The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier is a suspenseful novel that tells the story of an English academic who meets his double, a French aristocrat, in a bar in France. The Frenchman gets the Englishman drunk, swaps identities, and disappears, leaving the Englishman to sort out the Frenchman’s extensive financial and family problems. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the unpredictability of human nature.
One of the most interesting aspects of The Scapegoat is its use of allegory. The novel can be read as an allegory for the duality of human nature, with the two main characters representing the two sides of the human psyche. The Englishman represents the rational, logical side of the psyche, while the Frenchman represents the emotional, irrational side. The novel suggests that both sides are necessary for a person to be whole, and that denying one side can lead to psychological problems.
Overview of ‘The Scapegoat’
“The Scapegoat” is a novel written by Daphne du Maurier in 1957. The story follows the life of John, a bored and lonely Englishman who meets his French doppelganger, Jean, in a bar in France. Jean, who is an aristocrat, gets John drunk and swaps their identities, leaving John to sort out Jean’s extensive family and financial problems. The novel is an allegory of identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life.
The plot of “The Scapegoat” is unique and intriguing, blending elements of suspense, drama, and psychological thriller. The novel is well-written, with vivid descriptions of the characters and their surroundings. The author’s use of language is exquisite and adds to the overall atmosphere of the novel.
One of the major themes of the novel is the search for identity, as John struggles to come to terms with his new life as Jean. The novel also explores the complexities of human relationships, as John tries to navigate his way through Jean’s complicated family dynamics.
Daphne du Maurier: Author Background
Daphne du Maurier was a British novelist, biographer, and playwright. She was born on May 13, 1907, in London, England, and died on April 19, 1989, in Cornwall, England. Her parents were actor-manager Sir Gerald du Maurier and actress Muriel Beaumont. Her grandfather was George du Maurier, a writer and cartoonist.
Du Maurier is known for her works that span various genres, including romance, suspense, and historical fiction. Her most famous works include “Rebecca,” “Jamaica Inn,” and “My Cousin Rachel.” She was also known for her short stories, which were often published in magazines such as “Good Housekeeping” and “The New Yorker.”
Du Maurier’s writing style was often characterized by her use of vivid descriptions and her ability to create a sense of suspense and tension in her stories. She was also known for her complex characters and her exploration of themes such as identity, love, and betrayal.
Throughout her career, du Maurier received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the National Book Award for “Rebecca” in 1938. She was also made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1969 for her contributions to literature.
Allegory Defined
An allegory is a literary device that uses symbolism to convey a deeper meaning. In an allegory, characters, objects, and events represent abstract concepts or ideas. This allows the author to communicate complex themes and ideas in a way that is more accessible to the reader.
In “The Scapegoat” by Daphne du Maurier, the main character, John, is a stand-in for the reader. He is an Englishman who is thrust into a world that is foreign to him, just as the reader is thrust into a story that is unfamiliar. The French aristocrat, Jean, represents the unfamiliar and exotic, and his disappearance represents the mystery that the reader must unravel.
The use of allegory in “The Scapegoat” allows du Maurier to explore themes of identity, duality, and the search for self. By using symbols and metaphors, she is able to create a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The Scapegoat’
The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier is a novel that contains several allegorical elements. The story revolves around the concept of identity and the struggle to find one’s true self. The novel portrays the idea that people often hide their true selves behind masks and that the search for identity is a lifelong journey.
One of the most prominent allegorical elements in the novel is the use of doppelgangers. The protagonist, John, meets his French double, Jean, and the two men switch identities. This doppelganger motif is used to represent the idea that people often have two sides to their personality, one that they show to the world and another that they keep hidden.
Another allegorical element in the novel is the use of the scapegoat. The title of the novel itself refers to this concept. In the biblical sense, a scapegoat is a person who is blamed for the sins of others. In the novel, John takes on the role of Jean’s scapegoat, taking the blame for his mistakes and sins. This allegory is used to show how people often blame others for their own shortcomings and how the search for identity often involves taking responsibility for one’s own actions.
The novel also contains several religious allegories. For example, John’s journey to find his true identity is portrayed as a spiritual quest. The novel also contains several references to the story of Christ’s crucifixion, with John taking on the role of the sacrificial lamb. These religious allegories are used to show how the search for identity is a universal human experience that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
Character Analysis: John and Jean
John and Jean are the two main characters in Daphne du Maurier’s novel “The Scapegoat.” John is a lonely English academic who is on holiday in France, while Jean is a French aristocrat. The two men meet in a bar, and after getting drunk, Jean swaps identities with John and disappears, leaving John to sort out his extensive financial and family problems.
John is a complex character who is struggling with his own identity and purpose in life. He is initially hesitant to take on Jean’s identity, but eventually becomes more confident as he starts to understand the Frenchman’s world. He is also a sympathetic character, as he tries to help Jean’s family and friends despite not knowing much about them.
Jean, on the other hand, is a more mysterious character who remains largely unknown throughout the novel. He is a manipulative and selfish person who is willing to use anyone to get what he wants. Despite this, he is also a tragic figure, as he is ultimately unable to escape his own problems and must rely on John to help him.
Themes of Identity and Doubles
“The Scapegoat” by Daphne du Maurier is a novel that explores the theme of identity and doubles. The book tells the story of John, an English academic who meets his double, a French aristocrat, while on holiday in France. The Frenchman gets John drunk, swaps identities with him, and disappears, leaving John to sort out his financial and family problems.
The novel explores the idea of identity and how it can be manipulated and changed. John’s experience of being forced to assume someone else’s identity makes him question his own identity and the role it plays in his life.
The theme of doubles is also explored in the novel. John’s encounter with his doppelganger highlights the idea of the double or the alter ego. The doppelganger represents the dark side of John’s personality, the side that he keeps hidden from the world.
The novel also explores the idea of the scapegoat. John is forced to take on the Frenchman’s problems and become the scapegoat for his mistakes. The novel shows how individuals can be unfairly blamed for the mistakes of others and how this can affect their sense of identity.
Moral and Ethical Questions
The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier raises several moral and ethical questions that challenge readers’ beliefs and values. One of the most prominent is the issue of identity theft. The protagonist, John, assumes the identity of his doppelganger, Jean, and takes over his life, including his family, business, and social status. This raises the question of whether it is ever acceptable to steal someone’s identity, even if it is done with good intentions.
Another moral question that arises in the novel is the concept of scapegoating. John is initially blamed for the wrongdoings of Jean and is treated as a scapegoat by Jean’s family and associates. This raises the question of whether it is ever acceptable to blame someone else for one’s own mistakes or misdeeds.
The novel also explores the theme of redemption and forgiveness. John’s decision to take on Jean’s identity is motivated by his desire to escape his own unhappy life. However, as he becomes more involved in Jean’s life, he begins to understand the complexities of his doppelganger’s situation and develops empathy for him. This raises the question of whether it is ever possible to redeem oneself for past mistakes and whether forgiveness is always possible.
Historical Context Influence
Daphne du Maurier’s The Scapegoat was published in 1957. The novel was written during a time of great change in British society. The Second World War had ended twelve years prior, and the country was still recovering from the devastation it caused. The novel reflects the post-war disillusionment and the anxieties that were prevalent in Britain at the time.
The novel is set in France, which was also undergoing significant changes in the post-war era. The country was struggling to rebuild its economy, and the political climate was unstable. The novel’s portrayal of the French aristocracy reflects the changing attitudes towards the upper classes in France and the rest of Europe.
The Scapegoat also reflects the literary trends of the time. The novel is a psychological thriller, a genre that was becoming increasingly popular in the 1950s. The novel’s exploration of identity and the doppelganger motif was also in keeping with the literary trends of the time.
Comparative Analysis with Other Works
When compared to other works by Daphne du Maurier, The Scapegoat stands out as a unique allegory. Unlike Rebecca, which focuses on the psychological effects of the past on the present, The Scapegoat explores the concept of identity and the consequences of assuming someone else’s persona.
Similarly, while Jamaica Inn is a suspenseful tale of smuggling and murder, The Scapegoat is a more introspective work that delves into the psyche of its protagonist.
In terms of other works outside of du Maurier’s bibliography, The Scapegoat shares similarities with The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. Both novels feature protagonists who are compelled to take on the identity of someone else, and both explore the psychological toll of such an action.
However, while Ripley is a sociopath who manipulates those around him, the protagonist of The Scapegoat is a sympathetic character who is forced to confront his own shortcomings and desires.
Reader Interpretations and Discussions
Readers have interpreted The Scapegoat in various ways, and discussions about the novel have been ongoing since its publication in 1957. Some readers view the novel as an allegory for the duality of human nature, while others see it as a commentary on the nature of identity and the role that society plays in shaping it.
Many readers have also commented on the novel’s exploration of the relationship between the two main characters, John and Jean. Some readers see their relationship as a metaphor for the relationship between England and France, while others see it as a commentary on the nature of power and control in relationships.
The novel’s ending has also been the subject of much discussion among readers. Some readers have interpreted the ending as a hopeful one, while others see it as a tragic one. Regardless of the interpretation, readers agree that the ending is both surprising and thought-provoking.