No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its hills, holding darkness within; it had stood so for eighty years and might stand for eighty more. Within, walls continued upright, bricks met neatly, floors were firm, and doors were sensibly shut; silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of Hill House, and whatever walked there, walked alone."

Thus begins [a:Shirley Jackson|13388|Shirley Jackson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1550251468p2/13388.jpg]'s classic story. Already the tendrils of Hill House have been extended, and it is for you to be ensnared over the next 200- odd pages. The protagonists are Eleanor Vance, a thirty-something woman who has looked after her mother for several years until her death, Theodora, another young woman who has had a tiff with a 'roommate', and is here for a change of scenery, and young Luke Sanderson, the nephew of the lady who owns Hill House, and its eventual heir. They have been gathered by Dr. John Montague, who is researching paranormal phenomena. Eleanor and Theodora have both been chosen (or rather, were the only two who responded to Dr. Montague's invitations; sent out to a dozen-odd people) for their involvement in paranormal psychic phenomena at some point in their lives - Eleanor has experience with poltergeist manifestations, and Theodora has shown herself capable of telepathic ability. Luke is a mandated presence by the aunt - Dr. Montague is unable to rent the house without Luke being present.

The four constitute a rag-tag group who, Dr. Montague hopes, will get to the bottom of Hill House's mysteries. Hill House has purportedly been haunted for several years, and residents of the nearby village have stoked the flames of gossip and intrigue, until it is decided with absolute certainty that Hill House is haunted.

Eventually, one realises that this story is about Eleanor. Jackson draws this group together, but it is really Eleanor who carries the story through. Hill House molds itself to her, and for someone such as her, who has never had a house of her own, Hill House presents the possibility of 'home'.

There have been various explanations floated by people regarding what the story is about - for some, it is classic horror, for others, an exploration into the psyche of Eleanor (who at times sees and experiences things the others do not). What exactly is the deep dark secret that Hill House holds?

Something not overtly mentioned, and yet very visible in these pages, is the theme of same-sex love. Of the two sisters who originally inherited the house, the elderly Miss Crain (daughter of Hugh, he who built this house) takes a female 'companion' from the village to live with her in the house. The younger sister never does accept the companion as family, and eventually, even though the companion inherits the house, she is ostracised from society. This leads her to commit suicide in the house, which understandably becomes the custodian of this deep secret. It is this which haunts Hill House, in my opinion - a same-sex relationship that was never accepted by family and society, and it is this which is really what the story is about.

It is given to understand that Theodora has had a lovers' tiff, and Eleanor perceives this as an opportunity to perhaps move in with her at some point, setting up a home together. Theo flatly rebuffs Eleanor, who is by now perhaps unhinged; all her life, she has been devoted to her mother, and has never lived for herself, and this fleeting chance at love blinks out and disappears before it has the chance to manifest into something more substantial.

'Journeys end in lovers meeting' is Eleanor's constant refrain, and it is only to be supposed that, having met a lover, the journey must end. Jackson skillfully manoeuvres Eleanor's journey from newfound freedom to newfound love to newfound rejection, juxtaposed against the frightful happenings at Hill House, which are tormenting everyone (Mrs. Montague and Arthur are late entrants into this motley group, perhaps less unfazed by events than the others)

Things come to a head and Eleanor is asked to leave, by the same Doctor who had once invited her there. But Hill House will not let go of her easily, Eleanor knows, it will keep her close, it will be her home. The finale, when it does come about, is shocking beyond belief.

And through all this, Hill House stands strong, unshakeable, and brooding as ever.