Setting
The story begins in this specific month, which Harvey finds unbearably dull.
What is February?
At the start of Chapter 1, the mood is defined by this feeling, which drives Harvey to seek a change.
What is boredom?
He is the main protagonist who is "hungry" for adventure.
Who is Harvey Swick?
Harvey is invited to the House after he complains about his life to this character.
Who is Rictus?
The book describes Harvey as being "consumed" by this, another word for the "great gray beast" of February.
What is melancholy/boredom?
This is the name of the magical estate where it is Spring in the morning and Summer in the afternoon.
What is the Holiday House?
Upon first arriving at the House, the mood shifts from gloomy to this, as Harvey sees the sun and smells the flowers.
What is wonder/joy/enchantment?
This tall, yellowish man has a grin so wide it looks like his face might split.
Who is Rictus?
Every night, the children receive these items based on their deepest desires.
What are Christmas gifts?
Rictus tells Harvey he is an envoy, which means he is acting as this for Mr. Hood.
What is a messenger/representative?
To enter the House’s grounds, Harvey must walk through a thick, magical barrier known as this.
What is the Wall of Mist?
The mood turns "unsettling" when Harvey notices that these creatures in the House's lake are pale and have "human-like" eyes.
What are the fish?
She is the first friend Harvey makes at the house, and she seems increasingly sad and distant.
Who is Lulu?
Harvey is convinced to undergo a physical transformation by Marr so that he can do this to Wendell.
What is play a prank/scare him?
The House is described as a mirage, meaning it is this kind of visual trick.
What is an illusion?
Every single evening at the House, the season shifts into this specific time of year.
What is Fall/Autumn/Halloween?
When Marr transforms Harvey into a vampire, the mood shifts from whimsical to this.
What is grotesque/horror/nightmarish?
This is the name of the boy who becomes Harvey’s companion and is obsessed with the House’s constant treats.
Who is Wendell?
After his transformation, Harvey looks into a mirror and realizes he has become this creature.
What is a vampire?
Marr’s ability to change Harvey's appearance is a form of metamorphosis, which means what?
What is a profound change in form or structure?
Mrs. Griffin reveals that the House was built by this mysterious man, who is rarely seen.
Who is Mr. Hood?
The underlying mood of the House is "predatory," symbolized by this recurring weather pattern that happens every night.
What is the "devouring" shadow/sudden winter?
his character is described as a "slug-like" woman who can shape-shift others using her fingers.
Who is Marr?
Harvey realizes something is wrong when he sees Lulu’s room filled with these, which she used to love but now hates.
What are dolls?
The children’s lives at the house are indulgent, meaning they are focused entirely on seeking what?
What is pleasure/joy?