3. One of the most powerful themes is that of familial bonding and pain. King focuses on the difficult relationships between parents & kids, and of love that continues despite alcoholism & abuse. How does this add to the poignancy and also the horror?

[Jen]

Comments:

[Pip]

The intense love that Danny had for his father was poignant, because his father had broken his arm in a drunken rage. Children can be very forgiving, although Jack did not seem to be forgiving of his own father. Wendy had more faith in her husband than he appeared to deserve, particularly when she left the safety of her apartment in the Overlook Hotel to go and look for him. Her concern seemed to me to be misjudged, to say the least!

[Kristel]

I agree with Pip here. Jack did not deserve the kindness and concern of his wife and son.