How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"It was said that the older sister was crossed in love," the doctor agreed, "although that is said of almost any lady who prefers, for whatever reason, to live alone." (3.130)
Dr. Montague's story of the Crain sisters has some horrifying aspects to it. But this quote suggests that much of the horror the townsfolk saw in Hill House could have been a potent mixture of gossip and Grade-A social sexism.
Quote #5
"I'm thirty-four years old," Eleanor said, and wondered what obscure defiance made her add two years.
"And you look about fourteen," Theodora said. "Come along; we've earned out breakfast." (5.8-9)
Ah, a play on the old cliché of a woman subtracting years from her age. But here's our question: why does Eleanor do this? Is it because she wants to seem more mature to Theodora? While we're here, why does Theodora say Eleanor looks about fourteen? Isn't that an awfully childish age to give an adult? Is it because Eleanor is actually childlike?
Quote #6
"In Mrs. Dudley's eyes I [Luke] am something lower than a dropped fork. I beg of you, if you are contemplating asking the old fool for something, send Theo, or our charming Nell. They are not afraid—"
"Nope," Theodora said. "You can't send a helpless female to face down Mrs. Dudley. Nell and I are here to be protected, not to man the battlements for you cowards." (5.58-59)
Another play on an old cliché. This time it's the old damsel in distress ploy. Theodora calls on Luke to protect her from a danger—as any man would be willing to do in a traditional Gothic story. Here, it's just Mrs. Dudley, but when the real horrors arrive, the men can do little to protect the women, as they are in the same predicament.