“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” is a haunting and atmospheric novel written by Shirley Jackson. This gothic tale follows the Blackwood family, who live in isolation after a tragedy claims the lives of several family members. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into the twisted and mysterious world of the remaining family members, Merricat and Constance Blackwood.
The novel is filled with memorable quotes that capture the dark and unnerving atmosphere of the story. One of the most well-known quotes from the book is: “My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance. I have often thought that with any luck at all, I could have been born a werewolf, because the two middle fingers on both my hands are the same length, but I have had to be content with what I had. I dislike washing myself, and dogs, and noise.” This quote encapsulates the eccentric and peculiar nature of Merricat, the narrator and protagonist of the story.
Another powerful quote from the novel is: “I remember that I stood on the library steps holding my books and looking for a minute at the soft hinted green in the branches against the sky and wishing, as I always did, that I could walk home across the sky instead of through the village.” This quote reflects Merricat’s desire for escape and her longing for a different kind of life, away from the prying eyes of the villagers.
“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” is a compelling and chilling tale that explores themes of family, isolation, and the price of secrets. The quotes from the book capture the unique voices and perspectives of the characters, and serve as a reminder of the haunting power of Shirley Jackson’s writing.
The Best Quotes from “We Have Always Lived in the Castle”
“I would have to live a long time and go through a lot of suffering to understand fear as you understand it.”
“I lied about my age so I could read books at the library that I wasn’t supposed to. I would feed myself facts and knowledge so I wouldn’t have to think about the things that scared me.”
“I’m not mad, not really. I’m just trying to protect the ones I love. Sometimes that means doing things that others might find strange or dangerous.”
“The world outside is full of dangers. I build my castle to keep them out. But even inside these walls, there are monsters we cannot escape.”
“Some people have a fascination with death. They like to talk about it, analyze it, romanticize it. But for me, death is a reality that has shaped my entire existence.”
“We have always been different, but that doesn’t make us bad. It just means we see the world in a different way, and sometimes that scares people.”
“I am filled with rage and hatred, but I try to bury it deep inside. Because if it comes out, it will destroy everything in its path.”
“Sometimes, the things we fear the most are the things we need the most. It’s easy to stay in our comfort zones, but true growth comes from facing our fears head-on.”
“Merricat, said Constance, would you like a cup of tea?”
In Shirley Jackson’s novel, “We Have Always Lived in the Castle,” this simple question serves as a pivotal moment in the story. The close relationship between sisters Merricat and Constance is highlighted as Constance offers her sister a cup of tea, a gesture that represents their love and care for each other.
Throughout the novel, Constance takes on the role of caretaker for Merricat, who suffers from anxiety and superstitions. Constance’s offer of tea is not just a polite question but a symbol of comfort and reassurance. It shows that Constance understands Merricat’s needs and is always there to support her.
The use of the name “Merricat” instead of her full name, Mary Katherine, further emphasizes the familiarity and intimacy between the sisters. Constance’s question is not only about tea but a way to check in on Merricat’s well-being and offer her a moment of solace in their secluded and haunted home.
This line also highlights the everyday rituals that give structure to Merricat’s life. Tea time becomes a routine that brings a sense of normalcy to their otherwise isolated and troubled existence. It’s a small but significant moment that shows the importance of these familiar routines in their lives.
Overall, this quote encapsulates the deep bond between Merricat and Constance and the love that sustains them in the face of isolation and tragedy. It reminds us of the power of simple gestures, like offering a cup of tea, to show care and nurture our relationships.
“I have often thought that with any luck at all, I could have been born a werewolf, because the two middle fingers on both my hands are the same length, but I have had to be content with what I had.”
In “We Have Always Lived in the Castle,” Merricat, the narrator of the story, expresses her unique perspective on her physical appearance. She believes that her hands, specifically the length of her middle fingers, indicate a possible connection to the supernatural world.
By stating that she could have been born a werewolf, Merricat suggests that she sees herself as different from others, possessing a hidden power or potential. Her fascination with the middle fingers being the same length hints at her desire for a physical characteristic that sets her apart.
However, Merricat also acknowledges that she has had to accept her current reality and be content with what she has. Despite her longing for something extraordinary, she recognizes that she must make the best of her current circumstances.
This quote reflects Merricat’s complex character and her desire for uniqueness. It also adds to the mysterious and supernatural atmosphere of the novel, highlighting the themes of identity and acceptance.
“My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance. I have often thought that with any luck at all I could have been born a werewolf, because the two middle fingers on both my hands are the same length, but I have had to be content with what I had.”
These are the opening lines of “We Have Always Lived in the Castle,” a captivating novel written by Shirley Jackson. The narrator, Mary Katherine Blackwood, introduces herself and provides a glimpse into her peculiar and intriguing life.
At just eighteen years old, Mary Katherine, commonly known as Merricat, lives in seclusion with her older sister Constance. Together, they reside in a grand old house on the outskirts of town. Merricat’s tone carries a sense of resignation as she muses about her physical peculiarities. Despite her lamentations, she demonstrates a resilient acceptance of her current circumstances.
The mention of being born a werewolf showcases Merricat’s vivid imagination and unique perspective on life. She finds solace in imagining herself as something beyond the ordinary, perhaps hinting at her desire for a life less ordinary. However, she acknowledges that she must make do with the hand she has been dealt. This sentiment sets the stage for the themes of resilience, acceptance, and the desire for escapism that permeate the novel.
Immediately, these opening lines grab the reader’s attention, offering a glimpse into Merricat’s intriguing world. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with mystery, secrets, and an exploration of the human psyche. Jackson’s masterful storytelling and Merricat’s unique voice make “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” a captivating read that leaves a lasting impression.
“Merricat, said Constance, would you like a cup of tea?”
“Merricat, said Constance, would you like a cup of tea?” is one of the iconic quotes from the novel “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson. This line is spoken by Constance Blackwood, one of the main characters, to her younger sister, Mary Katherine Blackwood, also known as Merricat. The quote highlights the close bond between the two sisters and the routine they have developed in their secluded life.
Throughout the novel, Merricat and Constance live a secluded and isolated life in their family’s ancestral home. They are the only survivors of a poisoning incident that killed the rest of their family years ago. Merricat, who narrates the story, is eccentric and superstitious, while Constance is gentle and nurturing.
This quote epitomizes the relationship between Merricat and Constance. Despite their reclusive lifestyle, Constance always cares for her sister’s well-being, offering her a simple gesture of kindness like a cup of tea. It represents their shared domesticity and the comfort they find in each other’s company.
The repetition of their names in the quote, “Merricat, said Constance,” also emphasizes their strong sisterly connection. In a world full of suspicion and judgment from the outside, their bond remains unbreakable.
Overall, this quote captures the essence of “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” and its exploration of love, isolation, and the resilience of family ties. It reminds readers of the small moments of warmth and affection that can exist even in the darkest of circumstances.
“I found a great many things to do.”
In “We Have Always Lived in the Castle,” Merricat Blackwood, the novel’s protagonist, utters the phrase “I found a great many things to do” multiple times throughout the story, highlighting her resourcefulness and imaginative nature. Merricat, along with her sister Constance and Uncle Julian, reside in a secluded house after a tragic incident left their family shattered. As a result, Merricat takes on the role of the caretaker and protector of the house, finding various activities to keep herself occupied and maintain a sense of control.
Merricat’s “great many things to do” encompass a range of tasks and rituals that contribute to her unique routine. She engages in activities such as gardening, tending to their vegetable patch, and protecting their property from intruders by burying objects around the house as a form of warding off evil. Additionally, she meticulously creates and maintains her own personal “magic” rituals, which involve nail polish and buried treasures.
However, Merricat’s activities go beyond physical tasks. She also indulges in daydreams, creating elaborate fantasies in her mind. These vivid imaginings provide her with a means of escape from the outside world, a world she perceives as dangerous and threatening. Her active imagination becomes a coping mechanism, allowing her to find solace and control within her own thoughts.
The phrase “I found a great many things to do” speaks to Merricat’s resourcefulness and resilience. Despite the darkness and isolation that surrounds her, she manages to find purpose and joy in her daily activities. It demonstrates her determination to create her own world, separate from the judgment and condemnation of others.
In conclusion, Merricat Blackwood’s proclamation of “I found a great many things to do” showcases her ability to find solace, purpose, and control within her secluded existence. Through her various tasks, rituals, and imaginative daydreams, she manages to carve out a meaningful life for herself, highlighting the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
“I have a shovel.”
This quote is from the novel “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson. It is spoken by the protagonist, Merricat Blackwood. Merricat is a troubled and isolated young woman who lives with her sister, Constance, and their uncle, Julian, in a large house on the outskirts of town.
The quote “I have a shovel.” is significant because it reflects Merricat’s eccentric and mysterious nature. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Merricat is not a typical young woman. She is secretive, possessive, and has a strong connection to the land around her. The shovel symbolizes Merricat’s willingness to protect herself and her family at all costs.
The shovel also serves as a metaphor for the power dynamics within the Blackwood family. Merricat is the one who takes on the role of protector, using the shovel to defend herself and her loved ones from outsiders. It highlights her desire to maintain their isolated and idyllic life, free from the judgement and intrusion of the outside world.
Overall, the quote “I have a shovel.” captures the essence of Merricat’s character and the themes of isolation, power, and protection that run throughout the novel. It exemplifies her determination to maintain her unique way of life and the lengths she is willing to go to preserve it.
“Everyone else in my family is dead.”
In “We Have Always Lived in the Castle,” Merricat Blackwood, the protagonist, starts the story by stating, “Everyone else in my family is dead.” This quote sets the tone for the novel, revealing the eerie and unsettling atmosphere that surrounds the Blackwood family.
Merricat, along with her sister Constance and Uncle Julian, are the only surviving members of the once-prominent Blackwood family. Their family’s tragic past, marked by the poisoning of several family members, leaves them isolated and feared by the villagers.
Merricat’s statement reflects the loneliness and loss she feels, as well as the burden she carries as the remaining Blackwood. She creates a protective barrier around her family’s secluded home, hiding from the outside world and its judgment.
Living in a constant state of fear and suspicion, the Blackwood family becomes a symbol of otherness and a target of prejudice. Merricat’s declaration highlights the isolation she experiences and the weight of her family’s dark history.
The ominousness of this quote lingers throughout the novel, emphasizing the themes of family, tragedy, and exclusion. Shirley Jackson masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, exploring the depths of human nature and the consequences of a haunted past.