Within Rebecca, Switzerland is significant to our narrator as a possible safe haven as her and Maxim attempt to return to Manderley before they realize the estate has burned down. Initially, the narrator is told by Colonel Julyan that her and her husband must visit Switzerland, and she only insists they must go after she has a nightmare. Regardless of the "freedom" the couple gains from finding out about Rebecca's true condition, Favell threatens to continue his own prosecution, swearing the law will still get them eventually. With further research utilizing Switzerland during Interwar Period, I have discovered that, in 1934, Switzerland passed the Swiss Banking Act, which introduced anonymous accounts in order to allow Jews to protect their assets. Though this is not mentioned in Rebecca, I find it interesting that, should a rich couple like the de Winter's need to flee while also keeping hold of their wealth, Switzerland would provide the perfect opportunity for this. Switzerland also represents neutrality and safety, which is something the de Winter's desperately need after the chaos of Rebecca's legacy. Mapping this location shows how far the narrator is willing to go in order to escape the truth.
Bibliography:
Research: Switzerland during Interwar Period
Photograph: Picture Postcard Switzerland, 1930. Wengen Jungfrau Grosshorn Breithorn | eBay