Shirley Jackson's short story "The Daemon Lover," first published in 1949, is based on a traditional Scottish ballad called "The Daemon Lover" (also known as "The House Carpenter" or "James Harris"). This ballad has been passed down through generations and tells the story of a woman who is deserted by her lover on her wedding day. In some versions of the ballad, the lover is a supernatural figure, referred to as a "daemon" or "demon."
In Jackson's version of the story, she reimagines the traditional ballad in a contemporary setting. The protagonist, a young woman named Kathleen, is about to get married, but her fiancé is nowhere to be found. Instead, she receives a series of disturbing letters from him, leading her on a journey through the city as she searches for him.
The inspiration for "The Daemon Lover" likely came from Jackson's fascination with folklore and supernatural tales. She was known for drawing upon various folk traditions and myths in her writing, and in this story, she puts her own unique twist on a traditional ballad.
In addition to drawing from folklore, "The Daemon Lover" also reflects some of Jackson's recurring themes, such as the exploration of psychological suspense and the portrayal of characters grappling with the unknown and the uncanny. The story is shrouded in ambiguity and leaves readers questioning the nature of reality and the true identity of the mysterious lover.
Overall, Shirley Jackson's "The Daemon Lover" pays homage to traditional ballads while showcasing her skill in crafting psychologically rich and haunting narratives, which are characteristic of her writing style.