The Haunting of Hill House captured the hearts and minds of viewers with its potent blend of horror and drama. In particular, the eulogy episode titled "Two Storms" has resonated with many, as it skilfully addresses themes of grief, loss, and family dynamics. In this blog post, we'll dissect the symbolism and that broken thing from the eulogy episode while providing engaging insights to help you better understand its significance.
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The Haunting of Hill House: A Brief Overview
The Haunting of Hill House is a Netflix series based on the novel by Shirley Jackson. It revolves around the Crain family, who moved into the haunted Hill House to renovate and sell it. As they experience supernatural occurrences, the family members are forced to confront their traumatic past and the emotional issues that continue to haunt them.
The Significance of the Eulogy Episode: "Two Storms"
Episode 6, titled "Two Storms," focuses on the intertwined emotional turmoil of the Crain family, both in the past and the present. The episode centers around the eulogy for Nell, the youngest Crain sibling who tragically took her own life. As they gather to pay their respects to Nell, the storm raging outside parallels the storm of emotions within the family.
The Broken Thing: The Chandelier
The "broken thing" referenced in the title of this article is significant because it represents the shattered dynamics of the Crain family and their unresolved traumas. During the eulogy, a loud crash interrupts the tense arguments among the siblings. The family's antique chandelier has fallen, shattering into countless pieces.
The Chandelier's Symbolism
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This broken chandelier serves as a powerful metaphor for the Crain family's fractured bonds. The chandelier is an intricate structure with numerous parts joined together. It hangs in the funeral home, serving as a reminder of their former family home and the unresolved issues that drift over their heads.
When the chandelier crashes, it symbolizes the collapse of the family's facade – the pretense that everything is fine despite their personal struggles. It shows the viewer that the family can no longer maintain this image and forces them to confront their demons.
Other Symbolic Elements in the Episode
The chandelier is not the only symbol in the eulogy episode that highlights the family's fractured relationships and unresolved issues. A few other notable components include:
- The Storm: The storm outside the funeral home mirrors the emotional turmoil experienced by the Crain family. The storm's intensity intensifies the feelings of anger, grief, and sadness amongst the siblings, heightening their confrontations.
- Nell's Casket: Nell's casket serves as a physical reminder of the tragedies that have befallen the Crain family. The casket is especially haunting as it remains open for viewers during the episode, highlighting the family's inability to escape their experiences at Hill House.
- The Bent-Neck Lady: Nell's tragic ghostly figure, the Bent-Neck Lady, also symbolizes the family's unresolved trauma. The ghost's presence serves as both a metaphor for Nell's emotional pain and a literal reminder of the impact Hill House continues to have on the family.
What Was The Thing That Was Broken In The Haunting Of Hill House' Eulogy Episode? Example:
For example, the scene during the eulogy where the family's bickering reaches a boiling point helps to highlight their unresolved issues. As the siblings argue, the storm outside intensifies, adding a layer of tension to the scene. Finally, the chandelier crashes down upon them, symbolizing the fragmentation of the family and the unsustainability of their facade. This powerful moment encapsulates the thematic idea of the broken chandelier, making the symbolism unignorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'The Haunting of Hill House'?
'The Haunting of Hill House' is a supernatural horror television series created by Mike Flanagan, which premiered on Netflix in 2018. It's loosely based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson. The show delves into the psychological horror experienced by the Crain family both in the past and present, stemming from their time living at Hill House.
Which episode features the significant eulogy?
The eulogy is a central element of episode 6, titled 'Two Storms,' which is a pivotal episode in 'The Haunting of Hill House' series. It brings many emotional threads together and is famous for its extended takes and intricate choreography.
What was broken in 'The Haunting of Hill House' eulogy episode?
In the eulogy episode of 'The Haunting of Hill House,' a cherished model forever house, built by the character Steven Crain for his younger sister Nell, is accidentally broken during the tumultuous family arguments at the funeral home.
Who delivers the eulogy in the series?
The character Hugh Crain, father of the Crain siblings, delivers the heart-wrenching eulogy for his daughter Nell in the funeral home.
What is the significance of the broken model house in the episode?
The broken model house symbolizes the shattered family connections and the loss of innocence and safety that the Crain children experienced at Hill House. It reflects the overall theme of brokenness within the family and the lasting impact of trauma.
How does the show use flashbacks in storytelling?
'The Haunting of Hill House' employs flashbacks strategically to reveal the characters' backstories and the events that transpired during their childhood at Hill House. These flashbacks interweave with the present narrative to deepen the understanding of the family's dynamic and haunted past.
Can you explain the 'Two Storms' episode's structure?
The 'Two Storms' episode is structured around two parallel events: a storm that occurred when the Crain family was living in Hill House and the storm of emotions at Nell's funeral in the present day. The episode cuts between these two timelines, often seamlessly transitioning through impressive long takes.
Is 'The Haunting of Hill House' based on a true story?
No, 'The Haunting of Hill House' is not based on a true story. It is a work of fiction, although it draws inspiration from traditional ghost stories and psychological horror narratives.
What themes does 'The Haunting of Hill House' explore?
The series explores themes of grief, family, trauma, and the supernatural. It examines how past horrors can continue to affect individuals and their relationships with others long into the future.
How does 'The Haunting of Hill House' differ from the book?
While they share a central premise and certain thematic elements, the Netflix series significantly diverges from Shirley Jackson's novel, with different character backstories, narrative developments, and a more modern setting. The series is more an adaptation in spirit than a direct retelling.
Is the show more psychological or supernatural horror?
'The Haunting of Hill House' is a blend of both psychological and supernatural horror. It provides a deep dive into the psyche of its characters while also presenting ghosts and hauntings with a tangible presence within the storyline.
Does the series follow a linear timeline?
No, the series does not follow a linear timeline. It uses a non-linear narrative, jumping between past and present, to weave the complex story of the Crain family and their experiences with Hill House.
What role do the ghosts play in the series?
In the series, ghosts serve multiple roles: as metaphors for unresolved emotional baggage, as literal supernatural entities that haunt the characters, and as drivers of the plot that reveal hidden truths and past traumas.
What is the significance of the title 'The Haunting of Hill House'?
The title refers both to the literal haunting of the mansion known as Hill House and the figurative haunting of the Crain family's psyche by their traumatic experiences there. It symbolizes the lingering effects of the past on the present.
How are family dynamics portrayed in the series?
Family dynamics are central to the narrative of 'The Haunting of Hill House.' They are portrayed as complex and strained, with the siblings and their father dealing with deep-seated issues, misunderstandings, and the fallout from their shared traumas at Hill House.
How does the location of Hill House contribute to the story?
Hill House itself is almost a character in the series. Its eerie atmosphere, labyrinthine layout, and dark history all contribute to the sense of dread and mystery that permeates the story, affecting all who dwell within its walls.
How does 'The Haunting of Hill House' handle the concept of time?
The series plays with the concept of time, suggesting that past, present, and future are interconnected and can influence each other. This is particularly evident in the flashbacks and the non-linear narrative of the show.
Was the 'Two Storms' episode shot in a single take?
While 'Two Storms' features several extended single-take sequences, it was not shot in one continuous take. These long takes, however, are masterfully executed and give the illusion of real-time progression and unedited action, adding intensity to the episode.
What is the critical reception of 'The Haunting of Hill House'?
The series received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and cinematography. It has been praised for its emotional depth and the way it blends horror with a powerful exploration of family and grief.
Will there be a continuation or second season of 'The Haunting of Hill House'?
'The Haunting of Hill House' is part of an anthology series. The next installment titled 'The Haunting of Bly Manor' is based on Henry James' 'The Turn of the Screw' and features some of the same actors in new roles. It is thematically connected but narratively distinct from 'Hill House.'
What can viewers take away from the eulogy episode of 'The Haunting of Hill House'?
Viewers can appreciate the eulogy episode as a dramatic high point, showcasing emotional performances, technical skill in filmmaking, and a powerful narrative about family, loss, and the search for closure. It encapsulates the series' themes and delivers a haunting and poignant viewing experience.
The Haunting of Hill House masterfully weaves horror and drama, tying the themes of grief, loss, and family together. The emotional weight of the eulogy episode, "Two Storms," is heightened through the use of powerful symbols like the broken chandelier and the storm outside. These elements allow viewers to dive deeper into the intricacies of the narrative, making the impact of this episode unforgettable. As we uncover the meanings of these symbols and their connections to the story's themes, it becomes all the more apparent why this series stands as one of the most compelling explorations of family trauma in recent television. Share your thoughts with us, and don't forget to explore the other insightful guides on Eulogy Assistant.