Delbert Grady's Ghostly Influence

The ghost of the former caretaker returns to manipulate Jack into repeating his own murderous actions.

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The Legend of Grady

The Warning Ullman's Story Stuart Ullman tells Jack about Delbert Grady, the previous caretaker who murdered his family and committed suicide. The story is a warning. The Parallel Jack sees parallels between himself and Grady: both are alcoholics, both have families, both are isolated. He dismisses the comparison. The Foreshadowing Grady's story foreshadows Jack's fate. The hotel seems to repeat its patterns.

The Ghost Appears

The Tempter The Voice While locked in the pantry, Jack hears Grady's voice. Grady speaks calmly, convincing Jack that he must punish his family. The Manipulation Grady appeals to Jack's pride and anger. He tells Jack that the hotel wants him, not Danny. This is a lie. The Pact Jack agrees to kill his family. Grady unlocks the door. The hotel uses Grady's ghost to manipulate Jack.

The Conversation at the Party

The Butler The Meeting Jack meets Grady at the ghostly party. Grady is dressed as a butler. He tells Jack that he has always been the caretaker. The Advice Grady advises Jack to correct his son harshly. He says that women and children rarely understand a father's duty. The Influence Grady's words reinforce Jack's delusions. The hotel uses Grady to push Jack toward violence.

early autumn, during the job interview

December 2, when Jack is in the pantry

December 2, during the ballroom hallucination