Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House masterfully intertwines psychological horror with supernatural elements, eliciting praise for its atmospheric tension and deep character exploration. However, some readers find its ambiguity frustrating and the pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a classic in the horror genre for its haunting narrative and complex themes.

A reader who revels in psychological horror with a blend of gothic elements will enjoy The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Fans of intricately crafted atmospheres and complex character studies, much like those found in Henry James's The Turn of the Screw and Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, will be deeply captivated.

In Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, protagonist Eleanor Vance, along with two guests, is invited by Dr. John Montague to spend three months in a potentially haunted mansion to research the supernatural. The story explores dark family histories, the lingering of the past in the present, and psychological tension, questioning whether the haunting stems from the house or Eleanor’s own mind. Topics include familial loss and psychological trauma.

Mysterious / Unnerving / Dark / Contemplative / Melancholic

Shirley Jackson

Adult

Novel

The Hate U Give

Fiction

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Study Guide

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Before You Read

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Before You Read The Haunting Of Hill House | SuperSummary

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Overview

How does Shirley Jackson’s 1956 horror novel differ from the Netflix adaptation? Find out in this short The Haunting of Hill House summary.

The Haunting Of Hill House Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

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The Haunting Of Hill House Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

The Haunting Of Hill House Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-6

The Haunting Of Hill House Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8

The Haunting Of Hill House Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 9 The Haunting Of Hill House Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Haunting Of Hill House Character Analysis

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Themes

The Haunting Of Hill House Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Haunting Of Hill House Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Haunting Of Hill House Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Haunting Of Hill House Essay Topics

The Haunting Of Hill House Teaching Unit

Introduction

The Haunting Of Hill House Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

The Haunting Of Hill House Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

The Haunting Of Hill House Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

The Haunting Of Hill House Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

The Haunting Of Hill House Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activity

The Haunting Of Hill House Activity

Essay Questions

The Haunting Of Hill House Essay Questions

Exam Questions

The Haunting Of Hill House Cumulative Exam Questions

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The Haunting Of Hill House Exam Answer Key

The Haunting Of Hill House

Before You Read

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