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The Woman in Black: the plot
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Susan Hill's ghost story, published in 1983, is told by Arthur Kipps, who recalls a terrifying experience from his youth.
The frame
On Christmas Eve, Arthur's stepchildren tell ghost stories. Arthur is disturbed and decides to write down his own true story.
Years earlier, as a young solicitor, his employer Mr Bentley sent him to the town of Crythin Gifford to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow and sort out her papers.
Years earlier, as a young solicitor, his employer Mr Bentley sent him to the town of Crythin Gifford to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow and sort out her papers.
Eel Marsh House
At the funeral Arthur sees a pale woman in black. The locals refuse to talk about her.
Mrs Drablow's house, Eel Marsh House, stands on the marshes and can only be reached by the Nine Lives Causeway at low tide.
In fog he hears a pony and trap sink into the marsh and a child scream. He finds a locked nursery, and letters revealing that Jennet Humfrye had a son, Nathaniel, who was adopted by her sister, Mrs Drablow, and drowned in the marsh.
Mrs Drablow's house, Eel Marsh House, stands on the marshes and can only be reached by the Nine Lives Causeway at low tide.
In fog he hears a pony and trap sink into the marsh and a child scream. He finds a locked nursery, and letters revealing that Jennet Humfrye had a son, Nathaniel, who was adopted by her sister, Mrs Drablow, and drowned in the marsh.
The curse
Arthur learns that whenever the woman in black is seen, a child dies.
He recovers, marries Stella, and they have a son, Joseph. On a day out, Arthur sees the woman. A pony and trap carrying Stella and Joseph crashes. Joseph is killed, and Stella dies later from her injuries.
He recovers, marries Stella, and they have a son, Joseph. On a day out, Arthur sees the woman. A pony and trap carrying Stella and Joseph crashes. Joseph is killed, and Stella dies later from her injuries.
Why does Hill begin the novel on Christmas Eve?
- It is a cosy, safe family setting.
- Ghost stories were traditionally told at Christmas.
- The comfortable opening contrasts with the horror to come.
Answer: To create a safe, traditional setting that contrasts with the terrifying story Arthur then tells.
Christmas Eve frame, Arthur sent to Crythin Gifford, the funeral, Eel Marsh House and the causeway, the pony and trap in the fog, Jennet's letters, the curse, and the deaths of Joseph and Stella.
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