11-19-2007, 06:36 PM
Was there child abuse in the history of Hill House? Or was this more a reflection of the characters' (Theo, Eleanor) own histories?
There is something going on between Theo and Nell that is more than attraction, I think. It's something deeper, and I'm not sure either one understood it. Perhaps they are meant to be mirror images of each other: where Theo is relaxed about her psychic abilities, Nell is uptight. Where Theo is stylish, Nell is dowdy. Where Theo is socially adept, Nell is awkward. Yet, despite these differences, they are pulled toward one another. Is it sexual? Yes, partly--but maybe it's even more primal than sexuality. It's almost like they are "soul sisters."
There is something going on between Theo and Nell that is more than attraction, I think. It's something deeper, and I'm not sure either one understood it. Perhaps they are meant to be mirror images of each other: where Theo is relaxed about her psychic abilities, Nell is uptight. Where Theo is stylish, Nell is dowdy. Where Theo is socially adept, Nell is awkward. Yet, despite these differences, they are pulled toward one another. Is it sexual? Yes, partly--but maybe it's even more primal than sexuality. It's almost like they are "soul sisters."