King illustrates Jack Torrance as primarily concerned about his status through mocking diction, juxtaposition, and symbolism, revealing Jack to be a selfish man who prioritizes himself over his family. By using derisive language, King exposes how Jack ridicules Wendy’s worry over their son. Jack thinks to himself, “She hadn’t said a word about what was going to happen to them after they got down, when the party was over. . .It had been Danny this and Danny that and Jack I’m so scared” (394). Jack alludes to Wendy’s concerns as “Danny this and Danny that,” indicating that he trivializes her worries about Danny, reducing them to unimportant “this” and “that.” By referring to their departure from the hotel and Danny’s traumatic experience as a…show more content… .” (394). He then predicts his future self, a picture of him “with a shovel from the Sidewinder Western Auto on his shoulder, ringing doorbells. . .that picture came to him much more clearly than the hedge lions” (395). Jack was once a talented young writer, published in an esteemed magazine and highly regarded. However, if he moves out of the Overlook, he will be forced to resort to small, mediocre jobs. By placing this admired past version of Jack next to the anticipated future Jack, Jack’s worry about losing his reputation is emphasized. He dreads being reduced from a great writer to a financial struggler. These two images of Jack are further juxtaposed with the image of the hedge lions, that had earlier terrified Jack. The picture of Jack struggling comes to him “much more clearly than the hedge lions,” explaining that he would rather stay with the unexplained monsters of the Overlook than endure the embarrassment of shoveling driveways; he would rather place his family in danger than ruin his reputation, showing that he cares more about his status than his family’s needs. Additionally, King employs symbolism to depict Jack’s preoccupation with his wealth and selfishness. Jack contemplates selling some items to make money, thinking to himself,
