"Her curiosity was a disease, almost a mania."

The relationship between the narrator and Mrs. Vane Hopper is further revealed in this chapter. It seems as though the narrator isn't given a choice as to whether or not she can deal with her. It seems as though the narrator works for Mrs. Vane Hopper in some way. Yes, she worked as her 'slave' until she married Mr. de Winter.

Chapter three also gives insight into the beginning of the rest of the book. The narrator just meets Mr. de Winter in a tea time snack session with the arrogant Mrs. Vane Hopper. Mrs. Vane Hopper continually talks over the narrator whenever she tries to make a point, as if she is impressing Mr. de Winter. In reality, it seems as though Mrs. Vane Hopper has a huge crush on Mr. de Winter, and or his Manderley home. She seems like the type to use someone for their money or possessions.

By the end of the chapter, after the conversation is ended and Mrs. Vane Hopper is rejected by Mr. de Winter (such a liberating part!), the narrator receives an unmarked note from some mysterious person: "'Forgive me. I was very rude this afternoon'" (20). Obviously this note is from Mr. de Winter. Thus, I can only conclude that he felt the spark that the narrator was trying to encourage. She expressed her worriment about their age difference, I wonder if this will come into play at all in the rest of the story? In addition, I am curious to see if Mrs. Vane Hopper has anything to do with the reason as to why the narrator and I am assuming Mr. de Winter (?) had to leave Manderely to never return again? He was there in search of an escape from the Manderely estate, as well as looking for a new wife. What makes Mrs. Vane Hopper so exceptional (in her mind)? She was the boss of Mrs. de Winter. As a powerful women, who had a great deal of money, she assumed the power in her mind. And, assuming from her flirtation remarks with Mr. de Winter, she's not married? No.

On a personal note, I feel that, "...her unbelievable behaving making a bond between us..."(16) is such a powerful quote in this chapter. Personally, I know how true this statement is. In fact, some of my strongest friendships have spurred from a common rage of a particular individual. I feel as though my generation in particular build friendships and relationships off of the common liking or hating of other certain individuals or 'cliques'.

Vocabulary:
hitherto (16)- until now, or up until this point.

Literary Devices & Important Quotations
Characterization