We Have Always Lived in the Castle symbol guide
The village is more than a setting: it becomes a hostile social force, exposing gossip, class tension, and the cruelty of group behaviour. Through Merricat’s fear of “the people of the village,” ordinary streets become a trap where exclusion and resentment are always waiting.
Explore the full study guideS666)village_high.webp)
major
If the village is “the only proper place” for its people, why does it feel so threatening? Does the community’s cruelty come from fear, envy, or the comfort of acting as a crowd? Merricat sees the streets as dangerous, but should we trust her view completely, or does the village also expose the Blackwoods’ own pride and isolation?
The full We Have Always Lived in the Castle guide brings together scenes, characters, themes, and verified quotations.
Open the study guide