Exploring Daphne Du Maurier's Concern for the Social Epidemic of Sex Trafficking
 
     Daphne Du Maurier's novels, like "Rebecca" and "Jamaica Inn," serve as poignant reflections of her deep concern for the pervasive issue of sex trafficking. Through her masterful storytelling, Du Maurier illuminates the darker aspects of human nature and societal dynamics, offering compelling insights into the prevalence and impact of exploitation and abuse within society. Her narratives compel readers to confront the harsh realities of sex trafficking and its devastating impact on individuals and communities. By delving into the complexities of power dynamics and manipulation, Du Maurier implicitly acknowledges sex trafficking as a social epidemic that demands urgent attention and action. Through her portrayal of exploitation and abuse, she prompts readers to recognize the need for societal awareness and meaningful change.
In essence, Du Maurier's novels serve as a call to action, urging readers to confront and combat the pervasive form of exploitation represented by sex trafficking.

     In "Rebecca," Daphne Du Maurier masterfully portrays the manipulation of power, akin to the tactics employed by traffickers in real-life scenarios. The haunting words of the enigmatic character Rebecca, "Happiness is not a possession to be prized..." (Du Maurier 17), encapsulate the theme of manipulation and control, echoing the experiences of victims of sex trafficking who are coerced and exploited for the benefit of others. Through her narrative, Du Maurier implicitly condemns the exploitation of power for nefarious purposes, shedding light on the pervasive societal issue of sex trafficking. Delving into "Rebecca," readers discern Du Maurier's insightful commentary on the complexities of manipulation and the dire consequences it imposes on vulnerable individuals. Her portrayal underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and action to combat such exploitation in society. By unraveling the layers of manipulation within her narrative, Du Maurier prompts readers to confront the underlying power dynamics that enable exploitation to persist. Furthermore, she challenges readers to recognize the vulnerability of those subjected to such manipulation and advocate for their protection and empowerment. In doing so, Du Maurier's exploration of power and manipulation in "Rebecca" serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive impact of exploitation in society and the imperative to address it.
 
     In "Jamaica Inn," Daphne Du Maurier expertly delves into the intricate dynamics of power and exploitation, showcasing how individuals can be manipulated and controlled by those in positions of authority. Through the unsettling exchange between Mary and Joss Merlyn, Du Maurier paints a vivid picture of the manipulation and coercion that often characterize situations of exploitation. Joss's predatory behavior towards Mary and his attempts to manipulate her mirror the tactics employed by traffickers to exploit their victims, highlighting Du Maurier's implicit commentary on the prevalence of such exploitation within society. The quote, “Haven’t you a kiss for your uncle Joss?” (Du Maurier 5), serves as a chilling reminder of the pervasive influence of exploitation in human relationships, vividly depicting the manipulation among the characters, particularly by Joss Merlyn. Through her narrative, Du Maurier offers valuable insights into the underlying dynamics of power and control that enable exploitation to thrive. Her portrayal sheds light on the insidious nature of exploitation and prompts readers to critically examine the societal structures that perpetuate it. By showcasing the manipulation and coercion inherent in situations of exploitation, Du Maurier contributes to a deeper understanding of the societal issues at play, including the troubling prevalence of sex trafficking. Moreover, through her astute observations, Du Maurier urges readers to advocate for systemic change to combat these pressing issues.

     In essence, Du Maurier's portrayal of manipulation and coercion in "Jamaica Inn" serves as a call to action, prompting readers to confront the societal structures that enable exploitation and to strive for a world free from such injustices. Her narrative encourages critical reflection and advocacy for systemic change, emphasizing the importance of addressing the underlying power dynamics that perpetuate exploitation within society. Through her insightful storytelling,Du Maurier inspires readers to take meaningful action to combat exploitation and create a more equitable and just society for all. 

     Du Maurier's astute observations in both novels prompt readers to confront the harsh realities of sex trafficking and its devastating impact on individuals and communities. Through her portrayal of power dynamics, manipulation, and exploitation, she implicitly acknowledges sex trafficking as a social epidemic that demands urgent attention and action. Her narratives compel readers to recognize the pervasive nature of exploitation and abuse within society, urging them to confront these issues and work towards meaningful change. The reflection on first love, "I am glad it cannot happen twice, the fever of first love" (Du Maurier 88), underscores the theme of emotional manipulation, further emphasizing the book's exploration of power dynamics and their impact on relationships. By delving into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, Du Maurier highlights the ways in which manipulation and exploitation manifest in various aspects of society. Through her insightful storytelling, she encourages readers to reflect on the societal dynamics that perpetuate exploitation and abuse, ultimately calling for collective action to address these pressing issues. In essence, Du Maurier's narratives serve as a catalyst for social awareness and change, inspiring readers to advocate for justice and equality in the face of systemic exploitation.

     In summary, Daphne Du Maurier's novels offer a poignant exploration of the social epidemic of sex trafficking, shedding light on the pervasive nature of exploitation and abuse within society. Through her compelling storytelling and astute observations, Du Maurier implicitly conveys her belief in the urgent need to address this issue and work towards a more just and equitable society. By engaging with her works, readers are encouraged to confront the harsh realities of sex trafficking and take meaningful action to combat this pervasive form of exploitation. Through her narratives, Du Maurier prompts readers to critically reflect on the societal structures and power dynamics that perpetuate exploitation, urging them to advocate for systemic change and support initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals from trafficking and abuse. Ultimately, Du Maurier's novels serve as a call to action, inspiring readers to stand up against injustice and strive for a world free from exploitation and oppression.







Works Cited
 
Du Maurier, Daphne. Jamaica Inn. HarperCollins Publishers, 2014.
 
Du Maurier, Daphne. Rebecca. HarperCollins Publishers, 2006.