88 pages 2 hours read

Stephen King

The Shining

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1977

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Introduction

Teacher Introduction

The Shining

  • Genre: Fiction; horror, psychological thriller
  • Originally Published: 1977
  • Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 840L; adult
  • Structure/Length: Divided into parts and chapters; approximately 688 pages; approximately 15 hours, 50 minutes on audiobook
  • Protagonist/Central Conflict: Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering from an alcohol addiction, accepts a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel in Colorado. He moves in with his wife, Wendy, and their young son, Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as "the shining." As the isolated hotel becomes snowbound, supernatural forces within the hotel begin to awaken, leading Jack to question his grip on reality and fight for his family’s survival. The central conflict revolves around the Torrance family’s struggle against the malevolent forces of the hotel and the dark secrets it holds.
  • Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of horror, violence, domestic abuse, alcoholism, and family dysfunction

Stephen King, Author

  • Bio: Born 1947; American author known for his prolific output in the horror and suspense genres; King is often referred to as the "Master of Horror"; his works have sold over 350 million copies, with many of his books adapted into films, TV series, and miniseries; known for his immersive storytelling and exploration of human fears and vulnerabilities; recipient of numerous awards and honors for his contributions to literature
  • Other Works: Carrie (1974); The Stand (1978); Pet Sematary (1983); It (1986); Misery (1987); and The Dark Tower series (1982-2012); King’s bibliography includes a vast array of novels, novellas, and short stories, spanning the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres

Related Titles

By Stephen King

Plot Summary

logo

Bag of Bones

Stephen King

Bag of Bones

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Billy Summers

Stephen King

Billy Summers

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Children of the Corn

Stephen King

Children of the Corn

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Different Seasons

Stephen King

Different Seasons

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Doctor Sleep

Stephen King

Doctor Sleep

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Dolores Claiborne

Stephen King

Dolores Claiborne

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Elevation

Stephen King

Elevation: A Novel

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

End of Watch

Stephen King

End of Watch

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Fairy Tale

Stephen King

Fairy Tale

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Finders Keepers

Stephen King

Finders Keepers

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Firestarter

Stephen King

Firestarter

Stephen King

Plot Summary

logo

From a Buick 8

Stephen King

From a Buick 8

Stephen King

Plot Summary

logo

Full Dark, No Stars

Stephen King

Full Dark, No Stars

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Gerald's Game

Stephen King

Gerald's Game

Stephen King

Study Guide

logo

Gwendy's Button Box

Stephen King, Richard Chizmar

Gwendy's Button Box

Stephen King, Richard Chizmar