Alcoholism in the Shining Essay - 620 Words

Alcoholism in â€Å"The Shining† In â€Å"The Shining†, written by Steven King, the reader is exposed to an issue that a lot of families face in the real world that of which is alcoholism. The story’s main character, Jack Torrance, struggles from this issue due to his troubled past regarding an abusive and alcoholic father as well as his struggle of becoming the very man he loved, yet hated as a child. By exposing the reader to alcoholism, they are instantly aware of the outcomes of it and how it can affect someone. King uses this method to help enhance the story, to allow the contents of the book to become real and relatable to the reader, and most importantly, to allow the reader to actually sympathize with the main characters. Throughout the†¦show more content†¦This causes Jack to be driven off the edge in hatred, which also causes his family to be in danger of abuse yet again. In the end of the novel, Jack’s frail mind caused from his extreme thirst for alcohol and his abusive childhood from his father end up being his inevitable downfall. Jack’s mind becomes completely filled with hatred for his family and the yearning for them to suffer, he becomes blinded with rage. The reader’s begin to root for Wendy and Danny as they escape Jack’s grasp; leaving behind the exploding remains of the Outlook Hotel and a once beloved member of their family. Steven King did an incredible job creating â€Å"The Shining†. Using a real life issue as damaging as alcoholism and allowing the reader to sympathize and even relate with the main characters was truly a remarkable idea. This thriller is, in no doubt, a masterpiece that will stay a treasure for years to come. Word Count: 604 Work Cited King, Stephen. The Shining. New York, NY: Pocket, 2001. Print. Magistrale, Tony. Landscape of Fear : Stephen Kings American Gothic. Popular Press, 2004. Print. Magistrale, Tony. 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