In the pantheon of English literature, Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn stands as a paragon of high melodrama and gothic allure—a true exemplar for those who revel in tales of dreariness, sinister plots, and heroines with an uncanny knack for finding trouble. The novel, first published in 1936, is set in the forbidding moors of Cornwall, a location as cheerful as a Victorian graveyard, and revolves around the trials and tribulations of Mary Yellan, a protagonist who seems to have a magnet for misery. The narrative is steeped in such a pervasive gloom that one might suspect du Maurier had a quota of adjectives like “bleak,” “desolate,” and “forsaken” to meet.
The Ever-Joyful Moors and Their Inhabitants
The moors themselves, with their fog-enshrouded, rocky expanses, are described with a loving attention to every possible nuance of inhospitability. It’s as if du Maurier penned each description while sitting in the middle of a thunderstorm, her pen dipped in ink made of pure melancholy. One can almost hear the howling wind as it rips through the pages, feeling the relentless rain soaking through their very soul. The landscape of Cornwall, in du Maurier’s capable hands, becomes less a setting and more a malevolent character in its own right, ever ready to consume the unwary traveller.
The inhabitants of this cheery locale are, predictably, a motley crew of rogues, drunkards, and ne’er-do-wells. Chief among them is Mary’s uncle, Joss Merlyn, a towering figure of menace and inebriation, whose hobbies include intimidating his niece and running a smuggling ring. One might wonder if his character was a subtle jab at the temperance movement, a case study in what happens when one exceeds their weekly recommended alcohol intake by a few gallons.
Mary Yellan: A Paragon of Gothic Heroism
Mary Yellan herself is a remarkable figure, combining the stubborn resilience of a mule with the curiosity of a cat. Sent to live with her Aunt Patience after her mother’s death, she quickly finds herself in the middle of a grand gothic nightmare. Her aunt, once a lively woman, is now a shadow of her former self, cowering under the brutal dominance of Joss. It’s a testament to Mary’s indomitable spirit (or perhaps her lack of common sense) that she decides to stay and confront the malevolence that pervades Jamaica Inn.
Throughout the novel, Mary is an exemplar of gothic fortitude, braving the elements, evading her uncle’s thuggish associates, and embarking on a quest for justice with a dogged determination that would make even Sherlock Holmes tip his hat. Her interactions with Jem Merlyn, the rakish horse thief and brother of her uncle, add a touch of romantic intrigue to the story, as if the novel needed any more drama. Their burgeoning relationship is one of those classic literary romances: fraught with distrust, undeniable attraction, and a fair share of life-threatening escapades.
Plot Twists and Melodrama Galore
The plot of Jamaica Inn is a masterclass in gothic excess. Each chapter unfurls a new layer of treachery, betrayal, and suspense. Du Maurier’s pacing ensures that the reader is never more than a few pages away from a shocking revelation or a thrilling chase. The twists are as plentiful as the heather on the moors, with each new turn of events plunging Mary deeper into a quagmire of danger and deceit.
One must admire du Maurier’s commitment to maintaining an atmosphere of relentless tension. Whether it’s Mary’s nocturnal explorations of the inn, the eerie silence of the moors, or the ever-present threat of violence from Joss and his cronies, there’s never a moment of true respite. This relentless drive towards ever-greater heights of suspense and dread is what gives “Jamaica Inn” its enduring appeal. It’s a story that grabs the reader by the throat and refuses to let go until the final, breathless page.
A Gothic Gem
Jamaica Inn is a triumph of gothic storytelling. Daphne du Maurier’s ability to conjure an atmosphere of oppressive gloom and her flair for dramatic plotting make this novel a standout in the genre. For those who delight in tales of dark secrets, ominous landscapes, and heroines with a penchant for danger, Jamaica Inn is a must-read. It’s a book that revels in its own excesses, offering readers a deliciously over-the-top experience that’s as captivating as it is unsettling. So, light a candle, draw the curtains, and prepare to be transported to the windswept moors of Cornwall—if you dare.
Wording 