The Haunting Of Hill House Essay Research

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The Haunting Of Hill House Essay, Research Paper The Haunting of Hill House The Haunting of Hill House is considered a classic to many people. It has a certain sense of feeling missing from today’s novels. The Haunting of Hill House has suspense, horror, a little bit of romance, and an ending that will leave you thinking for days. Shirley Jackson is well known for her twisted work. At the beginning of the book, you our introduced to a character that has a major impact on all of its “guests”. Hill House. “Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against the hills, holding darkness within.” This is just one of the chilling sentences from the opening paragraph. The fear begins to set in. Shortly after, you are introduced to the strong yet cautious Dr. John Montague. He is

a doctor of philosophy and has a new study up his sleeve. He is going to rent the “haunted” Hill House and document all that goes on. To accompany him and further the study, are three assistants. After considerable research, three patients are chosen. Eleanor Vance, Luke Sanderson, and Theodora (Theo) are the chosen few. You are first brought into the life of Eleanor Vance. Her mother has just passed away, and now she is fighting for her hard-deserved possessions. Eleanor has never been accepted. She has always been on her own and liked it that way. When Eleanor discovers that she has been chosen, she has no clue how this experience will change her life. Next, we are introduced to Theodora. Her last name is never revealed which gives her a sense of mystery. Theo could be

considered any man’s dream. She is quite beautiful and has that certain something. Theo gladly accepts the invitation to Hill House, and nothing more is said. Luke Sanderson is the future inheritor of Hill House. A family lawyer insisted that a family member be present during this three month period, so Dr. Montague gladly chose Luke. Shortly after, Eleanor, Theodora, Luke, Dr. Montague, and his secretary arrive at Hill House. They are introduced to the mysterious housekeepers, the Dudleys. Theo and Eleanor quickly form a bond and explore the home. They discover how elaborate and titanic Hill House is. The fireplace, walk out veranda, and library are just some of the things that the girls discover. Everyone loves the house for its beauty and extravagance. Later on in the

evening, Dr. Montague tells the long history of Hill House. It was owned by Hugh Crain. He had two children, but their mother was killed in a carriage accident just before she arrived at the house. His second wife died from a fall, possible suicide. Crain’s third wife died of tuberculosis. Shortly after, Crain passed away in Europe. His two daughters were left with the house, but many fights occur over who should get it. The older sister dies, and the young sister ends up owning it. She commits suicide, and Hill House is left to the Sandersons. The first night was fine, but many things begin to happen. The following night, Theodora and Eleanor have a terrifying encounter. While sleeping, Eleanor hears a pounding sound. She wakes up. The sound continues, so she rushes to

Theodora’s room. The room becomes ice cold, and the pounding becomes louder. After an intense amount of time, Dr. Montague and Luke arrive. Another thing is discovered by the guests. Outside of the nursery, a cold spot occurs. Nothing can be explained about the cold feeling, but it occurs every time they walk passed it. Over time, Eleanor sees and feels the presence of a superior “being”. The following quotation comes from the chilling moment when Eleanor discovers no one is in her room: “God God-whose hand was I holding?” Over time, Eleanor becomes attached to the house. She feels like the house is talking to her. On one occasion, “WELCOME HOME ELEANOR” was written over Theo’s room and clothing. It was written in blood. Eleanor becomes furious, thinking her