Jack vs. Wendy: Marital Conflict

The Shining

The growing rift between Jack and Wendy, fueled by the hotel's influence, leads to violence.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Early TensionsThe Early Tensions
The Strain The Wasp Incident After Danny is stung, Wendy blames Jack. He feels unfairly accused. The incident creates tension. The Secrets Jack becomes secretive about his time in the basement. Wendy feels excluded. The Distance The couple grows apart. They stop communicating effectively.
The AccusationThe Accusation
The Blame The Trance When Danny goes into a trance, Wendy accuses Jack of hurting him. Jack is furious. The Argument They have a heated argument. Jack feels Wendy never trusts him. Wendy feels Jack is dangerous. The Rift The argument deepens the rift. They sleep in separate beds. The hotel exploits their anger.
The Physical AttackThe Physical Attack
The Violence The Assault Jack attacks Wendy with a roque mallet. He tries to kill her. She fights back. The Stabbing Wendy stabs Jack in the back. He continues to pursue her. The marriage is destroyed. The End Wendy survives, but the marriage is over. Jack dies. The conflict ends in tragedy.
October
late October
December 2