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Note: Be advised that there are spoilers ahead, obviously, so be entirely sure you want to continue reading.
Daphne du Maurier’s novel, My Cousin Rachel, weaves a captivating tale of love, suspicion, and dark intrigue set against the backdrop of a picturesque English countryside.
The story follows Philip Ashley, a young man who becomes entangled in a complex relationship with his enigmatic cousin, Rachel. As the plot unfolds, the boundaries between love and mistrust blur, leading to a tumultuous climax that leaves readers pondering the true nature of the characters and the fateful decisions they make.
In this blog post, we will delve into the enthralling ending of “My Cousin Rachel” and explore the events that culminate in a tragic and ambiguous conclusion.
Ending Explained
The ending of “My Cousin Rachel” is a tragic and ambiguous one, leaving readers with questions and mixed emotions. Upon turning twenty-five, Philip Ashley, the protagonist, enters Rachel’s bedroom and puts the family jewels on her bed, signifying his decision to bestow the estate upon her. This gesture indicates that Philip is convinced Rachel reciprocates his feelings, even though he has not formally proposed to her.
The next day, Rachel surprises Philip by discussing the estate with him and revealing that she never agreed to marry him, despite a drunken outburst from Philip, who had announced their engagement earlier. This revelation leaves Philip in a state of confusion and uncertainty about Rachel’s true intentions.
As the story unfolds, Philip falls seriously ill, and Rachel takes on the role of his caregiver. During a period of delirium, Philip becomes convinced that Rachel is poisoning him. He also discovers that Rachel has been spending time with Rainaldi, a former confidant of hers, adding to his suspicions about her motives.
Driven by fear and doubt, Philip starts to believe that Rachel has an uncontrollable evil within her that poses a threat to both herself and others. In a desperate attempt to protect her from her perceived darkness, Philip intentionally withholds a warning from Rachel about the unsafe veranda bridge during a dinner party. When Rachel announces she is going for a walk there, he takes a risk, hoping that this incident will somehow “save” her.
During Rachel’s walk on the veranda, tragedy strikes. She falls from the bridge, resulting in her death. As the realization of Rachel’s innocence dawns upon him, Philip is left devastated by his actions and their unintended consequences. The question of whether Rachel’s death was a result of an accident or Philip’s indirect actions remains ambiguous, haunting him and leaving the readers to draw their conclusions.
Final thoughts
Throughout the novel, Daphne du Maurier masterfully weaves a web of uncertainty around Rachel’s character. Is she a cunning manipulator, as Philip fears, or simply a misunderstood woman trapped in a complex and emotional situation? The novel’s ending serves as a testament to the complexity of human emotions and the tragic outcomes that can arise when unchecked passion and suspicion guide our actions.
“My Cousin Rachel” leaves us with a haunting sense of moral ambiguity, challenging us to ponder the true nature of the characters and their actions. The intricate storytelling and the depth of the characters’ emotions make this novel an enduring classic that continues to captivate readers and spark discussions about the enigmatic ending.
Happy reading! ❤️