☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics depict a confrontation between the new Mrs. de Winter and Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper.
- The new Mrs. de Winter wants to establish her own style in the estate and distance herself from the presence of the late Rebecca.
- Mrs. Danvers resists the changes and clings to the past and Rebecca's influence.
- The new Mrs. de Winter insists that she now has the right to make decisions in the house.
- The lyrics address the struggle for acceptance in a new role and the attempt to leave the past behind.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "Mrs. de Winter, that's me!" from the musical
Rebecca depict a confrontation between the new Mrs. de Winter and Mrs. Danvers. Mrs. Danvers is the housekeeper of the Manderley estate and was very attached to the deceased former Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca.
The new Mrs. de Winter wants to leave behind the old life and the presence of Rebecca and bring her own style and personality to the estate. She wants azaleas instead of orchids, she wants to open the windows to let out the musty air, and she wants to get rid of Rebecca's stationery and address book.
However, Mrs. Danvers insists that this goes against the will of the late Rebecca and tries to maintain her presence and influence in the house. The new Mrs. de Winter finally confronts Mrs. Danvers and asserts that she is now Mrs. de Winter and has the right to make decisions.
The lyrics of the song address the struggle for identity and acceptance in a new role. The new Mrs. de Winter fights for recognition in her new role and for liberation from the oppressive presence of her predecessor. At the same time, the text symbolizes the confrontation with the past and the attempt to let go of it and make a fresh start.