Lecture Notes: Symbols in Shirley Jackson's "We Have Always Lived in the Castle"

Introduction

• Discussion on symbols in "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" by Shirley Jackson
• Key symbols: Blackwood house, the moon, food, crack in the pavement, the safe, and other minor symbols

Blackwood House

Before the Fire

• Symbol of Power, Status, and Wealth
  • Finest house in the village with its own road and first piano
  • Separated by a fence, forest, road, and locked gate
  • Described as from a far, lovely country by Marat, contrasting with her view of the village
  • Marat's snobbery reflects her mother's actions (e.g., closing off the path)
• Symbolic Elements
  • Staircase: Carved from Italian wood, admired, represents John's masculine power
  • Drawing Room: Mother's space, beautiful, maintained, symbolizes feminine elements
  • Cellar: Filled with food preserved by Blackwood women, represents past's sacredness and danger

After the Fire

• Transformation into a Castle
  • Represents destruction of patriarchy, status, and power
  • Castle implies fanciful notions and a fortress for women
• Staircase: Destroyed, symbolizing father's and patriarchal power's downfall
• Mother's Room: Ransacked, not destroyed; represents mother's legacy
  • Marat views mother's portrait, constant places Dresden figure as tribute
• Cellar: Untouched, a bunker and source of food, represents maternal legacy

The Moon

• Symbol of Safety and Maternal Love
  • Marat's self-soothing fantasy, especially during anxiety
  • Symbolizes maternal love and uninterrupted relationship with Constance

Food

• Symbol of Love, Nurturing, and Power
  • Alternative economy post-murder
  • Represents relationships and nurturing over money

Minor Symbols

Crack in the Sidewalk

• Represents village's underlying flaws

The Safe

• Represents Blackwood lineage of wealth and social status
• Controlled by men, disregarded by sisters post-fire
• Symbolizes capitalist patriarchy

Other Symbols

• John's Watch: Represents power, changes possession, destroyed in fire
• John's Notebook: Represents debts and control, destroyed
• Windows: Symbolize judgment between villagers and sisters

Study Recommendations

• Consider downloading a digital copy for easier symbol tracking (e.g., using Ctrl+F)
• Digital versions available for free on platforms like Apple Books

These notes outline the key symbols and their significance in "We Have Always Lived in the Castle," providing insights into the themes of power, status, and familial legacy. The transformational impact of the fire and the new dynamics it creates, particularly for the female protagonists, are also emphasized. For deeper analysis, further examination of specific passages and their symbolic language is recommended.