8. Analyzing Abuse, Symbolism, and Subtext in The Shining: A Controversial Interpretation
Adventures in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining."
Analyzing Abuse, Symbolism, and Subtext in The Shining: A Controversial Interpretation
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining has long been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate, with its cryptic symbols and unsettling subtext inviting countless interpretations. One of the more disturbing readings of the film, suggested by Rob Ager of Collative Learning, posits that Danny Torrance may be a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of his father, Jack Torrance. This interpretation draws on several symbolic and narrative elements in the film, including the recurring bear motif, Danny’s fainting after his vision of the river of blood, and the unsettling implications of Jack’s behavior, including his reading of a Playgirl magazine featuring an article on incest. Though this theory is deeply distressing and repugnant, it provides a lens through which to explore the film’s portrayal of abuse, power, and denial.
The Bear Motif and Its Implications
One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for this reading is the recurring motif of the bear, which appears in several contexts throughout the film. In the scene where Danny is being analyzed by a doctor after fainting, he is lying on a large stuffed bear pillow. This image later echoes the infamous scene near the film’s climax, where a man in a bear costume is seen performing oral sex on a man in a tuxedo, a moment of grotesque and unsettling surrealism.
The bear imagery extends beyond these two moments. As Ager points out, artwork throughout the Overlook Hotel features small bears in positions that suggest fellatio in relation to larger bears, reinforcing the symbolic connection between bears and sexual acts. These visual cues, combined with the focus on Danny’s placement on the bear pillow, suggest a disturbing subtext of abuse.
Danny’s Teeth-Brushing and the Role of Tony
Another element that bolsters this interpretation is the emphasis on Danny brushing his teeth, a detail mentioned repeatedly during the doctor’s visit. Ager suggests that this focus could symbolize Danny’s attempt to “clean his mouth,” implying the aftermath of a deeply traumatic event. This reading aligns with the theory of sexual abuse, as teeth-brushing becomes a physical manifestation of Danny’s psychological distress and subconscious need to purify himself.
Danny’s imaginary friend, Tony, further complicates the narrative. Tony, who “lives in Danny’s mouth,” seems to symbolize a repressed aspect of Danny’s psyche, potentially linked to trauma. The fact that Tony resides in such a specific and unusual location could suggest that Danny’s mouth is a site of both psychological and physical violation. Tony’s role as a protector and guide for Danny, warning him of the dangers of the Overlook Hotel, underscores the possibility that he represents Danny’s subconscious attempts to process and shield himself from the abuse.
Jack and the Playgirl Magazine
Another chilling detail supporting this theory is Jack Torrance’s choice of reading material in the lobby of the Overlook Hotel. In this scene, Jack is seen reading a Playgirl magazine, a choice that is already unsettling given the setting and tone of the film. Upon closer examination, the magazine’s cover includes an article titled “Incest: Why Parents Sleep with Their Children,” a detail that is difficult to dismiss as coincidental given Kubrick’s meticulous attention to detail.
This moment serves as a subtle yet powerful clue, aligning Jack with themes of inappropriate behavior and boundary violations. While it does not serve as definitive evidence of sexual abuse, it heightens the film’s unsettling atmosphere and reinforces the possibility of Jack’s abusive tendencies extending beyond physical violence and emotional manipulation.
Wendy’s Denial and Symbolism
Wendy Torrance’s role in this dynamic is also significant. In the scene where Danny is being examined by the doctor, Wendy’s outfit mirrors the Goofy marionette hanging on the wall, suggesting a demeaning comparison. This visual parallel implies that Wendy is naive or complicit in her inability to confront the full extent of Jack’s abuse. Her cheerful demeanor during the doctor’s visit contrasts sharply with the gravity of Danny’s fainting episode and his unsettling visions, further highlighting her potential denial of the situation.
Wendy’s behavior throughout the film suggests a woman who is deeply entrenched in a cycle of abuse, unable or unwilling to fully acknowledge the danger Jack poses to their son. Her depiction as “goofy” in this scene serves as a metaphor for her perceived ineffectiveness in protecting Danny, a tragic commentary on the dynamics of abusive households.
The River of Blood as a Symbol of Trauma
Danny’s fainting episode following his vision of the river of blood pouring from the Overlook’s elevator serves as a pivotal moment in the film. The river of blood, already rich with symbolism related to historical violence and genocide, takes on an additional layer of meaning when interpreted through the lens of Danny’s trauma. The overwhelming, all-encompassing nature of the blood parallels the magnitude of Danny’s repressed experiences, suggesting that his fainting is not only a response to the supernatural but also to a deeper, more personal horror.
The disappearance of the “Dopey” sticker from Danny’s door after this vision signifies his loss of innocence. Once naive to the malevolence within the Overlook and his father’s capacity for harm, Danny emerges from this episode with a heightened awareness, reflected in his growing reliance on Tony and his ability to navigate the dangers of the hotel.
A Difficult Interpretation
This interpretation of The Shining as a depiction of sexual abuse within the Torrance family is undeniably disturbing, and its implications cast Jack Torrance in an even darker light. While Jack’s physical and emotional abuse of Wendy and Danny is explicit, the suggestion of sexual abuse relies on subtext and symbolic interpretation. Nevertheless, Kubrick’s deliberate use of imagery, such as the bear motif and the Playgirl magazine, lends weight to this theory, making it a plausible and deeply unsettling reading of the film.
Conclusion
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a film that invites endless interpretation, and the theory of Danny’s sexual abuse by Jack Torrance, though controversial, is supported by significant symbolic and narrative evidence. The recurring bear motif, the emphasis on Danny’s teeth-brushing, Tony’s residence in Danny’s mouth, and Jack’s choice of reading material all point toward a darker subtext of abuse. Wendy’s role as a naive and possibly complicit figure further complicates the family dynamics, creating a portrait of a household steeped in trauma and denial. While this interpretation is difficult to accept, it highlights Kubrick’s ability to weave complex, unsettling themes into his work, leaving audiences grappling with the darkest corners of the human psyche.