Arabia is significant to Rebecca because it represents the history of colonization within the British Empire. This information comes from the academic paper: "Colonial Hauntings in Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca." Within the novel, the notion of Arabia, or the East, represents the dark connotations of imperial Britain, which conjures a deeper understanding of Britain as the Empire. In chapter 17, Giles mentions his costume for the fancy dress ball at Manderley. He reveals that he will be dressed as an Arabian sheik, and that he will darken his skin and wear an authentic turban from his friend in the East. This blatant appropriation, along with the complacent guests, reminds us of the attitude towards the East in Britain at this time. Furthermore, this mention of Arabia, a region that the British Empire has colonized for centuries, is a reminder of the close ties between Britain and its colonies. Manderley is very close to Mandalay, one of Britain's most prominent imperial outposts, which is in the East. Furthermore, Manderley relies upon its refined and beautiful decorations and garden, which were mainly fabricated by a dead woman. Rebecca can therefore represent the East, and the imperial states that the British Empire conquered. And just as Manderley is haunted by Rebecca, Britain is haunted by its gruesome imperial past, and the fortunes built upon the exploitation of the East. Mapping Arabia on COVE reveals the lingering effects of imperialization.
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Photo: https://europamundoblog.com/en/2023/08/29/10-curiosities-of-saudi-arabia/