Meaning:
The quote "The horrid mystery hanging over us in this house gets into my head like liquor, and makes me wild" is from the novel "The Haunted Hotel" by Wilkie Collins. Wilkie Collins was an English novelist known for his intricate plots and his influence on the development of detective fiction. "The Haunted Hotel" was first published in 1878 and is a Gothic mystery novel that explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the supernatural.
In this quote, the speaker is expressing the overwhelming and intoxicating effect that the mysterious and unsettling atmosphere of the house has on their mind. The comparison to liquor suggests that the influence of the mystery is powerful and disorienting, causing the speaker to feel "wild" or out of control. This quote captures the sense of unease and psychological tension that permeates the novel, setting the tone for the haunting and suspenseful narrative that unfolds.
"The Haunted Hotel" tells the story of a young couple, Lord and Lady Montbarry, who travel to Venice and stay at a palatial hotel with a dark and sinister history. As the plot unfolds, secrets from the past come to light, and the characters become embroiled in a web of intrigue and danger. The novel is characterized by its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and a sense of mounting dread as the mystery deepens.
Wilkie Collins was a master of crafting atmospheric and suspenseful narratives, and "The Haunted Hotel" is no exception. The quote reflects the psychological impact of the eerie and foreboding atmosphere of the house on the characters, as well as the reader. It evokes a sense of unease and disorientation, drawing the reader into the unsettling world of the novel.
The comparison of the mystery to liquor also suggests that the allure of the unknown and the tantalizing nature of the unresolved secrets have a seductive and intoxicating effect. This reflects the psychological complexity of the characters and the allure of the unknown, as they are drawn deeper into the web of mystery and intrigue.
Overall, this quote from "The Haunted Hotel" encapsulates the psychological tension and atmospheric unease that characterizes Wilkie Collins' writing. It captures the disorienting and intoxicating effect of the mysterious and unsettling atmosphere, drawing the reader into the haunting and suspenseful world of the novel. Wilkie Collins' skillful storytelling and ability to evoke a sense of psychological unease make "The Haunted Hotel" a compelling and enduring work of Gothic fiction.