The two novels both have a history when it comes to thrillers in their time. The Haunting of Hill House, a novel by Shirley Jackson is considered a classic among many novel lovers as it captures the imagination of the reader in all possible ways. The Killer Inside Me, by Jim Thompson is a crime novel that has captured audiences around the world. This is with the imaginative and creative form of writing that it takes. Both these authors are legends in their own right, and form the basis for some of the thrillers that are present today. One of the most noticeable theories that surround these powerful novels is the ability of the author to capture the reader’s mind. This is through evoking emotions through all the possible events that cover the complex storylines. This paper will examine the two novels through comparing the differences that exist between the two, and what made them instant classics during their time.
The two novels take the reader in to the mind of the main characters. They show how they relate to the real world. They are rich in detail and offer the reader an insight into what really happens when everyone else has left, and one is left to their own thoughts and actions. In Jim Thompson’s, The Killer Inside Me, the deputy sheriff is faced with a dark secret that has haunted him from when he was young. In Shirley Jackson’s, The Haunting of Hill House, the main character, Eleanor, is faced with contempt and self-consciousness that plagues her life after the death of her mother. She regrets the time she spent looking after her mother who died and left her alone in the world (Jackson 95). She decides to take part in an experiment, but questions herself afterwards, “Am I walking toward something I should be running away from?”
In Jackson’s novel, many, if not all readers, may find Eleanor’s demeanor appealing. This is because, many individuals in the real world are faced with the most natural feelings, which encompass; fear, doubt, self-consciousness, and maybe even obsession. It is through such description that the author paints a psychologically deep painting of a dark soul that is burdened by the different way of life in which it is exposed. The author is capable of finding her way into the heart and mind of the reader through her rich writing detail. She is more descriptive of her characters and their emotions, which enables the reader to dwell more into the mind of the characters. The real emotions evoked by the characters when they make their appearance to the haunted house are manifested in the approach in which they handle their situation (Jackson 127).
Jim Thompson, on the other hand, has as a different approach altogether. He has an uncanny ability to make his work provoke emotions and feelings the reader might not entirely wish for while reading the novel. In his work, he makes the reader wish for a different ending as one begins to feel sorry for the protagonist in the story. He drives the reader to have empathy toward the main character as he creates the illusion that it is not entirely his fault when he does the things he does (Thompson 118). As the author uses the first person narrative, the reader is given the experience of getting into the mind of the character. He makes the reader believe that the character is the one in need of help and that he is absolutely remorseful for his disturbing actions. In his literary works, Thompson is known for his precise writing style. He is not one to waste space or time in bringing out the main point of his works.
Shirley Jackson’s novel brings the reader to confirm the real feelings that surround them with everyday actions. This real emotion makes the target reader think of all the things that might affect their daily lives, for instance, loneliness, isolation, and depression (Jackson 136). At one point in the life of an individual, one must have been clouded by such emotions, which force an individual to carry self-doubt in their abilities as humans. However, the author only tries to make the reader understand and comprehend that all this is possible through human nature. The author weaves a tale that surrounds human nature that is plagued with isolation, loneliness, sadness, fear, and ultimately obsession.
Thompson, on the other hand, dives into human nature’s darkness when he brings a chilling effect of the nature of the deputy sheriff (Thompson 123). He is seen to be cunning, depraved, and a psychopath as his sexual tastes bring forth a sadistic form of the human mind that society does not wish to be part of, although it is something that happens. Individuals do not wish to agree with this, but cannot help that it is something that individuals in society are faced with on a regular basis. Psychologically, every individual is faced with their own thoughts, depraved or otherwise, and it is only through courage that people fight or welcome these feelings. In his precise and tight style of writing, the author just brings out what is out there, which individuals do not wish to tackle.
Society wishes they could bury their heads in the sand, and forget that these problems do exist, and that people do need help when faced with certain challenges. In comparison, the two novels act as character studies. People dwell on the emotions of others in society to deal with whatever they are experiencing in their lives. Fear, doubt, self-consciousness, and obsession are what propel many individuals to be what they are in society. These factors are present in everyday life, and it is not in the best interests of individuals to ignore them. If they border on what is considered morally wrong, then it is up to the individual facing them to seek proper and professional help in order to tackle them. This is before they manifest and lead to disastrous consequences.
In conclusion, one needs to look into the deepest part of their mind and soul to find out what makes them who they are. In, The Killer Inside Me, the first person narrative makes one think of the actions they might take if they were in the protagonist’s shoes. In the novel, the main character does not believe he is doing anything wrong (Thompson 187). Similarly, in Shirley’s, The Haunting of Hill House, the character’s feelings toward the world propelled her to feel at home in the haunted house (Jackson 213). The two novels are similar in some of their features, but their differences also set them apart bringing more quality to the reader. The reader wishes they could understand more of what happens in the lives of others as much as they wish to comprehend what happens in theirs. It is surprising how much comfort is created when one realizes many others face challenges in everyday life.
Works Cited
Shirley, Jackson. The Haunting of Hill House. New York: Penguin Classics, 1959. Print.
Thompson, Jim. The Killer Inside Me. New York: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, 1991. Print.
