The Shining Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 21, Night Thoughts Summary

Chapter 21, Night Thoughts Summary

The three family members lie awake in their rooms, believing the others to be asleep. Jack is thinking back on his phone call during the evening from Al Shockley. Shockley was highly critical of Jack's phone call to Ullman, and of his idea for a book. Jack, unable to say anything in return due to the fear of losing his job, begins to resent Shockley, as Shockley tells Jack his opinion of how Jack is acting. Shockley forces Jack to promise not to call Ullman again, and not to write the book about the shady past of the Overlook. Jack, nearly shaking with anger, agrees, and ends the conversation with anger and bitterness in his mind. Now, while lying in bed, he is still seething with anger, and promises himself that he will write the book eventually to gain revenge.

Wendy, lying next to him and believing he is asleep,...
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