A Visit by Shirley Jackson
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- Опубликовано: 7 июн 2021
- A Visit by Shirley Jackson is a disturbing short story and a masterpiece of American literature though where it is set exactly is as mysterious as the plot. Another haunted house story to continue our series. This time it is all very strange and unnerving: odd women who live in the tower, visitors who turn out not to be real. Shirley Jackson writes another magnificent supernatural story.
Also known as "The Lovely House", Jackson's "A Visit" is a short fiction story written by Jackson at the height of her powers. It is the story of the haunting of a large, ancient house in the country and so it is a obviously haunted house story, but who is the ghost and who is haunted? What is the meaning of all the details and symbols? Who are the odd family that inhabit the house, and what are they doing?
This is old school creepypasta to knock the socks off the modern hyper-processed, mass-produced stuff you find on the internet.
In the story Margaret visits the mansion like house of her school friend and meets her weird family, including a woman who lives in the tower. It almost seems impossible to escape from the house.
Shirley Jackson is the author of The Lottery (1948), We Have Always Lived At The Castle (1962) and The Haunting of Hill House (1959)
A Visit is narrated here by Tony Walker of The Classic Ghost Stories Podcast
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If you like Shirley Jackson's stories, why not listen to my version of The Lottery. ruclips.net/video/kkDJ39vi_3I/видео.html
I adore Shirley Jackson! She's one of the best gothic horror story artist since the days of Poe! :) The Lottery is such a great and unique story, so going to have to give that a listen next!
Any chance you have or plan to read The Haunting of Hill House? Hands down one of the best gothic haunted house/psychological horror stories of the 20th century and definitely in my top 10 horror favorites. Would love to hear a reading of that by you!
Ahhh, I remember reading The Lottery in high-school, and it’s surreal nightmare-quality has never never left Me.
I hadn’t remember the Author’s name; Thank-You for the reminder!
(I remember two other eerie -stories that We read as a Class, that Your - one was The Yellow Wallpaper (left Me feeling crazed), and another who’s name I cannot remember.
…I’m hoping that You do!
The story was of a Man who is travelling and a stranger to the town, who applies to the Owner of a House who takes Borders; and Old Woman who has a propensity for taxidermy.
I think I still correctly-remember the last line: The tea tasted of bitter-almonds.
I love Shirley Jackson’s strange stories, part of the enjoyment is that you can’t really grasp the truth in them but at the same time you know that there is something there. In this story I imagined that young and old Margaret are the same person and that the house is memory, you keep memories fresh by constantly reliving them and every time you do so you remake them in some way. But no matter how hard you might try to fix a moment in memory the river of time rolls on. Really enjoyed listening to this while I work. Thank you.
Excellent take on a wonderful tale The embroidery an attempt to freeze the memories before they fade?
Solid theory. Paul is "the one that got away", the captain & family are her to-be husband and in-laws, the house an amalgam of weighty sense family honor and history and her own memory. The tower is that place where she mulls over her regrets again and again.
@@captainbadd Spot-on.
Yes! And Margaret who was and is to be says of the actual view: These are my tapestries.
Your insight really does this story justice. I love the responses it inspired.
I was both spooked and intrigued by the role of the tapestries. I love tapestry but found I had an increasing loathing of those in the story. The house seemed like a crumbling museum that was somehow sustained by the tapestries. Mrs Montague neglected her needlework while the son visited and as he was leaving he mentioned all the signs of age and wear in the house. I wondered if there was a link between these signs of age and the neglected needlework.
Also, despite it being weird, I felt the tower seemed more real and alive than the rest of the house. It was open to the elements and had books (knowledge) instead of endless reflections and representations of the house which for me grew less real as the story progressed, despite the fact everyone seemed so obsessed with it. I’m going to have to listen again or maybe get a book of Jackson’s stories and actually read it.
Anyway thanks for introducing me to another new writer and a very beguiling but disturbing story.
Jackson can always raise the gooseflesh on me. I think the house has created all the people who inhabit it, new ones added when they are placed in a tapestry. If the house crumbles, so do the characters. This scares them. They aren't ghosts but creations from the house's imagination. Perhaps it's the house that's the witch. It has manifested all kinds of rooms that it fancies, & the inhabitants must care for them. Subtle.
Blimey that’s good.
Awesome possibility!
That makes sense. The people are so improbable - the welcoming embroidering mother, the bluff squire ("a monstrous pretty girl" - that's straight out of the late 1700s) - and then, the house.... is crumbling...
That’s a really interesting and well thought interpretation.
Clever… 👏🏼
I was saying to myself, "why is nobody talking to Paul?"
Whenever Paul sees something, they all ask Margaret why she did what happened.
Had to listen to it twice, but it was sooooo good.
Great job, as always, Tony!
Wow, you're right. Always another aspect to this story no matter how many times I've read it.
Shirley Jackson’s novel of The haunting of hill house” was made into a great black-and-white movie in 1962 called The Haunting- been a fan ever since!
That same movie is, for me, actorly gold.
The changed the name of Dr. Montagueinto "Markway" in the movie. The original name was reused here.
@@feingetarntesfischfilet4841 And there were a few more ghostly happenings in the novel then in the movie - Still one of my all-time favorite movies ❤️
@@tiger38able 😊 Yes, as the picknick by the brook....and the foul red substance all over Cleo's clothes.... "Journeys end in lovers meeting": Was Hill House Eleanor's lover?
@@feingetarntesfischfilet4841 That’s A theory I never thought about- I tend to think it’s the older sister or the companion - I think the nursery was the heart of the house, it was the coldest place in the house, plus the chalk writing on the wall and the red all over Theos clothes and the laughter (which sounded feminine) coming from the hall after the pounding on the doors at night - I also think in the novel that Theo tended to like the female persuasion- Maybe with her getting close to Elenor, The companion or the older sister who died in the house felt jealous and that’s why the red got dumped all over Theo’s clothes - Also another thought, Eleanor was a caregiver and took care of her mother and her mothers house, so maybe the the house was the entity and wanted Eleanor there to stay and take care of it- I felt Eleanor had a fragile mind and the ghost of hill house sensed that and used that It’s advantage. Eleanor, being naïve and not stable, kept thinking of it in a romantic way- that the house was showing her signs that it wanted her there, she belonged there and that’s why she constantly repeated “ and lovers meeting” ..I am in the middle of the audiobook now so I’m gonna keep an open mind LOL
Shirley Jackson is a master at the simple yet sinister storyline. Thanks for uploading!
To me Margaret is the statue of love who is forever living in the strain the winds through the house, she keeps the house alive. I adore the reading of this story. Ghosts in their legends iare thought that they cannot pass or cross over water. So perhaps the River keeps them there. The story reminds me if the book I loved called "Burnt offerings" which also was made into a wonderful frightening movie, where a house after many families have lived in it renews itself by the sacrifice of the families. It stars Karen Black Bette Davis and Oliver Reed. I adore ghost stores and to me "The Haunting of Hill House" is the best. Next would be "The Woman in Bkack"
I have narrated The Woman in Black and I’m contemplating doing The Haunting of Hill House as a longer term project
Oh, MY!! Very atmospheric & SO well read!! The author did place innocuous little hints here and there through out the story, such as when ‘The Capitan’ came to ask her to dance at the ball & mentioned he had decided to ask her to dance since she was ‘sitting alone’… , but Paul and the great aunt were suppose to be sitting next to her! … and the mother kept stating she had yet to ‘place the figures in’ her needlepoint!
Very detailed and colorful descriptions throughout the story!! Thx, again, from Texas!!
Tony, the cadence of your voice is very relaxing. Please take that as a compliment.
I suffer from migraines and insomnia from a concussion. It has been almost 2 years since I have not been able to watch a TV . Your melodic voice is very healing and conducive to helping me sleep.
Hashimoto and hypothyroidism coupled with post concussion syndrome. Sleep is my best friend. Unfortunately a friend who is illusive.
Since I have been listening to your podcast on RUclips and Spotify I have been able to relax and find sleep... Unfortunately there are times when the music after a podcast causes a migraine. It is the high pitched notes. On Spotify i am able to fast forward. RUclips not the same
I am glad if I can help you sleep. I have no plans to end the podcast, don't worry
Bewitching and beguiling. You know how to pick em and how to read em, Tony. Thank you! 🐭
The way I interpreted the story is all of the experiences of Young Margaret is being in the mind of Old Margaret re-living the momentous time in her youth when she first fell in love. The house lives in old Margaret's mind as does the rest of the characters. We don't really know what happens in the future of young Maggie bc older Margaret already knows and is uninterested in the rest of it. She's always anticipating paul/ captain's coming & forever stuck in time waiting for him to come back.
Yes!
And the worn patches are her fading memories perhaps
Thank you for your reading and discussion. Take care of yourself.😊
I love Shirley Jackson. I think I have an anthology of her short stories around here somewhere.
I remember writing a paper about her Life Among the Savages in college. I compared her to Erma Bombeck, and the professor seemed bewildered. I think he only knew her horror stories. But that collection of stories about her children and her family life is very funny. She had a wonderful sense of humor.
I think the whole hex thing was her joking
I would love to read that book. She wrote awesome horror so why not other genres? She was an engaging and intricate lady. Would have loved to have been considered a friend. Too many unique people are now gone with never a viable replacement of any of their personalities or gifts. A travesty.
Yes, her short stories, half humourous, half dark, about being a mother in the suburbs... are superb.
I realized after a few minutes that I read this story not too long ago. The Haunting of Hill house is one I've read and seen a couple of movie versions of. I read the Lottery and We Have Always Lived in the Castle many years ago. If you think this is weird, you should read that one! I was interested in your talk about Shirley Jackson as I didn't know those things about her. The Visit is a story which people may see different things in. Thank you. I enjoyed your reading.
The Haunting of Hill House is great. I found the lottery unnerving. I have not yet read We Have Always Lived At the Castle, would you believe. But I have a copy and it's on the list
@@ClassicGhost I haven’t read We Have Always Lived in the Castle but I did watch the movie recently and thought it was a good one. Thanks for your work. It is very good. I agree with your analysis that only old Margaret and young Margaret could see Paul. I noticed that the Captain asked young Margaret if he could leave her “alone” after their dance even though she was seated close enough to old Margaret and Paul to hear their conversation.
@@ClassicGhost I never read The Lottery again for that reason!
@@ClassicGhost We Have Always we did buy. It's a bit darker than the others. We also got a collection of Jackson's short stories. VERY much worth the investment. Very funny, very strange....
She is difficult at times, well, lots of times. But "The Haunting of Hill House" is stupendous. I agree it's the best ghost story out there. You have to pay attention so much to what she's writing and even then you can stumble on something that makes little sense. But she's good. And may I compliment your reading? It's wonderful, excellent enumciation and good expression. I can SEE what you say. Thank you!
I agree about Jackson. thank you for your kind words about the narration.
That movie was made at the college I went to in England.
I saw so many familiar rooms and the blue hall. It was already haunted back in 1978
Harlaxton Manor in Gratham
Just as compelling 2nd time as the first--especially when the reality of life gets a bit much. And what a fantastic photo. I could live there. Unnerving old ladies in the tower, non existant guests and all. Thank you for all you do. Good speed.
Another great reading of a favorite story. I always thought this story was about the institution of marriage -- to use an old-fashioned term, and the loss of personal identity. I know Jackson used to write humorous stories on the subject. I guess I always thought of this as a more surreal gothic take.
I so enjoyed this reading. The story is perfect for narration because it's so dreamlike I'd probably find myself skipping and speed reading if I were not just listening. The comments here are fascinating too. We're all trying to grasp ice: the harder we think about the story, the more it slips away from us. Although The Lottery isn't a ghost story, I'd love to hear you read it.
Thank you for introducing me to this intriguing story,I’m really surprised it doesn’t figure in anthologies.Your narration is brilliantly appropriate.So pleased to have found your channel.
As I am in the process of moving, your wonderful readings.. are Perfect. Not to disregard,..you INCREDIBLE readings/choices! Thank you. I get distracted. I forget how much i enjoy your abilities. Recreation.
I remember how horrific moving is. You have my thoughts.
Terrific story . in a far more settled away the story has more possible ambiguous implications and interpretations than lottery. The scene in the tower with a great aunt and the cat and the rainstorm is one of the strangest scenes in all literature yet is built up to so carefully and seems so so plausible ...
My mind swirls with the possibilities and identities of the three Margarets, the question of who is and is not dead or in some other weird state, and if some are displaced in time. Reading the comments I see some readers have have interpretations at variance with my possibilities and just as weird . Unresolved ambiguities not always an asset to a story I think but in this one it is genius .
I don't suppose it is painfully redundant for me to comment that once again you have given a magnificent reading. once again you have given a magnificent reading .
What an odd and haunting story. I agree that it seems to have risen out of her subconscious - there is a dream-like tone to it from almost the start, but it is a troubling and unsettling dream.
Young Margaret is not the only one who can see Paul - everyone else can see him, but not all the time. They are aware he is "visiting", but they don't see him when he is doing things just with Young Margaret. I think she is lost in time, within the house, like a maze designed to keep her there, slowly draining her of her life force, to nourish itself.
The mother weaves and repairs the tapestries which fill the house, as the grandmothers and so on did before her - weaving the web of illusion or power that keeps the house together. So this has been going on for a long time. It's interesting that Old Margaret in the tower does not like tapestries, and instead has windows "for (her) tapestries" - and it's notable that you can see no looping river from them. Was Young Margaret ultimately useless to the house, not matching with Paul, and relegated to the Tower?
It was interesting to me that the "Captain" who came visiting with Paul was described negatively, and that he was the one who notices and mentions that the house is in poor condition. He is not part of a couple that the house can use (does Paul bring him there to see if he might fit with his sister, acting as a lure for the House?), so it seems the house cannot snare him in its enchantment. It's also interesting that once he notes the many problems of the house, Young Margaret can see them. Again, trapped in time and going through the same cycle over and over.
Young Margaret becomes Old Margaret in the tower, useless to the house - and the Captain sees the reality of things and does not match with the Sister - what couple can the House use next?
Whatever interpretation people have, it's an excellent story full of shadowy corners and unanswered questions that make it linger.
I love your thoughtful analysis. It made me re-think my own thinking about the story. Yes, I think you are right about the house being a maze designed to keep young Margaret there. I don't know if I had thought that young Margaret becomes old Margaret, but you might be right.
I have an intuition that old Margaret is not useless to the house but in some way is a necessary counterpoint - like black needs white, and cold needs warm to make sense. She looks out and is not looped, but she is trapped in the tower.
But yes, this is a great review of the story. Thank you.
The captain is Carla's brother not Paul
Love the story and your excellent reading. I just listened to it for the second time. Shirley Jackson's work has depths that I think a lot of people miss. The pronounced surrealism, the way that the work is very much open to interpretation, the ambiguity. The house seems to me to be the main character, with the people taking the roles of secondary characters whose lives (and sometimes deaths) are juxtaposed and blended. Perhaps the house is toying with them, or dreaming them. Young Margaret, old Margaret, Margaret who Died for Love, can be seen as aspects of a single character, yes -- but how much do the characters know about who they are, the parts they play, what's "real" and what's not, what their relationships are? Time is fluid, as are the roles of the characters. Carla only sees Paul part of the time. Each time young Margaret and Paul are together, Carla addresses young Margaret as if she's alone. And Carla doesn't like to be completely out of sight of the house. Is her "self," her personality or her soul, contingent on being seen, or acknowledged, by the house? Then there are the tertiary characters, who could not possibly have any less substance -- the servants, the guests at the ball. The house seems to barely sketch them in, as needed. What a wonderful Mobius strip of a tale! I suspect I'll be revisiting it before long. My thanks for introducing me to this one.
After a tiring day, how great to lean back and become entranced by strange and compelling story. Fantastic! Thank you!
Thank you for commentary at the end. I had never read this one from Shirley Jackson. The Haunting of Hill House is favorite and although complex at times The Visit certainly through me for a loop! Excellent!!
The Haunting of HIll House is one I will definitely do in the next year.
I used to have a recurring nightmare involving a terrifying circular room in the middle of a vast house - the room was unstable , the walls sagged and the floors were rotten . . …”The Visit “ reminds me of this dream which , thankfully I haven’t had inna while..,,
Sounds like it would make a good story though:)
This reminds me sommu h of "The Haunting" - coloured rooms, the tower, unable to see to see something as a whole
Wonderful!
Love the way that you got completely tied up in knots attempting to explain this strange twisted surreal piece.... As entertaining as the tales it's self
More more more
Thank you
:) I liked it even though I didn’t fully understand it
Excellent reading; you do a wonderful job of conveying the tone and atmosphere of each story.
You are always so kind and supportive. Thank you.
I'm reminded of the symbolism that weaving and tapestries had in Greek mythology, in Homer, and even The Lady of Shalott.
So many great ideas being generated from this story. I love it.
Isn't this the most terrifying story ? ; like a nightmare , really. Hope you've read "We Have Always Lived in the Castle " by now, Tony . Reading it in 1965 as an already morbid teenager as the turning point of my life -
It was only yesterday I hadn’t read it . Eeek
Nobody does scary writing better than Shirley Jackson. Other writers describe creepy things that hide in the dark but they're OUTSIDE you, so you have a chance to escape. Jackson puts them inside the mind so there's NOWHERE to escape to.
Trish, Castle is "like a nightmare" just as you said. It's diabolically devious the way Jackson gets us identifying with Merricat and THEN we find out...
this was great- the perfect reading. your afterthoughts.
thanks so much
Im not sure I get the story, but maybe that's the point
Love how im still having fun with this in my mind.... awesome . As always, thank you
RE Shirley Jackson's writing methods. It seems she was both a "plotter" and a "pantser". The Lottery was a story she wrote in one sitting and barely revised. But if you dig a little deeper you'll see that some of the ideas in The Lottery were informed by a book called the Golden Bough, which was a book of comparative mythology and folklore that Jackson was almost obsessed with in her younger years at university. The ideas for The Lottery were likely simmering in the back of her mind, but its creation was spontaneous.
For The Haunting of Hill House, Jackson specifically set out to write a haunted house story. She didnt know what it was going to be about, except that she wanted it to be set in a haunted house.
Jackson did extensive research on haunted houses and hauntings. So she definitely gathered ideas to use later. Actually, An Adventure by Moberly and Jourdain was one source she drew on - I think you've made an audiobook of this book?
Another example is the case of a Scottish haunted house (I forget it's name), where a bunch of researchers spent a night in the house in hopes of seeing paranormal events. This real event clearly inspires the set-up for Hill House, so Jackson must have been considering how or why her characters came to be in Hill House. So she plotted to some degree.
Although, the relationships between characters in Hill House are the same kind of relationships which reoccur often in her work (estranged mothers and daughters as you mention). So these were probably coming from her own imagination and more spontaneous.
Apologies for the long-winded response, but Jackson was a really fascinating person and I could discuss her work all day. One of the best writers of the 20th C in my opinion.
I'm familiar with Frazer's Golden Bough though I've never read it all the way through. It's interesting she was influenced by An Adventure (which I did do a version of) because that has a surreal, dreamlike quality to it I think, even though it is supposed to be (and may be!) true.
I like Shirley Jackson too. Don't apologise. It is really enriching for us to have your thoughts and knowledge set out here. Thank you.
@@ClassicGhost
Same here, i've never read it through. And to be honest, these days I dont think The Golden Bough is worth reading cover to cover. It's really dense. But it is a really interesting bit of literary history.
I think the fact that An Adventure might be true is what gives it a lot of power. It adds a huge creepiness factor. As a fictional story it would be rather dull, but as an actually account its quite unsettling!
Cheers! Happy to contribute :)
Excellent reading and commentary!
Thank you kindly!
Great reading, thank you for the talk about Shirley at the end. She and her stories are very intriguing.
Thanks for this. I read this as a young teenager, as "The Lovely House" in one of my father's Sci-Fi & Fantasy magazines. I read it many times, and its appeal is its mystery. On this listening, with your wonderful narration, I'm struck by the idea that the entire experience feeds on repetition. But we're never fed on a spoon with Jackson. Who is Paul? Eternal perfect lover, always leaving? Who is the Captain? Grim reality? A brother who escaped? Margaret in the mosaic, Margaret in the Tower, Margaret who died for love, Margaret who is the Visitor, all seem the same to me. The house feeding on them makes sense if you've read The Haunting of Hill House, which I think I read first. Anyway, a wonderful reading. Thanks again.
Shirley Jackson has always been a favorite of mine for her atmosphere and her characters, but as many have said, I don't always understand exactly what is going on, or is referred to. As she meant us not to, clearly. I first discovered her writing as a grade schooler when I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle, then The Sundial, a book steeped in creepy imagery and really terrifying. A Haunting fan, I finally read the book as an adult and was surprised how little it explained. Again, ambiguity! This story was no exception, and someone has got to explain The Sorceror's Apprentice to me, because I have no clue about that one.
Awesome reading....and I love your commentary!
Another excellent narration and the first time I’ve listened to the subsequent commentary. Really worthwhile - thank you.
Oh, well done, well done!
This was a great story, but when I searched the internet for the themes in this story, it opened up a wealth of information on it that I had not considered! I would urge listeners to go to the analysis of this work by Nasrullah Mambrol to get even more background and revelations about what is going on. This was fantastic!
I loved the narration of this short story and the narrator’s analysis of it. I was reminded of another Jackson story, “The Man in the Wood,” where a young, apparently lost young man wanders into a strange home in the center of a forest and is taken to represent the next generation of lords of the wood by the present elderly owners of the home who are possibly witches. It’s an amazing tale.
What a pleasure this channel is!
Really well read and I especially enjoyed the discussion at the end, I feel the story really needed that.
I love your reading voice - you're awesome! Thanks
It's an amazing story ! ❤
I guess that ghosts and memories are the same thing in this story. An old lady haunted by a lost love.
The house is the denial, the memory that is fixed in time. While the tower is the reality.
The deterioration of the house starts when the memory Margaret finally confronts the reality in the tower.
I will go and look up that version. It sounds like the 70s when they threw a lot of the kit off stuff in for the crack. We don't do that now of course
I love this story. Great reading of it! Thank you!
excellent reading. i like the vagueness of this story.
i really appreciated your discussion & speculation at the end, too.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for this!
" If it wasn't for this house, I wouldn't exist..."" AGGGGGHHHH!
Margaret is the maiden, mother and crone.
The River is the Sacred Circle.
The house the Towen.
Paul ,the soldier ,is the sacrificed chief.
The whole thing reminds me of an old movie called The Stone Tape.
First time I caught your Channel. Subscribed. Thank you so much!
I like the Stone Tape and Nigel Kneale in general. I recently read out his story Minuke on the podcast version of this channel
Why am I just discovering this page? New sub forever!
Welcome and thank you
Me too!Me too!
Well me too! Can’t wait to listen to another one, so relaxing listening to a story, as a kid n the UK I loved lying in front of the fireand watching Jackanory after school, feels a bit like that again ❤️📚📚📚📚📚📚
Another perfect match. A flawless reading of a magical story.
ditto this time around. Fantastic story Gripping presentation. Entertaining, informative commentary. Thank you
I've been going through a list of stories for a book club I'm in and another of your videos came up! Love Shirley Jackson, so looking forward to listening to this tonight with the lights off!
That's fun. I am glad I am helping the book club
I loved the analysis at the end. Excellent story!
Thank you!
Shirley Jackson ❤ I'm so excited. I have what I thought was a complete collection, but this title doesn't sound familiar.
It's a good one. She's another I'd like to do more of.
@@ClassicGhost My favorite short story if I had to choose one, well I guess I'm kind of cheating, would be a tie between "The Daemon Lover" and "The Witch." In classic Jackson style neither is considered "horror" but the 1st time I read each of these, I was definitely disturbed for some time and not completely sure why. I wish she had written more, her style for me is riveting. Her stories, even after many many readings have stayed with me throughout my life. Btw..The Daemon Lover can be found in her collection called " The Haunting of Hill House and Other Stories" and is pretty much unknown to all but diehard fans. Cheers! ❤
Still want to live here! Unnerving old ladies in towers and non-existing visitors included. I might even, when the time comes, become an entrance-fee-collecting-ghost to help the economic situation of the unfortunate owners. Thank you for putting a link to this story. Always exciting to discover where you are leading us. Your presentation and commentary is always masterful. Thank you!!!! Yum, Yum ,quotes the House, evermore,
My second listen to this one, and enjoying it even more. Thanks so much.
I am 65 and have been reading Shirley Jackson since I was a teen. I feel that it was all about Margaret. It was an overlap in time she is both the old lady and herself, while Paul and the captain are both the same brother.
I just love this reading! ❤
Well, that's it. I finally MUST become a membership vampire. 😁 I love your channel and have listened to so many of your entertaining stories. Thanks for all of the well-spent hours, Tony. Not sure if I can attend your live events since I'm on the west coast USA, but I'll definitely try-- it sounds like so much fun. This story would have been perfect for a discussion. So many possibilities lie in this tale. Thanks again and cheers!!!
One day I will do a tour of the world :)
Perfect narration!!! I’m not even done and I have to say that right now!!!
Thank you very much!
Here’s My take on The Visit:
The House (and People) are a magical time-machine, of which all are essential parts - necessary to keep replaying a ‘loop’ of the Lovers’ interactions Together; for eternity.
Unfortunately, even Magic fails, Time moves-on, and Stories end; the ‘cracks’ in even this effort to hold-onto the dearest of things (Love) is beginning to crumble.
(Is this a sad thing?
…Yes, and No.
Sad for the Young Woman who’s Love-Story has hardly begun - and freeing for the Older version, seeking Freedom from her tower.)
This story seems like Life’s cycle that We Each enter and leave at separate places and times: the dance of Birth, Life, Death of which We All are a part - as we rise, dance and fall in Our Own times; separate, yet concurrent.
*One of My favourite books is ‘Dandelion Wine’ by Ray Bradbury.
The essence of this story reminds Me of several short-stories/chapters of that book.
(I highly recommend it, if Anyone likes great writing, stories and ‘depths’ to ponder!)
i am just about to pick up a bradbury anthology as i read this
So. I just had surgery on Monday. On my nasal passages and sinuses. I have had a lot of swelling and pain and I do not do well with pain meds. I took a quarter of one of the meds and listened to this as I tried to relax. And this was so unnerving! This really got me. It made me extremely anxious but I also really liked it! But I definitely need to listen to something a bit lighter now because my mind is a jumble. Lol!
Blimey. Try the wind in the willows
@CL How are you feeling now? Did the surgery help?
Hope you are doing well.
I just love his voice.. Lol
It's probably not possible, but I'd love to hear you narrate "A Collapse of Horses".
It's not about horses, per se. The horses are boundary holders.
It's a haunted house, sort of, story that has stayed with me for years. Even if you can't do it for us, read it for yourself.
Back to Jackson. All her stories seem to me to be not only about escape from strange circumstances but about the cost of escape.
This Visit house is a vampire! My 40 yr old single wide trailer is too!😮🎄
Well done! I was not familiar with this story but thoroughly enjoyed it! A solid reading and I appreciate the notes at the end as well. Subscribed!👍
Many thanks! Thanks for the Sub
Awesome castle
Forgot to say how glad I am to find your channel!! ~ Terry in TX.
Thanks for subbing!
Excellent reading! Shirley Jackson is my favorite writer. I hope you read We Have Always Lived in the Castle and enjoyed it. =) Thank you for this.
Brilliant ending discussion!! THank you so much, I was puzzling so hard about this piece. Which is, as always, WONDERFULLY read!!
It's a strange and beautiful story
@@ClassicGhost Disturbing, indeed. A life inside tapestries, forever... must have been inspired by the medieval tapestries of maidens in gardens, imprisoned forever...
@@blixten2928 The imagery is amazing. I do plan to do more of her work
@@ClassicGhost I've listened to it now 4 times. Every time, the economy of its beauty impresses me. Your reading is PERFECT in bringing this out.
@@blixten2928 You are very kind as usual
Enjoyed your superb reading of this story - so rich and evocative, one of Jackson's most subtle and fascinating. It doesn't seem to be that well known, though. As you noted, there doesn't seem to be a lot of critical discussion about it, at least what can be found online. Maybe because it's so dense in its imagery and structure? (It wasn't until my 2nd reading, done years apart, for example, that I caught on to the real relationship between Paul and the Captain.) It really seems to be a story told right from, and taking place, in the unconscious, as if in a dream or distorted memory. What a remarkable writing talent was Shirley Jackson.
She certainly was. I love the imagery and dreamlike quality of this story
"...Told right from, and taking place in, the unconscious..."
Yes! And that's the Jackson trademark. The devouring monster that's lurking around the next corner can't possibly be as much a menace as the one that's within - because wherever you run, wherever you hide, it's with you.
Very quirky! I kept trying to figure out what was going on. I’m going to have to listen again.
Thank you so much 🌳
Thanks so much!
You're welcome!
Mrs Montague's continual embroidery reminds me not so much of Penelope's needle work delaying things until Ulysses returns, as it does the weaving of the Fates in some way-- although Mrs Montague is copying what she has already seen presumably rather than creating what has not yet been
Another brilliant story from Shirley Jackson, one which I haven't read yet! My opinion is that old Margaret and Paul are ghosts. Paul keeps getting drawn back because he's in the tapestry. Margaret only appears when Paul shows up and she wishes he wouldn't. Carla and her parents keep on with repairs and tapestries so Paul will come back. Only Paul knows that old Margaret comes back. I'm not sure if old Margaret is Paul's lover, but she is Margaret who died for love. She and Paul notice that for some reason, they are getting older.
I'm from Vermont, and I always pictured the Lottery took place in front of our country courthouse.
What's great about this story is that it compels us to try and make sense of these images and repeating patterns - just like the tapestries!
Those were interesting remarks -
Old Margaret and Paul were young together. It seems that the only one who is aging is Margaret.
Your narration is most enjoyable and your books are keepers ( on Audible).
I am still looking for your works in hardcover...
Some are available as paperbacks.
@@ClassicGhost
What are paperbacks;)
I love this story and the way it is written-in such a concrete way, for such an ethereal tale. Been trying to find it in print; unsuccessful so far. Thank you for sharing it.
+Get Writing! It is in fact “A Visit”.
I think I got it in the virago book of ghost stories though I may be mistaken.
Cheers, Tony. I’ll try and have a look. In any any case, perhaps I can have you on my channel at some point to talk about your writing and your taste in ghost stories! Stay well.
There's a collection of her stories titled Dark Tales, it's included in there.
come along with me
a collection my Shirley Jackson included the story perhaps with the title a visit for the first time. I think perhaps it was originally published under the title
The lovely house. it was also included Joyce Carol Oates, American Gothic Tales .
The doctor's name in The Haunting of Hill House is also Montague. I wonder if it's a coincidence.
Hangsaman will always be my favorite of her work.
Great reading, thank you. I much prefer just a straight reading rather than trying different voices for characters.
it is difficult as some authors make the point that the voice sounds different. So they either write in dialect or they say Scottish Tam said,... so if you give Scottish Tam the same accent as Aussie Tom then it doesn't sound right
@@ClassicGhost Oh yes, that makes sense, that does make it difficult.
I think I may be a greater fan of truly Jackson's best work than you are, but I am a little surprised you have not read We have always Lived in the Castle. Even though as I, and as most people,
interpret it, there is not really a supernatural element. It is as brilliantly crafted as any of her
work. when the book was published it got universally good reviews, better reviews than any other book I remember seeing. Yet today it is not as well remembered
I've had dreams that have better plots than some movies. Perhaps she's drawing from that.
But. I have had this dream.
@@michaeldugan3589 disturbing isn't it?
New Sub here...yes, that would make an Amazing tshirt! Wonderfully Done! Thank You
Nice to have you here
@@ClassicGhost thank u
Former Mrs Montague says at the end, it is implied that Margaret has not yet seen all of the house. This gives the faintest implication that the house is infinite, with the faintest hint that Margaret state is infinite as well- - just one layer of think possibility among others
It strikes me more as I re-read/listen to Shirley Jackson that most of her stories are about escape and the price paid for it. Even Hill House is blatantly an escape story. Anyone else see this theme or am I just seeking escape and projecting it. Maybe I'm seeking the price of escape!😮
I was not familiar with this story--thanks!
In "The Haunting of Hill House", Eleanor Vance says that moments are not arranged in an orderly fashion. Instead they fall around us like rain or confetti. And this is my impression of "The Visit" with older and younger versions of the same characters. What I think is:
1) Paul and Captain are alter ego of each other depending on whose memory they are. I think that Captain is an old version of Paul.
2) The same applies to the young and the old Margaret;
3) The house is alternately a new grand residence and an derilict building with ruins of the tower.
4) The lady of the house is a tall person dressed in pale blue and pale green and her embroidery room is a long pale blue and pale green room with one of the walls missing and so blending seamlessly with pale green grass and pale blue sky. Maybe the owners of the house and the house itself are the same thing. It's like that with historical buildings with rows of portraits of ancestors on the walls. They all look at you when you look at them and one has a feeling that they never left.
5) I'm not not sure what to think about Carla. Does anyone has an idea?
Yes, yes. I think you are right.
Very cool. This story was very cool. So my first impression, and it stopped me cold doing chores as I was listening, was when the ball happened and I realized there were many people there was “holy hell, these people are all ghosts”
From the start I knew Tower Margret had to be. But then at the ball, Paul too!
And so on.
I’m truly thankful Mr. Walker for your information and insights at the end. The more the better. It’s one of the many reasons i’m addicted to listening to you. I’m a dedicated fan of yours. The stories you’ve authored, every single one are fabulous. Your gift for unexpected imagery and small stunning details is amazing.
The shorts as well as Darkworlds London, i’ve just finished my 4th listening to it in its entirety. Any chance we get to hear Arkham Interlude read by you? Darkworlds Paris in your voice? Anyway, thank you
endlessly. Very, very cool.
🤍
I came to the same conclusions as you Tony, I don't feel there is any logical reason for the story. I enjoyed it though thank you..
Toni
Can’t wait for the brother to arrive!
Love his voice!!! That voice can make my clothes fall off.. Lol
TMI
I had to have yet a 3rd listen to this, such a complex and captivating ride.
I started reading at age 5, and I read mainly what my mother read. I think I was 6 or 7 when I read Hill House the 1st time. I noticed here although I'm not certain of the significance, that Ms Jackson uses many of the same themes and surnames in her novels and short stories. The family name Montague is also used in Hill House, as is the winding staircase. In the collection I have, which contains both Hill House and We Have Always Lived in this Castle as well as The Lottery, there are quite a few short stories in which the name James, Jamie and surname Harris is used repeatedly. Another quirky trait I still don't understand. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on "Castle"...but I do believe you will continue to be unnerved. I will try and find out if the collection I have is still available and let you know. Some of the short stories between the novel and novella tackle subjects like racism, starting off as most of her stories do, with an independent female lead who turn out to be naive about life. We as the readers understand what is happening long before the protagonist, who is in many cases optimistic to a fault.
Thanks again for all the time and consideration you put into each video. Mahalo 🤙
I am definitely going to do more Shirley Jackson and more Edith Wharton. But time! Time!
@@ClassicGhost Actually I was thinking you should have the SJ collection for your own entertainment.
that’s an hour of my life i won’t get back !!!!! how very disappointing
Hmm...two characters with the same name, and nothing happens by accident in a short story where every word must count. No wonder the old Margaret was trying to warn the young one away before it was too late.
I feel particularly stupid. I have no idea what went on in this story.
You’re not alone and not stupid
I must be mentally defective. I cannot, for the life of me, find this woman's writing the least bit disturbing, and I have read several of her stories WAITING for the big 'OMG' moment. What is wrong with me????
It's all very subtle.
@@MrsPicklesIsHome It is, and I feel like a big nard that I cannot 'get it' when so many are crazy about her. The only story that I actually liked was 'The Lottery'. That one did it for me, the rest, I just cannot. My loss too. I hate missing out.
Gurrrlll…who is dead and who is alive?…I need to wait for the closing note because this confused me 🤭🤭🤭
"We Have Always Lived in the Castle" is * very * haunting...