The Cost of Ambition and Artistic Obsession

Jack's ambition to write a great book and his obsession with the hotel's history contribute to his downfall.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Play

The Dream The Ambition Jack wants to finish his play. He sees the winter as an opportunity to focus. The Block Jack struggles with writer's block. He becomes frustrated. The Distraction The hotel's history becomes a new obsession. He abandons the play for the scrapbook.

The Book Project

The Obsession The Idea Jack decides to write a book about the Overlook's history. He becomes obsessed with research. The Conflict Al Shockley demands he drop the project. Jack feels controlled. His obsession grows. The Neglect Jack neglects his family and his duties. The obsession feeds the hotel's influence.

The Destruction

The Price The Madness Jack's obsession leads to madness. He loses himself to the hotel. The Death Jack dies. His ambition cost him everything. The Lesson The novel warns against letting ambition consume one's life. Balance is necessary.

early autumn

November

December 2