“When Jim Donell thought of something to say he said it as often and in as many ways as possible, perhaps because he had very few ideas and had to wring each one dry.” — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
The idea of a series of items, following one another docilely, forms the only possible reasonable approach to life if you have to live it with a home and a husband and children, none of whom would dream of following… — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
I can't help it when people are frightened," says Merricat. "I always want to frighten them more. — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
“She could not remember ever being truly happy in her adult life; her years with her mother had been built up devotedly around small… — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
“Upstairs Margaret said abruptly, 'I suppose it starts to happen first in the suburbs,' and when Brad said, 'What starts to happen?' she said… — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
“The beautiful clarity of all marked outlines occurred to her--there would be a deep satisfaction in strengthening fences, for instance, going along on the… — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
“And we held each other in the dark hall and laughed, with the tears running down our cheeks and echoes of our laughter going… — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
“Why do people want to talk to each other? I mean, what are the things people always want to find out about other people?” — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
Within, walls continued upright, bricks met neatly, floors were firm, and doors were sensibly shut; silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of… — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
“It was as though the people needed the ugliness of the village, and fed on it. The houses and the stores seemed to have… — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
“Eleanor—“I plan to stay up and read for a while.” “Are you still reading Pamela?” Eleanor asked the doctor. “Volume two. I have three… — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
February, when the days of winter seem endless and no amount of wistful recollecting can bring back any air of summer. — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
“it’s quite a hazard, quite a hazard indeed, people knocking you down. Still, it’s a genuine pleasure to find one as willing as you… — Shirley Jackson Copy Share Image
