A witch and her monsters live here. This is not your average home - it is a haven for all things creepy and strange. The witch's presence is felt in every corner of the house, from the eerie creaking of the floorboards to the flickering of the candlelight. Her monsters, loyal and fearsome, roam these halls. Enter at your own risk, for dark magic thrives in this place. The walls are adorned with ancient spells and mystical artifacts, capturing the essence of the witch's power.

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 walls are adorned with ancient spells and mystical artifacts, capturing the essence of the witch's power. From potions brewing in cauldrons to mysterious ingredients scattered on the shelves, this home is a laboratory of enchantment. The witch, a mysterious figure with a cloak draped over her, seems to always be a step ahead.

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.”

Her presence is felt but rarely seen. She is the mastermind, the orchestrator of this haunting abode. Her monsters, her faithful companions, follow her every command. They are her protectors, both terrifying and magnificent. As you explore deeper into the house, you uncover glimpses of the monsters that dwell within. Shadows dance on the walls, revealing grotesque figures and otherworldly beings. From werewolves to vampires, the witch's creatures come in all shapes and sizes. Their existence is a testament to her power and the darkness that resides in this place. But amidst the chaos and fright, there is a strange beauty to be found. The witch's magic intertwines with the macabre, creating a captivating ambiance. Crystal balls flicker with visions of the future, while black cats prowl silently through the rooms. Each corner holds a mystery, waiting to be unraveled. In this house, the witch has found solace, away from the prying eyes of the outside world. Here, she can be herself, surrounded by her monsters and the energy that sustains her. It is a haven of the supernatural, a sanctuary for those who embrace the darkness. So, if you dare to step into this realm of mystery and magic, be prepared to confront your deepest fears. For in this witch's house, the line between reality and the paranormal is blurred. But remember, the witch and her monsters are not to be trifled with - their power is immense, and their presence is everlasting..

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