The Revenge of Nature: Daphne du Maurier’s “Don’t Look Now,” “The Birds,” “The Apple Tree,” and two Film Adaptations

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyse three short stories by English author Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989): “Don’t Look Now” (1971), “The Birds” (1952), and “The Apple Tree” (1952). It also investigates two acclaimed film adaptations, namely Don’t Look Now (1973) by Nicolas Roeg and The Birds (1963) by Alfred Hitchcock.

Focusing on the themes, motifs and symbols that are typically Gothic, this thesis provides a comparison between the three short stories, as well as a comparison between each film and the tale on which it is based.

Through a feminist and ecocritical approach, it explores how these works indicate the need for a society that respects women, animals, and the environment.