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Mother’s Day Midweek Post Week 4 – Outstanding Women – Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson: Master of the Macabre and the Mundane

Shirley Jackson, a name synonymous with psychological thrillers and haunting narratives, was an American writer whose works have left a lasting impact on the literary world. Her ability to weave tales that explore the complexities of human psychology, societal expectations, and the supernatural, has cemented her place as a master storyteller. Jackson's life, much like her writing, was an intricate tapestry of brilliance, struggle, and the unceasing pursuit of her craft.

Early Life 

Born on December 14, 1916, in San Francisco, California, Shirley Jackson was raised in a middle-class family. From a young age, she exhibited a keen interest in writing, a passion that was nurtured by her supportive mother. Despite facing early rejections, Jackson's determination never waned. She attended the University of Rochester and later transferred to Syracuse University, where her writing flourished and she met her future husband, literary critic Stanley Edgar Hyman. 

The couple settled in North Bennington, Vermont, where Jackson's career and family life began to intertwine. The balance between her role as a mother of four and her writing was a constant theme in her life and work. Her experiences as a mother and housewife often found their way into her stories, essays, and memoirs, reflecting the duality of domestic bliss and chaos.

Literary Start 

Jackson's breakthrough came with the publication of "The Lottery" in The New Yorker in 1948. This short story, with its shocking twist and exploration of the sinister undercurrents in human nature, received an unprecedented response from readers. The unsettling themes and the quiet, small-town setting would become hallmarks of Jackson's style, a blend of the everyday with the eerie.

If you've never read the short story, there is a movie version of it here. Fair warning, it's a disturbing story that will leave you wondering about society as a whole.

Her novels, including "The Haunting of Hill House" and "We Have Always Lived in the Castle," further established Jackson as a pioneer in the horror and mystery genres. Her ability to create atmospheric settings and delve deep into her characters' psyches drew readers into a world where the line between reality and nightmare is often blurred. "The Haunting of Hill House" is widely regarded as one of the best ghost stories ever written, a testament to Jackson's skill in crafting suspenseful and emotionally resonant narratives.

Challenging Life 

Despite her success, Jackson's life was not without its challenges. She battled health issues, anxiety, and the constraints of societal expectations for women of her time. Her writing, however, remained a constant, a means of expression and escape, and a platform to subtly critique the societal norms that she often found herself at odds with.

Jackson's contribution to literature extends beyond her mastery of horror and mystery. Her sharp wit and insightful observations about domestic life are evident in her lighter works, including "Life Among the Savages" and "Raising Demons," where she chronicles her family life with humor and candor.

Enduring Legacy 

Shirley Jackson passed away on August 8, 1965, but her legacy endures. Her works continue to captivate, terrify, and intrigue readers, offering a window into the complexities of the human mind and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of ordinary life. Jackson's life and literature serve as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling, the potential of the written word to explore the depths of human emotion, and the capacity of fiction to reveal truths about the human condition. Her masterful blend of the macabre and the mundane continues to resonate, securing her place as a timeless voice in American literature.

Another unordinary thing is this collection of wonderful gift ideas for Mom or your BFF this Mother's Day. Check out these artist created handmade gifts for Mom.

Painted Lady on Wild Pincushion Flower in Coachella Valley Wildlife Preserve Canvas Print

Colleen Cornelius

Wedding Canvas Print featuring the photograph Painted Lady on Wild Pincushion Flower in Coachella Valley Wildlife Preserve by Colleen Cornelius

Spending Time with Pellie 2 Canvas Print

Joanne Carey

Pelican Canvas Print featuring the photograph Spending Time with Pellie 2 by Joanne Carey

Amethyst Bead Necklace and Earrings

Beads N' Tabs

Amethyst Bead Necklace and Earrings

Colorful Bohemian Earrings, Handmade Lampwork Crystal Jewelry

Victorian Style Treasures 

 

Colorful Bohemian Earrings, Handmade Lampwork Crystal Jewelry

Ninja Girl Party Thank You Sticker Labels

Adore by Nat

Swans with Cygnets 11 x 14 Art prints 3 choices

watercolorsNmore

Swans with Cygnets 11 x 14 Art prints 3 choices pick 1 watercolors archival print watercolorsNmore RTobaison image 1

Custom Name Graduation Coffee Mug

LinorStoreDesigns

Vintage Cloisonné Bracelet Onyx Crystals 22K Gold

MagdaleneJewels

Handmade Lampwork Glass Bead Set, Bumble Bee Wavy Yellow Black Shiny

Covergirl Beads

 

Blue Swarovski Crystal Birthstone Bracelet

Dharma Wheel Necklace, Chakra Gemstones Dharmachakra Handmade Jewelry

Shadow Dog Designs

Very Large Size Treble Clef Note Lever Back Earrings

The Singing Beader

Personalized Dog Portrait Got it Ruff 8x10 Canvas Gallery Wraps

The Hairy Dog Store

 

 

 

 

 

If you don't see what you're looking for, then ask an artist. I'm sure they will be happy to design something special for your loved one. 

Shop from other collections:

Countdown to Mother's Day 2024 Week 1

Countdown to Mother's Day 2024 Week 2

Countdown to Mother's Day 2024 Week 3

Countdown to Mother' s Day 2024 Week 4

Read about more outstanding women here:

Sandra Day O'Connor

Barbara Jordan 

Grace Hopper

When you shop handmade, you help us keep our money in our communities and keep other small businesses moving forward. Thank you for your support! Please share this post with everyone on the internet. :)

Julie and the Hairy Harry Dog.

 



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  • Linda on

    Thank you for sharing a brief history of Shirley Jackson. I know, I haven’t read any of her books. I did watch the movie version of The Lottery. That short film freaked me out this morning. It got to me so bad this morning that I had to walk away from the computer. Thank you, Julie, for including my earrings. I have shared and tweeted.

  • Connie Morilak - The Singing Beader on

    Enjoyed reading about Shirley Jackson and her scary stories. I think the movies that were made from the stories are even more frightening. I like watching scary movies and those old Twilight Zone episodes, but sometimes I regret that I did. lol Thanks, Julie for another midweek post featuring more great gifts for Mother’s Day and including my large treble clef earrings. I’ll be sharing all soon!

  • Hema on

    Pinned to mothers day gift https://www.pinterest.com/golden412004/mothers-day-gifts
    Tweeted @hvaradhan
    Thanks

  • Catherine on

    What a fascinating read about Shirley Jackson. I remember reading “The Lottery” in 6th grade (wonder if Florida and Texas would allow the reading of it in schools today?) and it has stayed in my memory since then. A wonderful but haunting read. And I remember reading The Haunting of Hill House as a young teenager – had to pull the covers up over my head to get any sleep the next few nights after finishing it. LOL! Love all the items you featured in this. Thanks for including my Dharma wheel / chakra necklace. Will schedule tweets and pin for all, including the blog. Treats to the Sweet Harry Dog from the Desert Moose – we both hope he has come out from under the bed by now (:



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