Jack and Al Shockley's Friendship

The friendship between Jack and Al, tainted by dependency and control, contributes to Jack's resentment.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Drinking Buddies

The Bond The Shared Vice Jack and Al were drinking buddies. They spent many nights together, drinking heavily. The Support Al helped Jack get the caretaker job. He believed in Jack's ability to reform. The Debt Jack feels indebted to Al. This creates an imbalance in their friendship.

The Phone Call

The Demand The Call Al calls Jack to demand he drop the book project. He reminds Jack of his debts. The Humiliation Jack feels humiliated and controlled. He resents Al's power over him. The Rift The friendship is strained. Jack feels betrayed. The hotel exploits this resentment.

The Aftermath

The Offer The Job After Jack's death, Al offers Wendy a job. He tries to help the family. The Ambiguity Al's help is genuine, but it also shows his continued influence over the Torrances. The End Jack and Al's friendship ended in tragedy. Al is left with guilt and a desire to make amends.

past, at Stovington

early November

summer