The Shining Characters and Hotel Background

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Questions and Answers

Who is Jack Torrance?

The new winter keeper for the Overlook Hotel

Who is Stuart Ullman?

The hotel manager for the Overlook that is interviewing Jack for his new job

What does Mr. Ullman tell Jack about the attic?

To make sure Jack's 5-year-old son doesn't wander up into it

What does Mr. Ullman say after he mentions the night maids hear rustling noises up in the attic?

He insists there isn't as much as a rat up there Signup and view all the answers

Who is Albert Shockley?

A large investor in the Overlook Hotel Signup and view all the answers

Why was Jack given the job as the winter attendant?

Mr. Shockley insisted Jack be given the job Signup and view all the answers

Would Jack have been given the job of the winter attendant if Mr. Shockley hadn't insisted?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Mr. Ullman want Jack to have the job?

He thought a detached college student without a wife and kids would have been better for the job Signup and view all the answers

How far away is the closest town to the Overlook Hotel?

40 miles away Signup and view all the answers

When are the roads from the Overlook to the nearest town closed?

October/November through April Signup and view all the answers

When was the Overlook Hotel built?

1907-1909 Signup and view all the answers

Who built the Overlook Hotel?

Robert Townley Watson Signup and view all the answers

How many times was the hotel sold before World War II?

How long did the hotel remain vacant?

Until right after World War II ended Signup and view all the answers

Who purchased the hotel after World War II?

Horace Derwent Signup and view all the answers

When did Mr. Derwent sell the hotel to Mr. Shockley?

1970 Signup and view all the answers

How long did it take the Overlook to make money?

Nearly 70 years Signup and view all the answers

What did Jack do for work before he got the winter attendant job?

He was an English teacher at a Vermont prep school Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jack lose his teaching job?

He had a drinking problem and lost his temper at work Signup and view all the answers

How long has it been since Jack has touched a drink?

14 months Signup and view all the answers

Who is Delbert Grady?

The old winter attendant that worked at the Overlook Hotel in the winter of 1970-1971 Signup and view all the answers

What did Delbert Grady develop during his winter as the attendant?

Cabin Fever Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Grady do to his wife and daughters during their winter at the Overlook?

He killed his daughters with a hatchet and then killed himself and his wife with a shotgun Signup and view all the answers

What is the only way for the hotel to get in contact with the outside world in the winter months?

A two-way radio which Jack was given a list of correct frequencies for Signup and view all the answers

What is Cabin Fever?

...a slang term for the claustrophobic reaction that can occur when people are shut in together over long periods of time. Signup and view all the answers

What was wrong with Mr. Grady when his and his family's bodies were found?

His leg was broken Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr. Ullman think Mr. Grady's leg was broken when his body was found?

He thinks Mr. Grady had gotten drunk and fallen down a flight of stairs before he killed himself Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jack think what happened to the Grady's could never happen to him and his family?

He says they have plenty of things to keep themselves occupied Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Roles

Jack Torrance: Appointed as the winter keeper for the Overlook Hotel.
Stuart Ullman: Hotel manager interviewing Jack for his new job.
Albert Shockley: Significant investor in the Overlook Hotel who recommended Jack for the position.
Delbert Grady: Former winter attendant at the Overlook during 1970-1971.

Overlook Hotel Details

Location: 40 miles from the nearest town, with roads closed from October/November through April.
Construction: Built between 1907 and 1909 by Robert Townley Watson.
Ownership History: Sold four times before World War II and remained vacant until shortly after the war; purchased by Horace Derwent, who renovated the hotel for $1 million.
Sale and Profit: Sold to Mr. Shockley in 1970, took nearly 70 years for the hotel to become profitable.

Job Dynamics

Jack's Qualifications: Former English teacher dismissed due to drinking problems and anger management issues; 14 months sober at the time of his employment.
Ullman's Hesitation: Expressed preference for a detached individual without family commitments over Jack.

Cabin Fever

Definition: A condition Jack explains to Ullman as a claustrophobic reaction from prolonged confinement.
Grady's Incident: Delbert Grady developed cabin fever and tragically killed his family, leading to their demise; Grady's body was found with a broken leg, believed to be the result of falling while intoxicated.

Communication and Isolation

Communication: The only contact with the outside world during winter months is through a two-way radio, with Jack receiving instructions on its usage.
Grady's Tragic End: The incident raises Jack's concerns about potential isolation effects on his own family, countered by his belief that they will stay occupied.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the key characters and historical details of the Overlook Hotel from Stephen King's 'The Shining'. This quiz covers the roles of important figures like Jack Torrance and the hotel's fascinating history from its construction to its ownership changes. Dive deep into the chilling setting of this iconic horror story.