The Haunting of Hill House Flashcards

Key Characters

• Eleanor Vance: A lonely 32-year-old woman who cared for her sick mother and now lives with her sister's family. She seeks adventure and a sense of belonging.
• Theodora: A fashionable, single woman with psychic abilities, living with a "friend." She becomes a significant companion to Eleanor.
• Dr. Montague: The leader of a supernatural investigation at Hill House, aiming to write a book on his findings.
• Luke Sanderson: Carefree nephew of the Hill House owner, destined to inherit the property.

Premise of the Story

• Focuses on four individuals at Hill House: Dr. Montague, Eleanor, Theodora, and Luke.
• They investigate the supernatural occurrences at the mansion, which has a history of being evil and unsettling.

Chapter Summaries

• Chapter One:
  • Introduces Eleanor in detail; she feels lost and seeks an adventure.
• Chapter Two:
  • Eleanor's initial experiences at Hill House, meeting Mr. and Mrs. Dudley. The creepy atmosphere unsettles her and Theodora.
• Chapter Three:
  • Eleanor grapples with unique experiences, including her psychic experiences and encounters with the house's eerie presence.

Hill House History

• Built by Hugh Crain, who faced multiple family tragedies within the house, contributing to its dark reputation.
• History includes the untimely deaths of three wives and subsequent hauntings.

Significant Themes and Literary Devices

• Psychic Connections: Eleanor's psychic ability suggests deeper ties between her and the supernatural events within Hill House.
• Isolation and Belonging: Characters grapple with feelings of loneliness as they seek connection amidst the eerie backdrop of the house.

Important Events

• Eleanor's "gift" is hinted through childhood experiences of psychokinesis.
• The house’s influence grows stronger, impacting relationships among the characters.
• Tension builds as Eleanor perceives intensifying supernatural happenings linked to her presence.

Quotes

• Reflect key themes of isolation, fear, and the house’s power. Notable quotes highlight feelings of belonging and the sinister nature of Hill House.

The Planchette Incident

• Mrs. Montague’s interest in the spirits leads to an unsettling session with the planchette which reveals Eleanor's connection to the house, stirring tension among the group.

Relationships and Dynamics

• Eleanor’s feelings for Luke shift as she realizes his flirtation may not be genuine.
• Tension rises between Eleanor and Theodora, leading to characters clashing and redefining their relationships.
• Eleanor's increasing obsession with the house blurs her perception of reality.

Haunting Elements

• Occurrences of knocking, writing on walls, and cold spots symbolize the house's growing dominance, affecting the characters' psychological states.
• Various supernatural phenomena serve to test the bonds between the characters and reveal their vulnerabilities.

Climax Points

• The exploration of Hill House pushes characters into confronting their fears.
• Eleanor’s psychological unraveling becomes evident through her hallucinations and interactions with the house.

Conclusion of Key Narrative Arcs

• The ever-present influence of Hill House leads to tragic choices, shaping the characters' fates and relationships with each other.
• Eleanor’s journey crescendos as she confronts her identity and place within Hill House's eerie presence.### Eleanor's Isolation
• Eleanor exists in a self-created reality, indicating a disconnect from her surroundings.
• Her isolation amplifies as she feels unheard by those around her, experiencing unique perceptions.

Descent into Madness

• Experiences nocturnal wanderings, desperate actions like banging on doors for attention.
• Climbs to the library balcony after feeling compelled by ghosts, signifying a break from sanity.
• A near-suicidal attempt highlights her fragile mental state, which is interrupted by Luke.

Luke's Role

• Luke intervenes and saves Eleanor from her unconscious suicide attempt, showcasing his protective instincts.

Final Day at Hill House

• The group shares a final breakfast together, providing a last sense of normalcy.
• The Doctor announces Eleanor’s need to return home, revealing her lack of a true home.
• Eleanor's desperation grows as she expresses her desire to stay at Hill House indefinitely.
• The tragic culmination occurs when she crashes her car into a tree, suggesting a final act of surrender.

Haunting and Legacy

• Eleanor’s death implies she may haunt Hill House, finally achieving a sense of belonging.

Key Quotes from Chapter Nine

• Eleanor's dialogue with her mother's voice, symbolizing her longing for connection.
• “I dare you” reflects her challenge to the house and her desire for acceptance.
• “I have broken the spell” indicates her perceived liberation and claim over Hill House.
• Assertions of ownership and belonging depict Eleanor’s unresolved attachment to the house.
• “Silence lay steadily” suggests the eerie, solitary atmosphere of Hill House, amplifying its haunting nature.

Review key characters from Shirley Jackson's 'The Haunting of Hill House'. This set of flashcards provides insights into the lives of Eleanor Vance, Theodora, and Dr. Montague. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the novel's central figures.