In Stephen King's "The Shining" Jack constanly wipes his mouth or lips. Why?

Question

I was thinking maybe that it was something he did to substitute for drinking. Or is that something people normally do when they quit drinking?

Answer 1

Well, when Jack was an alcoholic, he had a habit of taking a lot of aspirin (Excredin as I recall) and wiping his mouth with a handkerchief. It was his way of relieving his stress and anger of not having a drink at that moment. As you may have noticed, he did this more frequently towards the end of the book at times when he deeply craved for a drink. He was falling back to his old habits because that's what The Overlook wanted him to do. It was putting him in situations where he would be stressed out and wanted a drink.

P.S. The Shining is one of my favourite novels. Thank you Mr. King.

:)

Answer 2

Probably to use as his acting technique in wanting a drink and fretting about it.

Answer 3

He wants an alcoholic beverage. Haha

Answer 4

I think you are right!  Its gets to be habit eventually.  Great book The Shining!