The Shining Isolation

Isolation can be hard on a person, especially when that person feels like a total failure and they think that the book they're working on is their only chance at being relevant. And when that same person has total writer's block and can't write a single word. And when he's already kind of a violent dirtbag.

Mr. Ullman talks about the dangers of isolation early in The Shining, but Jackie boy doesn't pay attention because he thinks he'll handle it just fine. Well it turns out that isolation will get to him a lot more than he thinks. Or maybe it's just demonic possession… it's hard to tell.

Questions About Isolation

1. Do you think that isolation is one of the main factors contributing to Jack's downfall, or is it something else? Why?
2. Why do you think isolation has such a strong effect on people? Do you think isolation can drive a sane person crazy? Why or why not?
3. Is Jack concerned about how the isolation of the Overlook will affect Wendy or Danny? Why or why not?

Chew on This

In The Shining, we see that isolation is totally capable of driving a sane person crazy.

The Shining reminds us that the longer a person is alone, the more that person will resent people intruding on their isolation.