Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Shining by Stephen King

"The Shining" is a gothic horror novel that tells the story of Jack Torrance, a recovering alcoholic and struggling writer, who accepts a job as the off-season caretaker of the Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. Jack sees this as an opportunity to reconnect with his wife Wendy and his son Danny, and to focus on his writing.

The novel is divided into five parts, each describing the events of a month-long period leading up to the climactic finale.

Part One: "Prefatory Matters" The novel begins with Jack being interviewed by Stuart Ullman, the manager of the Overlook Hotel. Jack is warned about the isolation of the hotel, and the tragic history of the previous caretaker who went insane and murdered his family. Despite this, Jack convinces Ullman that he is the right man for the job.

Part Two: "Closing Day" Jack, Wendy, and Danny arrive at the hotel on Closing Day, the last day before the hotel closes for the winter. They meet Dick Hallorann, the head chef, who explains to Danny that they both have a special ability called "the shining," which allows them to communicate telepathically.

Part Three: "The Wasps' Nest" The Torrance family settles into the hotel, but strange things begin to happen. Danny has a terrifying vision of the hotel's history, and Jack is plagued by nightmares. A wasp's nest outside their window becomes a symbol of the growing danger that threatens their family.

Part Four: "Snowbound" A heavy snowstorm traps the family in the hotel, and Jack's mental state begins to deteriorate. He becomes increasingly paranoid and aggressive, and begins to see ghosts and visions. Wendy becomes fearful for her and Danny's safety.

Part Five: "The Grand Finale" The novel reaches its climax as Jack becomes fully possessed by the hotel's malevolent spirit, and attempts to murder his family. Wendy and Danny are forced to fight for their lives as Jack chases them through the hotel. In the end, Dick Hallorann returns to help them, but is killed by Jack. Wendy and Danny barely escape with their lives as the hotel explodes in a fiery inferno.

"The Shining" is ultimately a story about the fragility of the human mind, and the horrors that can be unleashed when it is pushed to its limits. King masterfully builds tension throughout the novel, slowly unraveling Jack's sanity until he becomes a terrifying force of evil. The Overlook Hotel itself becomes a character, with its dark history and malevolent presence.

Overall, "The Shining" is a haunting and unforgettable tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.