[s1e2] Open Casket -

The episode uses a non-linear narrative, weaving between the "past" at Hill House and the "present" following the death of the youngest sibling, Nell.

After receiving the news of Nell’s suicide, Shirley insists on preparing her sister’s body herself. [S1E2] Open Casket

Shirley is often interpreted as representing Anger in the five stages of grief. Her anger manifests as a need for control and a literal "fixing" of the dead to mask the chaos of loss. The episode uses a non-linear narrative, weaving between

Shirley’s profession is a direct response to her childhood trauma. She believes that by physically repairing a body, she can psychologically repair the survivors' trauma. Her anger manifests as a need for control

Shirley now owns a funeral home with her husband, Kevin. She is a perfectionist who views her work as a way to provide families with a "better picture" to replace scary memories of death.