Theme Of Juxtaposition In The Shining

As Joss Whedon so eloquently put, “To accept duality, is to earn identity.” In the

1980’s horror classic The Shining, Stanley Kubrick portrays the concept of duality through the juxtaposition in the mise-en-scene and the contrast between the mental and physical state of the characters. This theory is exemplified in the Delbert Grady

Bathroom Scene in which both protagonist Jack Torrance and Delbert Grady, the previous caretaker and current waiter at the Overlook Hotel have a lengthy chat about their past.

The scene demonstrates duality through the juxtaposition in the mise-en-scene, whether it be in the details of the bathroom setting or through the non-diegetic song choice. The juxtaposition in the mise-en-scene is immediately distinguished as the

The scene signifies duality through the contrast between the mental and physical state of the characters; this is exemplified in the personification of the mirrors in the irony of Delbert cleaning Jack. During the dialogue between Delbert and Jack, Delbert is strategically placed in front of a mirror. When Delbert is cleaning Jack and having a conversation with him, it is awkwardly apparent to the viewers that Jack is looking at his reflection in the mirror while talking to Delbert rather than looking at him. This further suggests that Delbert is Jack’s “shining” living in his brain telling him information rather than in reality. The tracking shot, following Jack while he looks closer into the mirror confirms the importance of the mirror and the notion of Jack having an internal monologue rather than a conversation with a waiter. The situational irony in this scene is exhibited through Delbert Grady cleaning Jack. The physical difference between the two men is vital to the imagery; Grady is very prim and well dressed while Jack is unshaven and dishevelled. The contrast in made evident to the viewer in a medium shot with