Summary
Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, published in 1959, is widely regarded as one of the greatest haunted house stories ever written. This gothic horror follows four characters who spend a summer in the eerie Hill House, hoping to encounter supernatural phenomena. The novel is notable for its ambiguous approach to the supernatural, leaving readers to question whether the events are truly paranormal or manifestations of the characters' psychological states. Jackson's masterful prose and nuanced exploration of fear and the human psyche have cemented the book's status as a classic of the genre.
The Haunting of Hill House has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations across various media—most recently, the critically acclaimed 2018 Netflix series of the same name, directed by Mike Flanagan.
Plot
Dr. John Montague, an investigator of the supernatural, rents Hill House for a summer and invites several people with paranormal experiences to join him. Only Eleanor Vance, a shy young woman, and Theodora, a bohemian artist, accept his invitation. Along with Luke Sanderson, the young heir to Hill House, they gather at the mansion to investigate potential supernatural activity.
As the group settles in, they begin to experience strange occurrences, including unexplained noises, ghostly apparitions, and mysterious writing on the walls. Eleanor, in particular, seems to be more sensitive to these phenomena, often perceiving events that others cannot. The house's sinister atmosphere intensifies, and the characters form uneasy alliances as they try to understand the nature of Hill House's haunting.
The arrival of Mrs. Montague, the doctor's wife, and her companion Arthur Parker adds a new dynamic to the group. Unlike the others, they do not experience any supernatural events, but Mrs. Montague's attempts at spirit writing seem to connect with Eleanor. As the tensions mount, Eleanor's grip on reality begins to slip, and it becomes unclear whether the hauntings are genuine or a product of her imagination.
Concerned for Eleanor's well-being, Dr. Montague and Luke decide she must leave Hill House. Eleanor, now viewing the house as her home, resists their efforts. Forced into her car, she bids farewell to the others but, unwilling to leave, drives her vehicle into a large oak tree on the property, likely resulting in her death. The novel concludes with this tragic event, leaving the true nature of Hill House's haunting ambiguous.
Themes
Isolation and loneliness
Mental instability and delusion
The power of fear and suggestion
Family dynamics and inheritance
The blurred line between reality and the supernatural
The house as a sentient character
The psychological effects of trauma
Setting
Likely set in the mid-20th century when the novel was written, The Haunting of Hill House takes place primarily within the confines of the titular mansion. While the exact location is never revealed, the house is described as being surrounded by hills, isolated from the nearest town, and difficult to find.
Hill House itself is a character in its own right—a looming, brooding presence that dominates the landscape. The mansion is characterized by its bizarre architecture, with rooms and corridors that seem to shift and disorient its inhabitants. Outside, untrimmed hedges and rusted gates add to the property's neglected, forbidding atmosphere.
Characters
Eleanor Vance: The main character. Eleanor is a shy, reserved woman in her 30s who has spent years caring for her invalid mother. She is sensitive and imaginative, with possible latent psychic abilities. Eleanor becomes increasingly unstable during her time at Hill House, developing an unhealthy attachment to the house.
Dr. John Montague: The leader of the Hill House expedition. Dr. Montague is an anthropologist and paranormal investigator hoping to find scientific evidence of supernatural phenomena. He is rational and academic in his approach, but becomes concerned about Eleanor's mental state.
Theodora: A free-spirited, bohemian artist invited to Hill House due to her ESP abilities. Theodora is outgoing and forms a close but complex friendship with Eleanor. She serves as a foil to Eleanor's repressed personality.
Luke Sanderson: The charming young heir to Hill House. Luke is skeptical about the supernatural but joins the group as a representative of the house's owners. He develops feelings for Theodora but is also protective of Eleanor.
Mrs. Dudley: The dour housekeeper of Hill House. Mrs. Dudley is stern and unfriendly, repeatedly warning the guests that no one will come to help them at night. Her ominous statements contribute to the house's menacing atmosphere.
Mr. Dudley: The taciturn groundskeeper of Hill House. Mr. Dudley is as unwelcoming as his wife, adding to the property's foreboding aura.
Mrs. Montague: Dr. Montague's overbearing wife who arrives later in the story. Mrs. Montague fancies herself a psychic investigator but is oblivious to the real supernatural events occurring in the house.
Arthur Parker: Mrs. Montague's traveling companion, a pompous headmaster. Arthur assists Mrs. Montague in her amateur paranormal investigations at Hill House.
Quick facts
The Haunting of Hill House was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Shirley Jackson was inspired to write the novel after reading about a group of 19th- century psychic researchers.
Jackson sketched floor plans of Hill House and a rendering of its exterior as part of her writing process.
The novel is dedicated to Leonard Brown, Jackson's English teacher at Syracuse University.
Stephen King listed The Haunting of Hill House as one of the finest horror novels of the late 20th century in his book Danse Macabre.
The character of Theodora is considered an early example of queer representation in horror literature.
The Haunting of Hill House has been adapted into two feature films, both titled The Haunting, released in 1963 and 1999.
A stage adaptation was first produced in 1964 by F. Andrew Leslie.
The novel was adapted into a radio drama for BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
In 2018, The Haunting of Hill House was loosely adapted into a critically acclaimed Netflix series directed by Mike Flanagan.
About the Author
Shirley Jackson (1916-1965) was an influential American author known for her works of horror and mystery. Her writing career spanned over two decades, during which she published six novels, two memoirs, and over 200 short stories, often exploring themes of isolation, mental illness, and the dark side of human nature. Her most famous work is the short story “The Lottery," first published in The New Yorker in 1948, which depicts the sinister underbelly of a seemingly idyllic American village. Other notable works include the novels The Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle, both considered classics of the horror genre.
Born in San Francisco, Jackson began writing short stories while attending Syracuse University, where she met her future husband, Stanley Edgar Hyman. After graduating, the couple moved to New York City and Jackson started contributing fiction to The New Yorker. They later settled in North Bennington, Vermont, where Jackson would spend most of her adult life.
Despite her success as an author, Jackson's personal life was marked by struggles with agoraphobia, addiction, and marital difficulties. Her husband's infidelities and controlling behavior reportedly caused her significant distress. Jackson's health began to decline in the 1960s, exacerbated by her heavy smoking and use of amphetamines and barbiturates. She died of heart failure at the age of 48, leaving behind an unfinished novel.
Jackson's legacy has grown significantly since her death. Her works have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions. The Shirley Jackson Awards were established in 2007 to recognize outstanding achievement in horror and dark fantasy literature. Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in Jackson's life and work, with the publication of new biographies and previously unpublished stories. Today, Shirley Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most important American authors of the 20th century, known for her psychological insight and masterful use of the Gothic tradition.
