Background of the Hotel

The background of the hotel is perhaps one of the most important aspects upon which King builds his story as a building must have a history in order to be haunted. The hotel has been the ruin of many both financially and physically. The grandson of the man who originally built the fine hotel has the lowly position of the janitor. Even while it was being built, the hotel was plagued with tragedy. One of the original owner’s sons was killed in a riding accident on the grounds of the hotel while it was being built. The man’s wife later died of the flu; then, he was demoted to caretaker. He later killed himself by sticking his finger in a light socket.

Delbert Grady, another caretaker of the hotel, killed his wife and two daughters will taking care of the hotel...