The Shining
Literary Terms
Symbolism
- A figure of speech where an object, person, or situation has another meaning.
Quote and Meaning
"Ringling Brothers Circus Strongboy"
Explanation: He lifted a cinderblock that happened to have a wasps nest inside it, and he was stung by a wasp hidden in the cinderblock, causing him to drop the block on his tender tootsies.
Setting
- The historical moment in time and geographic location in which a story takes place.
Quote and Meaning
"When he came back to the world of real things, he was lying on the floor with beans and mashed potatoes on his lap and his mommy was holding him and crying and his daddy had been on the phone."
Explanation: Danny doesn't always remember the things he sees when he goes with Tony, and or concentrates too hard, he has the experience of losing time.
Conflict
- A struggle between opposing forces.
Quote and Meaning
"During our first winter I hired a family instead of a single man. There was tragedy. A horrible tragedy."
Explanation: Delbert Grady hated his family and so he gains power from destroying them.
Theme
- Can be the main idea or message
Quote and Meaning
“This inhuman place makes human monsters.”
Explanation: Jack is struggling with his own childhood abuse and the intense love-hate relationship he had with his father.