The Shining is a classic psychological horror novel by Stephen King that later adapted into a critically acclaimed film by Stanley Kubrick. The story revolves around a man named Jack Torrance and his family who are staying in an isolated hotel during winter, where sinister spirits drive Jack into madness. The Shining is known for its haunting and unforgettable quotes that captivate the readers’ or viewers’ minds. Here are 20 of the most popular quotes from The Shining:
Quotes from The Shining
- “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” – This quote illustrates Jack Torrance’s growing obsession and descent into madness.
- “REDRUM. REDRUM.” – Famously uttered by Danny Torrance, this word ‘redrum’ is the backward spelling of ‘murder’.
- “Here’s Johnny!” – Undoubtedly one of the most iconic lines in horror film history, Jack yells this as he breaks down a bathroom door with an axe.
- “I’m not gonna hurt ya. I’m just going to bash your brains in.” – Cruelly ironic, as Jack says this with a manic grin.
- “Danny isn’t here, Mrs. Torrance.” – Danny’s alternate persona, Tony, speaks these chilling words when Danny is under a trance in the film.
- “Some places are like people: some shine and some don’t.” – Dick Hallorann uses this metaphor to explain the supernatural activity at the Overlook Hotel.
- “A momentary loss of muscular coordination.” – Jack uses this phrase to underplay his violent, abusive behavior.
- “Go check it out!” – Wendy, panicked, says this to Jack when their son Danny is traumatized by an unexplained event.
- “You’ve always been the caretaker.” – Said by Delbert Grady to Jack in the film, this implies that Jack is fated to be part of the hotel’s cycle of violence.
- “I like you, Lloyd. I always liked you. You were always the best of them. Best goddamned bartender from Timbuktu to Portland, Maine. Or Portland, Oregon, for that matter.” – Jack, while talking to the ghostly bartender, Lloyd.
- “I fear you will have to deal with this matter in the harshest possible way, Mr. Torrance.” – Delbert Grady suggests Jack to violently correct Wendy and Danny.
- “It’s just like pictures in a book, Danny. It isn’t real.” – Wendy trying to comfort Danny after one of his visions.
- “You did this to him, didn’t you?” – Wendy accuses Jack when Danny is traumatized.
- “Yes, Mr. Torrance, I see.” – Ullman response to Jack during their initial conversation.
- “You set him up and I’ll knock him back, Lloyd, one by one.” – Jack talks to the ghostly bartender, Lloyd.
- “I wish we could stay here forever, and ever and ever.” – Said by Jack, this line shows his increasing connection to the hotel.
- “Come out, come out, wherever you are.” – This is said in a threatening, taunting tone by a deranged Jack.
- “I think a lot of things happened right here in this particular hotel over the years, and not all of them was good.” – Dick Hallorann describes the past of Overlook Hotel.
- “Wendy? Darling? Light, of my life. I’m not gonna hurt ya.” – Jack manipulatively tries to reason with Wendy.
- “Great party, isn’t it?” – These words are uttered by a ghostly reveler in the Gold Room of Overlook Hotel.
These quotes highlight the chilling atmosphere and the eerie narrative progression in The Shining. They serve to accentuate the horror elements and the characters’ inner turmoil, contributing significantly to the success of this classic horror novel and film.