Natalya Gornopolskaya

This story grows more tragic as the pages turn. Navidson has left his family behind to go back into the house that killed his brother. The reason as to why he went back is not known for sure, though there are three scholarly theories that discuss the reasons in academic detail. I think the reason he went back was to restore the calm back to the house; just as his presence caused chaos to ensue, it also created the reverse effect. Whether Exploration # 5 occurred before, soon or after Karen returns to the house, is unclear. However, it is apparent that the house has become less threatening, being that there is no more crawl space between the two bedrooms, and the dark hallways seem to have evolved into a harmless white closet. The love letter Navidson writes to Karen in his drunken stupor is very heartfelt and insightful. It even makes me wonder whether he eventually does go back to Karen, since he did truly care for her. As Karen has moved back into the house she keeps busy by writing a journal and trying to remain in high spirits in hopes for Navidson’s safe return. She calls out to him at times, making it unclear whether it is her mental state that’s waning or whether it’s actually happening. One day she discovers Navidson’s equipment has appeared inside the children’s bedroom. The chapter closes as the walls behind her engulf into blackness. At this point Will Navidson has got some questionable morals in terms of his returning to the house. He takes with him enough supplies to last two weeks, though he ends up staying there for much longer. As Navidson explores the house he appears to have found the edge, which only leads into complete darkness. Navidson decides to turn back, though he is now disoriented and appears to be either falling or walking on air and every which way he goes leads him downhill. He is badly injured, out of supplies and crawling through crammed spaces. Suddenly he sees a window which he climbs out of, finding nothing of interest, only to appear even more lost. Navidson is dying, time is fleeting and the situation looks very morose. I am hoping he survives through this somehow. Johnny Truant has pawned his mother’s locket, been evicted from his apartment and continues on his downward spiral. Lude has been badly hurt by Kyrie’s rich fiancé, and plans to sue him for a lot of money. Johnny says goodbye to all who he knows as he plans to move to Virginia to search for the house on Ash Tree Lane.

Questions:

1. Why does Johnny want to find the house?

2. Did Navidson take death into consideration before re-entering the house?

3. Has Karen gone mad with her love for Navidson?

4. Will Johnny and Thumper ever be together?

5. Is Johnny seriously leaving his life behind, never to return?