in literature and art.

Growing up in a household filled with creativity, Daphne developed a vivid imagination and a fascination with the supernatural. She created an alter ego, "the boy in the box," expressing her masculine side. Her early readings included the works of Walter Scott, Thackeray, the Brontë sisters, and Oscar Wilde.

Literary Debut

Daphne's first literary publication, "The Seekers," a collection of short stories, appeared in 1925. She further honed her craft at a school in France, where she immersed herself in the culture and language.

Cornwall and Literary Breakthrough

In 1926, a family vacation to Cornwall sparked a lifelong love for the county. Her 1931 novel, "The Loving Spirit," achieved critical and financial success. It is rumored to have drawn the attention of Major Frederick Browning, who later became her husband, leading to a memorable encounter in Fowey.

Marriage and Family

Daphne married Browning in 1932. Together, they had three children: Tessa, Flavia, and Christian. Daphne was a staunch royalist, while her husband served as Comptroller and Treasurer to the Royal Household.

Complex Relationships

Despite her marriage, Daphne's personal life was shrouded in controversy. She engaged in two well-documented affairs with women: American socialite Ellen Doubleday and British actress Gertrude Lawrence. These relationships deeply influenced her writing.

Her Obsession: Cornwall

Daphne's greatest passion was Cornwall. She poured the proceeds from her literary success into restoring Menabilly, a 17th-century mansion in Fowey. This house became the inspiration for Manderley in "Rebecca." Daphne also purchased a cottage in the heart of Fowey, which later became home to her sister Angela.

Literary Legacy: Psychological Thrillers

Daphne du Maurier's literary legacy primarily consists of psychological thrillers. Her storytelling skills and cleverly constructed plots captivated audiences worldwide. Her works often tapped into primal fears of isolation, claustrophobia, and madness.

Notable Works

"Rebecca" (1938):A timeless classic, this novel explores the complexities of love and the haunting presence of a departed wife.

"Jamaica Inn" (1936):An adventure story set in Cornwall, featuring smugglers and contraband.

"The Loving Spirit" (1931):A multi-generational saga of a Cornish shipbuilding family.

"My Cousin Rachel" (1951):A psychological thriller with an ambiguous and enigmatic female character.

Awards and Honors

In 1969, Daphne du Maurier was awarded the Order of the British Empire. She received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Anthony Award for Best Novel of the Century for "Rebecca" in 2000.

Later Life and Death

Daphne retreated from public life in her later years, preferring to write and garden in the privacy of her Cornwall home. She died on April 19, 1989, at the age of 81. Her ashes were scattered on the cliffs near her beloved Menabilly.

Legacy and Controversy

Daphne du Maurier's literary works continue to be widely read and adapted. The BBC's 1997 biographical film "Daphne" sparked controversy due to its portrayal of her alleged lesbian affair with Gertrude Lawrence. Her daughters and close friends publicly denounced the film, stating it lacked authenticity.

Daphne du Maurier remains an enigmatic and fascinating figure in the world of literature. Her complex personal life, her deeply atmospheric writing, and her enduring legacy as a literary icon continue to intrigue and captivate readers worldwide.