First time Quote by Shirley Jackson
““I thought,” Eleanor said carefully, “that I might even look around. Old houses are usually cheap, you know, and it’s fun to make them over.” “Not around here,” the girl said. “Then,” Eleanor said, “there are no old houses around here? Back in the hills?” “Nope.” The man rose, taking change from his pocket, and spoke for the first time. “People leave this town,” he said. “They don’t come here.””
About This Quote
Source Story: “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson, 1959
Eleanor seeks cheap old houses to renovate, but discovers none exist, highlighting false hopes.
In simple terms: Eleanor’s house‑hunting hopes are crushed.
Key Takeaway
Check reality before investing effort.
Themes
hope
disappointment
realism
Mood
cautious
realistic
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- real estate hunting
- renovation projects
- relocation plans
Key Concepts
expectation vs. reality
urban decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify opportunities before committing?
- What signs indicate a venture may be a mirage?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing opportunities can lead to wasted resources.
