Shirley Jackson Novel Analysis: Characters and Themes

Section A: Literary Elements

Characters: Merricat, Constance, Charles, Julien, Villagers/Blackwoods

This analysis pertains to the gothic novel written by Shirley Jackson.

Essay Structure Outline

• Introduction: Context, Contention, Summary of Arguments
• Body Paragraphs: Topic Sentence; Idea + Evidence + Analysis (What $\rightarrow$ How $\rightarrow$ Why); Link back to the Topic Question
• Conclusion: Contention; Author's Intentions

Themes in the Text

Isolation

Focuses on Constance and Merricat cutting themselves off from the town, positioning them as outsiders.

Power and Patriarchy

Examines the ruling of men. Note: The original text suggests Merricat, who murdered her family, is now controlling and makes her own decisions with Constance.

Quote: $\text{"They have so much to be afraid of."}$ (Villagers)

The Queen: Change and Transformation (Context Shift)

The following quotes appear to relate to a different text, possibly concerning the British Monarchy, but are retained as per instructions.

Quotes on Change and Modernization

• ELIZABETH: $\text{"Something's happened. There's been a change, some shift in values. When you no longer understand your people."}$
• ELIZABETH: $\text{"One in four, you said? Wanted to get rid of me?"}$
• ELIZABETH: $\text{"But I can see the world has changed. And one must 'modernise'."}$

Grief and Loss

• TONY: $\text{"And the public, Ma’am? The British People? To share in the grief?"}$
• TONY: $\text{"Her instinct is to do nothing. Say nothing."}$
• TONY (ON TV): $\text{"They liked her, they loved her, they regarded her as one of the people. She was the people’s princess, and that is how she will stay, how she will remain in our hearts and memories forever."}$ (Public's grief)

Storytelling and Public Perception

• ELIZABETH: $\text{"Diana is no longer an HRH, nor a member of the Royal Family. This is a private matter."}$
• ELIZABETH: $\text{"No member of the Royal family will speak publicly about this. It is a private matter."}$
• CHARLES: $\text{"Why do they hate us so much?"}$ ELIZABETH: $\text{"Not ‘us’, dear."}$

More Quotes

• CHERIE: $\text{"Are you surprised? She hated her guts."}$
• TONY: $\text{"Well, I think it’s a mistake. They screwed up her life."}$
• DIANA [Interview Footage]: $\text{"I want to be the Queen of people's hearts… I shall never be Queen."}$
• DIANA: $\text{"There were three of us in this marriage. It was a bit crowded."}$
• CHERIE: $\text{"I don’t know... something more interesting. Maybe this time people have finally seen them for what they are."}$
• NEWSPAPER: $\text{"Time to change the old guard."}$
• ELIZABETH: $\text{"Their grief? If you imagine I’m going to drop everything and come down to London before I attend to my grandchildren who have just lost their mother… then you are mistaken."}$
• MEDIA INTERVIEW: $\text{"They've [The Royals] made a serious mistake."}$ (staying in Barmoral instead of being at the Buckingham palace)
• TONEY: $\text{"Paper suggests 70% of people believe your actions have damaged the monarchy and one in four are now in favour of abolishing the monarchy altogether."}$