As I was reading the Haunting on Hill house I was intrigued and impressed with the writing style and how it protrayed the characters as witty, humorous and imaginitive. The witty and playful interplay between the characters showed how they used this as a way to distance themselves from the grim atmosphere of the house and camouflage their fear. Even though these characters are using this ploy to help them cope, it - from the readers perspective - adds to the obvious terror that is surrounding Hill House. You can almost picture the characters discussing the house, making jokes and drinking, while they laugh awkwardly to mask the uneasiness they feel.