Stephen King’s novel The Shining is primarily set in the winter of 1970. The story unfolds at the Overlook Hotel, a fictional resort located in the Colorado Rockies. The protagonist, Jack Torrance, takes a job as the winter caretaker of the hotel in order to provide for his family and work on his writing.
The choice of 1970 is significant because it places the characters in a time period that allows for exploration of isolation, personal struggle, and supernatural elements without the distractions of modern technology. Throughout the narrative, the setting plays a crucial role in enhancing the eerie and haunting atmosphere that is central to the story.