The Housemaid is Watching

“But now, for the first time, I wonder if I have made a terrible mistake moving here.”

The foreshadowing surrounding the dark truth of the neighborhood begins as early as the second chapter, establishing the theme of Appearance Versus Reality in Suburban Communities. Millie, after seeing Janice staring at her, wonders about what lies beneath the seemingly innocuous façade of suburban life.

“I was so excited to move here, but it’s starting to seem like I’ve chosen the least friendly cul-de-sac in town. One neighbor is hitting on my husband, and the other is judging my dedication as a mother. Once again, I wonder if moving here has been a terrible mistake.”

The repetition of Millie’s doubts about her new neighborhood adds depth to her concern about Locust Street, illustrating her use of intuition to try to uncover the danger lurking nearby. However, her intuition fails to identify what the danger truly is, instead seeing superficial issues of jealousy and judgment.

“Yet there’s something unnerving about her. Possibly because she’s still staring at me like she can’t rip her eyes away. I’m used to women staring at Enzo, but she’s not interested in him or my children. Her gaze is laser-beam focused on my face.”

Martha’s gaze at Millie foreshadows the reveal of her true identity and knowledge of Millie’s past. Millie fails to pick up on Martha’s nonverbal cues for help, as she’s too fixated on trying to fit into the façade of idealized suburbia.