54 pages • 1-hour read
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
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Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of mental illness, graphic violence, and death.
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. How does Jackson build tension throughout the novel, and what effect does Merricat’s unreliable narration have on your understanding of events? Have you read other works by Jackson—particularly The Haunting of Hill House? If so, how does this novel compare in terms of psychological horror?
2. What was your reaction to the revelation that Merricat, not Constance, poisoned the family? How did this affect your perception of earlier events in the novel?
3. The novel’s tone shifts between whimsical, darkly humorous, and deeply disturbing. Which aspects of the story did you find most effective, and why?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. Merricat creates elaborate rituals and “protective” magic to maintain her desired way of life. What routines or traditions do you maintain in your own life, and what purpose do they serve?
2. The villagers’ treatment of the Blackwoods reflects complex dynamics of fear, fascination, and resentment. Have you witnessed or experienced similar community dynamics?
3. Constance’s dedication to maintaining domestic order through cooking and cleaning persists even after tragedy. How do you approach maintaining normalcy during periods of upheaval?
4. What relationships in your life have shaped your understanding of family loyalty? How does this understanding shape your feelings about Merricat and Constance’s relationship?
5. The novel explores themes of isolation and belonging. Have you ever felt like an outsider in your community? If so, how did you respond?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. How does the novel address class dynamics and social hierarchies in small-town America? Are these dynamics still relevant today?
2. The book explores society’s treatment of those perceived as different or dangerous. How have attitudes toward mental illness and/or social difference evolved since the novel’s publication?
3. What does the villagers’ collective violence against the Blackwood house reveal about mob mentality and community dynamics?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. How does Jackson use food and meal preparation as a plot device throughout the novel? What symbolic dimensions might these things have?
2. Consider the significance of the house as both physical setting and symbol. How does its transformation mirror the characters’ psychological states?
3. What role does Charles play as an outsider figure? How does his presence catalyze changes in the family dynamic?
4. Examine the portrayal of magical thinking in the novel. How does Merricat’s belief system reflect her psychological state?
5. Discuss the significance of names in the novel, particularly the formal “Mary Katherine” versus the diminutive “Merricat.”
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. If you were to design a modern adaptation of the novel, what elements would you emphasize or change to speak to contemporary audiences?
2. Create a menu for a dinner party hosted by Constance Blackwood. What dishes would she serve, and what would they reveal about her character?
3. Imagine a letter written by one of the villagers who leaves food offerings at the Blackwood house after the fire. What would they say to the Blackwoods?
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