I don't think IT was in the basement either. It's been awhile since I read the novel, but I'll try and articulate this as best as I can. I think there were certain places in Derry in which IT could actually kill in a physical form: The Standpipe, The house at Niebolt Street, The canal, etc. But when it came to people's homes, it felt like IT's power was a little more limited. It could obviously create visual and auditory hallucinations (blood from the drain, the photo album), but I don't recall IT actually killiing someone unless it had the help of a human familiar, such as in the Dorsey Corcoran murder. Now, or course Bill cuts his fingers when he reaches into the photo album, but that may of occurred because he crossed a threshold by his own volition. It's not like Pennywise was able to reach out and grab him.
So why would this be? Could it be because children feel an innate sense of security in their own home? Even if it's subconciously and even if there are frightening elements within the home such as a creepy basement?
So why would this be? Could it be because children feel an innate sense of security in their own home? Even if it's subconciously and even if there are frightening elements within the home such as a creepy basement?