Characters
The main character introduced in Chapter 1.
Who is Eleanor Vance?
A haunted mansion.
What is Hill House?
This theme is highlighted by Eleanor's feelings of isolation.
What is loneliness?
The event prompts Eleanor to travel to Hill House.
What is Dr. Montague's invitation?
What does Hill House symbolize for Eleanor?
What is a chance for a new beginning?
The character responsible for inviting Eleanor to Hill House.
Who is Dr. John Montague?
The physical appearance of Hill House as mentioned in Chapter 1.
What is large, Gothic, and foreboding?
The theme of fear manifests in Chapter 1.
What is learned through Eleanor's apprehension about Hill House?
Eleanor's initial reaction upon seeing Hill House.
What is a mix of awe and fear?
How is the concept of the "house" used symbolically in the chapter?
What represents both safety and danger and belonging?
The relationship between Eleanor and her mother.
What is a complicated and strained relationship?
The setting contributes to the moods of the story.
What creates a sense of isolation and unease?
There is a Family-related theme in the story.
What is the impact of family dynamics on personal identity?
Describe the significance of Eleanor’s memories of her childhood as related to Hill House.
What reflect's Eleanor's longing for a place to belong?
What does the description of the house's architecture symbolize about its history?
What is a representation of decay and confinement?
One other character introduced in Chapter 1.
Who is Theodora, Luke Sanderson, Dr. Montague.
How do the abandoned houses along the way characterize Eleanor?
The houses reveal her imaginations.
Theme of the supernatural begins to unfold in Chapter 1.
What is one supernatural event?
What is learned through Eleanor's initial reactions to Hill House?
Rock rains on her house.
What Eleanor hopes to find at Hill House.
What is acceptance and friendship and adventure?
Identify a specific object in chapter 1 that serves as a symbol.
What is the large spiral staircase, rocky roads, weather, star cup?
The personality of Eleanor as presented in Chapter 1.
Who is shy, insecure, and longing for acceptance?
What adds to the ominous atmosphere on the day of Eleanor's arrival?
The weather, how she was received, or the description of the roads.
Discuss how the theme of mental health is introduced in Eleanor's character.
What is Eleanor's struggle with the past?
Chapter 1 ends setting the stage for the rest of the story.
How does Eleanor feeling a strong fear of Hill House impact the end of chapter 1?
Discuss how the symbols in Chapter 1 foreshadow future events.
What hints at the dangers and psychological challenges Eleanor will face? weather, cup of stars, insane house