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Regan asked this question about The Haunting of Hill House:
Did anyone else think the major theme or "horror" of the book is repressed female (lesbian) sexuality?
Alma I myself was on the fence about that, though I do see what you mean. Eleanor made lots of references to having a boyfriend, or envisioning herself wit…moreI myself was on the fence about that, though I do see what you mean. Eleanor made lots of references to having a boyfriend, or envisioning herself with a guy eventually (the way she'd always tell herself 'journeys end in lovers meeting'). I think she seemed to have ambivalent feelings about Theodora which would vacillate between great admiration and great disgust. I think too Theodora represented a kind of liveliness and freedom of expression that Eleanor forbade in herself, so possibly this too explains her complex reaction to Theodora. I myself was not sure what to make of Eleanor in terms of her romantic or sexual identity, since most of her interactions with people seemed awkward and naive. She also had a habit of coming close to people and then pushing them away, such as how she'd shrink away from Theodora's physical affection, or how Luke would try to be charming and make her laugh and then she'd privately castigate him in her thoughts and write him off as selfish and too simple. I think the overall 'horror' of the novel is actually Eleanor's lack of overall identity, as she seems to be someone who is very unaware of herself or her surroundings, and has little self worth or grip on reality. (less)
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The Haunting of Hill House
by Shirley Jackson
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