Shirley Jackson, an American writer, is often referenced as a "witch" due to her dark and macabre writing style. Perhaps most famous for her short story "The Lottery," Jackson deftly explores themes of horror and the unexpected, placing her in a unique position within the realm of witchcraft. Born in 1916 in San Francisco, California, Jackson had a troubled upbringing that some attribute to her eventual fascination with the supernatural and the occult. She married Stanley Edgar Hyman, a literary critic and professor, and together they had four children. Despite her personal struggles, Jackson carved out a successful writing career, producing several novels, short stories, and non-fiction works. "The Lottery," published in 1948, is undoubtedly Jackson's most well-known work.
13 Chilling Facts About Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Haunting of Hill House’
Jackson’s Gothic novel was inspired by real-life paranormal investigators—and so scary her husband was afraid to read it.
By Anna Green | Oct 11, 2018 | Updated: Aug 24, 2023, 9:37 AM EDT
The cover of Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Haunting of Hill House.’ / Penguin Random House (book cover), Justin Dodd/Mental Floss (background)
Can a house be born bad? That’s the question author Shirley Jackson asks in The Haunting of Hill House. Released in 1959, the Gothic novel follows four strangers who converge on a purportedly haunted house to “scientifically” seek out evidence of the paranormal. Things rapidly devolve and the characters—in particular, the book’s lonely protagonist, Eleanor—realize, too late, that they’re in over their heads.
Upon its release, the novel sold briskly, earning Jackson a National Book Award nomination and high praise from critics. In its review, The New York Times called the story “caviar for connoisseurs of the cryptic” and described Jackson as “the finest master currently practicing in the genre of the cryptic, haunted tale.” It also caught the attention of Hollywood, and within four years MGM released a film adaptation, directed by Robert Wise. Since then, the novel has been made into a play, into a widely panned 1999 movie, and a Netflix series. Here are 13 facts about The Haunting of Hill House you should know.
"The Lottery," published in 1948, is undoubtedly Jackson's most well-known work. The story centers around a small town that holds an annual lottery, but the reader soon discovers that the lottery has a horrifying twist. The shocking conclusion of the story leaves readers questioning the darker aspects of humanity and societal rituals, leading to its prominence in literary discussions and Jackson's association with witchcraft.
1. The Haunting of Hill House was inspired by real-life paranormal investigators.
Jackson was inspired to write the novel after reading about a group of 19th century “psychic researchers” who rented a house they believed to be haunted in order to study paranormal phenomena. The researchers studiously recorded their experiences in the house in order to present them in the form of a treatise to the Society for Psychic Research.
In her essay “Experience and Fiction,” Jackson explained that she was most intrigued by the way the researchers revealed their own personalities and backgrounds throughout the study. “They thought they were being terribly scientific and proving all kinds of things,” she explained. “And yet the story that kept coming through their dry reports was not at all the story of a haunted house, it was the story of several earnest, I believe misguided, certainly determined people, with their differing motivations and backgrounds.”
Jackson's writing style is often characterized by her ability to create an atmosphere of unease and foreboding. She masterfully incorporates elements of psychological horror into her stories, offering readers a glimpse into the disturbed human mind. Her work tends to focus on isolated and dysfunctional family dynamics, exploring themes of repression, conformity, and hidden darkness within seemingly normal settings. Although many commentators refer to Jackson as a "witch" in relation to her writing, it is important to note that this label does not imply an actual practice of witchcraft. Rather, it highlights her ability to weave tales that tap into the darker aspects of human psychology and society, often unsettling readers with their eerie and haunting nature. Ultimately, Shirley Jackson's association with witchcraft highlights her unique ability to craft narratives that evoke fear, unease, and a deeper exploration of the human psyche. Through her works, she has left an indelible mark on the world of literature, solidifying her status as a master storyteller and a respected figure in the realm of supernatural fiction..
Reviews for "The Witch as Antagonist: Shirley Jackson's Subversive Narrative"
1. John Smith - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Shirley Jackson the Witch". The story was slow-paced and lacked any real suspense or excitement. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. Additionally, the plot was confusing and never fully developed. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah Johnson - 1 star - "Shirley Jackson the Witch" was a complete waste of my time. The writing style was overly verbose and pretentious, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. The main character, Shirley Jackson, was portrayed in a way that felt completely unrealistic and unrelatable. The plot was uninspiring and failed to captivate my interest. I regret picking up this book and would advise others to steer clear of it.
3. Emily Thompson - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Shirley Jackson the Witch" but was ultimately left disappointed. The narrative was convoluted and hard to follow, with random plot twists that seemed to come out of nowhere. The pacing was off, dragging in some parts and rushing through others. Although the concept had potential, the execution fell flat. Overall, I found this book to be confusing and underwhelming.
4. Michael Brown - 1 star - "Shirley Jackson the Witch" was an incredibly frustrating read. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, leading to a lack of authentic interactions. The story itself was disjointed and lacked a clear direction. I found myself constantly questioning the purpose and meaning behind certain events. In the end, I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this book.
5. Jennifer Adams - 2 stars - I found "Shirley Jackson the Witch" to be a tedious read. The writing style was overly descriptive and dragged on, causing the pacing to suffer. The characters felt flat and uninteresting, with no real growth or development throughout the story. The plot itself was lackluster and failed to hold my attention. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this novel and would not recommend it to others.