Questions and Answers
What happened when Eleanor was 12 years old?
Showers of stones fell intermittently for three days on the home she and her sister shared with their mother.
Why was Luke Sanderson chosen for Hill House?
His family owns the house.
How long do Dr. Montague and the others plan to stay at Hill House?
The investigation will last the entire summer, about three months.
Why is Dr. Montague attracted to Hill House?
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How did Dr. Montague choose his 'assistants'?
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Why was Eleanor Vance chosen?
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Why was Theodora chosen?
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What does Nellie and Eleanor's brother-in-law not want Eleanor to do?
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When Eleanor stops for lunch, why does the little girl refuse to drink her milk?
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Describe the conversation Eleanor has with the waitress and the male customer.
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Who opens the gates for Eleanor?
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How does Eleanor feel once she stops in front of the house?
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What kind of atmosphere does the house and its surroundings create?
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What is the setting of The Haunting of Hill House?
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Who is Eleanor Vance?
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Who is Doctor John Montague?
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Who is Theodora?
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Who is Luke Sanderson?
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Who is Mrs. Montague?
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Who is Mrs. Dudley?
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Who is Hugh Crain?
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Who is Old Miss Crain?
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Who is Arthur Parker?
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Who is Mr. Dudley?
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Who is Carrie?
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Who is Eleanor's Brother-in-law?
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What is direct characterization?
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What is indirect characterization?
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What is foreshadowing?
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Give an example of direct characterization of Eleanor.
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Provide an example of indirect characterization of Eleanor.
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Study Notes
Eleanor Vance
- Experienced mysterious "showers of stones" at age 12, leading to local lore about poltergeist activity in her childhood home.
- 32 years old, has spent 11 years caring for her ailing mother, which contributes to her isolation and disturbed mental state.
Dr. John Montague
- An anthropologist with a passion for parapsychology, he aims to research supernatural phenomena at Hill House during a three-month summer stay.
- Chooses assistants based on their past experiences with the paranormal.
Theodora
- A beautiful, young bohemian known for her supposed telepathic abilities; invited to participate in the investigation at Hill House.
Luke Sanderson
- Heir to Hill House, characterized as a charming yet dishonest young man.
Hill House Investigation
- The stay at Hill House is planned to last the entire summer, about three months, to investigate its supernatural history.
- Eleanor is drawn to Hill House despite her family’s objections, joining the investigation.
Atmosphere and Setting
- The setting is in the mid to late 1950s, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere around Hill House.
- Upon arrival, Eleanor feels a mix of fear and fascination as she stands before the house.
Supporting Characters
- Mrs. Dudley, the housekeeper, exhibits a robotic demeanor and only speaks to outline her schedule.
- Mrs. Montague shows contempt towards others and participates reluctantly in the investigation, alongside her companion Arthur Parker.
- Mr. Dudley, the caretaker, attempts to dissuade visitors from entering the property.
Hugh Crain
- The original builder of Hill House, known for creating an architectural design that defies traditional rules, reflecting his possibly deranged personality.
- His family history is marred by tragedy, including the deaths of his wife and complications involving his daughters.
Old Miss Crain
- Hugh Crain's elder daughter, whose care arrangement leads to legal disputes after her death, resulting in her nurse’s suicide.
Characterization
- Direct characterization is used to describe Eleanor's age, while indirect characterization reveals her eagerness for excitement and the desire for change in her life.
- The narrative employs foreshadowing to hint at future developments in the plot.
Conflict
- Eleanor's inner conflicts stem from her family dynamics, as her sister Carrie and brother-in-law express disdain towards her decision to investigate Hill House.
- A little girl at a stop refuses milk, believing it to be poisoned, hinting at the pervasive atmosphere of distrust surrounding the characters and their experiences.
Themes
- Exploration of isolation, familial relationships, and the attraction of the supernatural are central themes throughout the narrative.
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Description
Explore the intriguing characters and themes of supernatural phenomena associated with Hill House. Dive into the lives of Eleanor Vance, Dr. John Montague, Theodora, and Luke Sanderson as they investigate the mysteries surrounding the infamous mansion. This quiz will test your knowledge of their backgrounds and motivations.
