Exorcism Quote by Shirley Jackson
““Almost any house, caught unexpectedly or at an odd angle, can turn a deeply humorous look on a watching person; even a mischievous little chimney, or a dormer like a dimple, can catch up a beholder with a sense of fellowship; but a house arrogant and hating, never off guard, can only be evil. This house, which seemed somehow to have formed itself, flying together into its own powerful pattern under the hands of its builders, fitting itself into its own construction of lines and angles, reared its great head back against the sky without concession to humanity. It was a house without kindness, never meant to be lived in, not a fit place for people or for love or for hope. Exorcism cannot alter the countenance of a house; Hill House would stay as it was until it was destroyed.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Haunting of Hill House, Shirley Jackson, 1959
A house built without kindness becomes a hostile, unchanging presence that cannot be redeemed by superficial attempts.
In simple terms: A cold, unkind environment remains harmful.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate kindness in spaces and relationships.
Themes
architecture
environment
humanity
Mood
eerie
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- home design
- community building
- personal relationships
- mental health
Key Concepts
psychology
symbolism
evil
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a place feel welcoming?
- How can kindness transform a hostile environment?
A Different Perspective
It may over‑symbolize physical structures, ignoring human agency.
