The Shining

by

Stephen King

The Shining: Chapter 31 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Jack goes down into the kitchen where Danny and Wendy are waiting and stands there staring at them. There is nothing in room 217, Jack says. It is totally empty. He smiles at Danny and Wendy until he feels them relax a bit and thinks that he has never needed a drink more in his entire life.
Jack’s craving for a drink reflects his stress and terror. He knows there is something in room 217, but he lies to Wendy and Danny. Given Jack’s ruthless desire to punish Danny, it’s unclear at this point whether he wants to protect and comfort Danny and Wendy, or simply to keep them in the dark.
Themes
Fear, the Paranormal, and Reality Theme Icon
Family  Theme Icon
Alcoholism and Abuse Theme Icon