Jack’s work is tied to status, recognition, and what he refuses to value. We meet him interviewing for the caretaker’s job, but he establishes himself as a writer. His family and the practical work of caring for the hotel become secondary to the importance he gives that identity.
Work and Family
In this image · No.5
Jack’s need to assert himself as a writer over a school teacher deals with how Americans handle which careers get praise and which ones get shame.
It is “better” to be a man who writes than a man who teaches future generations.
It also sets up why Jack rejects Wendy (and his family), and which work he chooses vs. the work he’s actually hired to do.