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.
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. [S1E2] Open Casket
Shirley’s mother, Olivia, is shown designing blueprints for their "forever house," which they plan to build after flipping Hill House. Shirley is often interpreted as representing Anger in
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. [S1E2] Open Casket