Haunting of Hill House (pg 1-82)

Summary:

     Dr. Montague is a doctor of philosophy with a degree in anthropology. He invited Eleanor Vance, Theodora, and Luke Sanderson (nephew of the owners of the Hill House) to occupy Hill House for a few days in order to analyze supernatural manifestations and psychic disturbances on the human body. When they all met up there, after dinner, Dr. Montague explains the history of Hill House. Hill House was built by Hugh Crain, 80 years ago. His first wife died when her carriage overturned, minutes before seeing the new house. His second wife died of a fall. His third wife died of tuberculosis. He, himself, eventually died travelling in Europe shortly after. He had two daughters, and the older one inherited the Hill House after her sister married. She bought a companion from the village to live with her, but the older sister died of pneumonia after a few years. The house became legally the companion's after a fierce lawsuit against the younger sister. Constantly harassed by enemies, gossip, and the younger sister, she eventually killed herself. The house was then legally given to the Sanderson family, who sent the younger sister to the police station when she tried to harass them; they never lived there for more than a few days. The younger sister then died a few years later. Dr. Montague suggests that the evil in the house has ''enchained and destroyed it's people and their lives'' and ''is a place contained of ill will.'' (Jackson, 82).

Quote:

''Journeys end in lovers meeting, she thought, remembering her song at last, and laughed, standing on the steps of Hill House, journeys end in lovers meeting, and she put her feet down firmly and went up to the veranda and the door.'' (Jackson, 36).

Reaction:

    I chose this quote because it sounded almost poetic in a pessimistic way. Here, Eleanor Vance was the first to arrive at Hill House and senses an eerie feeling--and urgent feeling of the need to escape from here. Normally, she isn't the type to accept spontaneous invitation (especially not from strangers), but when she accepted the invitation and started driving to Hillsdale, she felt as if she were on a long journey, just her and the road. However, she thinks 'journeys end in lovers meeting' over and over again, and it seems to be foreshadowing something ominous.