How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"You know perfectly well, John, that those who have passed beyond expect to see us happy and smiling; they want to know that we are thinking of them lovingly. The spirits dwelling in this house may be actually suffering because they are aware that you are afraid of them." (7.29)
Mrs. Montague is absolutely correct about the suffering… but not really. She thinks the souls suffering in Hill House are ghosts and poltergeists and whatnot. But it's the souls of the people in the house—the ones sitting right next to her—who are actually suffering.
Quote #8
Eleanor smiled placidly. "I've never been wanted anywhere," she said. (8.33)
For us, this is the big one, the quote that reveals the core of Eleanor's character and her dissatisfaction with life. Underline it or note it or something. Homeless and unwanted? We'd be pretty unhappy, too.
Quote #9
"You [Luke] will probably turn up as an earnest young psychic researcher. And I will be a lady of undeniable gifts but dubious reputation." (8.122)
Theodora and Luke create fantasies about their lives and wonder what fantasies will appear in Dr. Montague's book. Are these fantasies the result of their dissatisfaction with something in their lives?