George Hatfield Character Analysis

One of Jack Torrance’s former students at Stovington Prep in Stovington, Vermont. George was on the debate team Jack coached at Stovington, but Jack cut him because he stuttered. After George was cut, Jack caught him slashing the tires on Jack’s Volkswagen and nearly beat George to death. George’s assault is the reason Jack was fired from Stovington, and George insists that Jack set the timer ahead during his last debate because Jack is jealous of his good looks and bright future. Jack denies envy of George, although it is likely true, and maintains that George cheated on his Final Composition in English class. Jack admits to setting the timer ahead, but only out of pity for George’s stutter, and he harbors extreme guilt and deep resentment for George. In the climax of the novel, as Jack stands over Danny with the roque mallet, Jack accuses Danny of cheating on the final exam, which reflects Jack’s inner conflict with George Hatfield—and, since Jack was fired for his actions concerning George, his inner conflict with himself.