"We Have Always Lived in the Castle" stands out as a unique piece in Shirley Jackson’s literary collection. Notably, it is the only novel she penned using a first-person narrative, inviting readers into the mind of one of literature’s most intriguing psychopaths. Mary Catherine "Merricat" Blackwood, through her perspective, unfolds a story rich in suspense and psychological depth.

Life at the Blackwood Estate

Merricat, alongside her sister Constance and their ailing Uncle Julian, resides in seclusion on the Blackwood estate, a property tightly secured and cut off from the outside world. The sisters lead a life of routine and isolation, leaving the confines of their home only when necessary. Merricat ventures into the village twice a week to gather supplies, facing the villagers' hostility and disdain with each visit. The animosity is mutual; the Blackwoods and the villagers harbor a deep-seated loathing for one another.

The Peculiar Charm of Merricat

Jackson crafts Merricat as a character who, despite her peculiarities, evokes a certain sympathy from readers. Her life is governed by an unwavering adherence to ritual and routine, reflecting a need for control in her isolated world. Fixated on maintaining her family’s status quo, Merricat uses magical "safeguards" to protect their home. She dreams of escaping to the Moon, a place where change is nonexistent, underscoring her desire for permanence and security.

Constance and the Dark Past

Constance, the older sister, appears outwardly normal but chooses never to leave their home. The narrative gradually reveals a haunting backstory: the Blackwood home was the scene of a tragic poisoning that occurred six years prior, leaving only Merricat, Constance, and Uncle Julian alive. On that fateful night, arsenic-tainted berries claimed the lives of most of their family, resulting in Constance's arrest and subsequent acquittal. Despite her innocence, the event forever marked the family, leading to their ostracization by the village.

Intrusion of Cousin Charles

The arrival of Cousin Charles disrupts the Blackwoods' carefully controlled existence. Charles quickly becomes a source of distress for Merricat, who views him as a malevolent force threatening their world. His presence stirs tension, especially as he discovers Merricat’s hidden stash of silver coins and attempts to draw Constance away from her reclusive life. His actions intensify Merricat’s resolve to rid their home of his influence.

The Fiery Turning Point

In a drastic bid to remove Charles, Merricat sets his smoldering pipe into a wastebasket, igniting a destructive fire. The blaze engulfs the venerable Blackwood mansion, attracting the villagers who gather in glee. In a fit of collective madness, they begin to vandalize the property, smashing windows and ransacking the interiors. Uncle Julian succumbs to a heart attack amidst the chaos, but for Merricat, the destruction signifies liberation. With the house reduced to ruins, it now resembles a castle, a fitting sanctuary for Merricat and Constance’s newfound solitude.

Themes of Isolation and Madness

"We Have Always Lived in the Castle" achieved significant acclaim, recognized by Time magazine as one of the top novels of 1962. The book intertwines elements of the supernatural, societal critique, and psychological insight. Merricat’s belief in spells and talismans introduces a mystical dimension, while her cat Jonah serves as her familiar, enhancing the eerie atmosphere. Jackson’s portrayal of Merricat’s mental state is executed with such subtlety that her derangement seems almost mundane. The novel also critiques social injustices, highlighting themes of mob mentality and the dangers of societal exclusion.

A Lasting Legacy

The Blackwood estate, shrouded in superstition and secrecy, becomes a character itself, serving as a mausoleum for the past and a fortress against the outside world. The sisters live amongst relics of their deceased family, preserving their memory in a shrine-like setting. Jackson deftly weaves together themes of madness, magic, and isolation, captivating readers with a story that continues to resonate with its chilling portrayal of human nature and the inherent darkness within.