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The Haunting of Hill House,
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Shelby
I think a lot of it wasn't Theo being mean, or the point wasn't, so much as that the point is Eleanor perceived it as being mean or was anxious or paranoid about whether or not it was. She's an unreliable narrator. If you look only at the lines that Theo speaks, I felt that Theo was consistently sweet, caring and affectionate albeit often patronizing toward Eleanor besides some escalated squabbles that were partially Nell's fault. But Nell was often projecting her own negative emotions and anxieties into her perception of Theo's actions and lines.
This ambiguity works along with the larger themes of the book - were they projecting the horrors of Hill House? Were they only a manifestation of anxiety and fear? Was Eleanor alone causing them? Were they real evil activity?
This ambiguity works along with the larger themes of the book - were they projecting the horrors of Hill House? Were they only a manifestation of anxiety and fear? Was Eleanor alone causing them? Were they real evil activity?
♡ candy ♡
At the start of the book, you can tell that Eleanor has a strong attachment to Theo also instantly. They become super close and Eleanor feels comfortable with her. In my opinion (and correct me if I'm wrong), the house was making Eleanor super paranoid and I think that the house 100% made Theo's attitude and responses towards Eleanor come across mean and hurtful. So each day that passed while Eleanor was in Hill House, the house was making her more and more paranoid.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Eric
There was definitely a turning point. Possibly as Theo's fear got the better of her.
I think there was also subtly a thing about Theo's jealousy at Eleanor talking privately with Luke. The story mentions Luke telling Eleanor a secret that he never had a mother, and later Theo uses this line mockingly to show that he has already told the same to her.
Later with Theo private going off with Luke, it seems like it was just the beginnings of Bachelor-style girl-drama.
I think there was also subtly a thing about Theo's jealousy at Eleanor talking privately with Luke. The story mentions Luke telling Eleanor a secret that he never had a mother, and later Theo uses this line mockingly to show that he has already told the same to her.
Later with Theo private going off with Luke, it seems like it was just the beginnings of Bachelor-style girl-drama.
Charles Bill McKenny
Theo feels superior to Eleanor, yet she takes care of her helps her out. I like the interpretation that they have a sisterly relationship. Close, but it can turn spiteful, especially when things go wrong.
Logan Kedzie
Early on, I think that it is flirting, or Theo trying to do so. I also think that Eleanor does not understand it as such, and is generally insecure, so Eleanor's internal dialog takes it the wrong way. However, later on after Luke's introduction, Theodora clocks to Elanor's infatuation with him, and there is a tonal shift as she does begin to be more hurtful in her comments.
Though, I do think that there is something to be said for Theodora being 'simply that way,' in the sense that she's a wit and a snarker, but that often just being good fun between the crew.
Though, I do think that there is something to be said for Theodora being 'simply that way,' in the sense that she's a wit and a snarker, but that often just being good fun between the crew.
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