Another theme that’s dependent on its context, animals are shown across the entire film, in various styles, and for a multitude of purposes:
Communicating the feral/wild nature inherent within humans (as shown with the dog bark / wolf howl in No.4, No.29), showing the control and destruction humans have had with their environment (man vs, nature), as well as creating messaging around specific animals and characters, Animals as a theme is robust.
Around Danny, you’ll find birds, tigers, and bears.
The birds relate to hunting, and more specifically; the prey being hunting. Framed bird photos are around The Colorado Lounge and The Green Hallway.
Tigers, euphemistically relate to Tony. Frosted Flakes with its Tony the Tiger mascot features prominently within The Kitchen, and The Pantry.
Bears; both in their literal representation as a pillow shown in equal screen space with Danny’s face, framed bear illustrations above his bed within The Overlook, a flat bear skin rug in front of the fire in The Colorado Lounge, and the man in the bear suit performing fellatio; the chandeliers are also bear traps.
Referenced with Danny are also rabbits, Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry, Roadrunner & Coyote which all relate to Play Vs. Violence as well as hunting.
Around Wendy you’ll find butterflies & dogs; showing her ability to focus on the make believe and be loyal to
her detriment.
“How about you take me for a walk after you finish your breakfast?”
“Hair of the dog that bit me”
Around Jack you’ll find pheasant feathers arranged in a centerpiece signifying the control of environment and the destruction of life for the one’s enjoyment, dogs, and wolves; showing a predatory nature and cementing the hunting aspect within Danny’s imagery.
In this image · No.5
Tied to conquest, animals are used as a resource or a source of pride, not as a celebration of equal life as it would be in Indigenous cultures.