The Role of Stephen King’s Stories in Modern American Literature Stephen King is one of the most prolific writers of this century. He has written a number of short stories and novels many of which have been turned into movies. One of the reasons that King’s works are popular with readers is due to the fact that his stories give the reader something outside of the formulaic formula that many books are inclined to follow or endings that are predictable and derivative. King also made his foray into horror in the 1970’s when the genre was kind of lackluster. King offered the reader something different in that he did not shy away from the gore, gratuitous violence or cheap shocks. One of the reasons that King’s works have so much power when it comes to the imagination is because he himself is a horror aficionado, who writes according to his worldview. Readers can also see the influence that Classic literature has had on the works of King. Just as the works of the Ancient Greeks and later Shakespeare focused on certain themes, such as man versus nature, good versus evil or love versus hate, so do the works of King. However, in his works King tends to twist the traditional plot of Shakespeare and the Classic by having his characters go from hero to villain or showing the loss of man’s honor or humanity in the wake of horror. One of the things seen often times in his writing is the alienation of both the individual and of society. Publication of “Mile 81” “Mile 81” was
The pathos that King creates plays on his audience’s guilt and shame. For example, King states, "But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown
To begin with, Stephen King says that people watch horror movies “to re-establish our feelings of essential normality” when really if we
Do you enjoy watching murder, the paranormal, and any other morbid scene which makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, your palms sweat, and your adrenaline surge? Why people enjoy watching murder, tragedy, and carnage in their spare time has been a mysterious phenomenon. If these gruesomely horrific scenes would not be enjoyable in real life, why is watching a recreation of it so riveting? Stephen King, a world-renowned horror novelist, wrote “Why We Crave Horror Movies” to give insight as to why horror movies, although gruesome and morbid, captivate audiences. King also aims to persuade readers to continue to watch horror movies, arguing that they are a crucial part of keeping sanity. King delves into this psychological aspect of humans and believes that the desire to watch horror films is a normal tendency of humankind. “Why We Crave Horror Movies” includes appeals to emotion, logic, and author credibility in order to convince readers of the positive, normal desire to watch horror films, why it is important to watch them, and why the reader should believe what the author is saying. King utilizes the rhetorical devices—pathos, logos, and ethos—in an effective way through the use of metaphor, logic, humor, and emotion to persuade readers that watching horror films is normal.
So say my personal tastes in movies make me a sick bastard just because of the subject matter portrayed in the narrative. Ok, well that isn’t exactly about what Stephen King was saying. King tells us that the horror movie does a dirty job of satiating our urges and letting our instincts run free, which in turn means that most people have something deep and dark inside them, merely a hairpin away from freaking out and murdering adorable puppies for no good reason (and there are plenty of good reasons, stop lying to yourself). I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel anything deep and evil inside of me that must be satiated so I don’t go on a weekly blood rampage so I feel like that isn’t the reason.
In Stephen King’s somewhat subjective essay in the 1984 Playboy magazine, Why We Crave Horror Movies, King describes his reasoning behind why so many people are fond of watching movies residing in the horror genre. The content of his essay, though inserted in an unconventional area for
“Monsters” do not have to be literal to create an enjoyable piece of horror fiction. King and Hautala are both able to create thrilling stories by utilizing fear of the unknown and exploiting
What makes King’s novels so loveable to millions of Americans is his ability to tell a great story. The plots that he creates are so unique and undeniably interesting that readers cannot stay away from his books. American readers find significant interest in the horror genre. They love to be frightened and that’s exactly what Stephen King specializes in. For that exact reason is why the novels and film adaptations of King’s stories are so popular. His impact on the minds of readers goes so deep, people of all ages praise his
His books have sold over three-hundred-fifty-million copies. Not only has his love for the horror genre caused his sales to flourish in the literary world, but also in film. Stephen Kings’ works have influenced the horror and thriller genres far beyond literature. They themselves have become some of the most famous examples of the genres in literature.
Stephan King is easily one of the most well-known writers in the horror genre. Often regarded as “The Master of Horror,” King’s impact on the horror genre is remarkable, and he has written both books and screenplays. Many of his works have been turned into movies, further increasing his popularity. Most people at least vaguely know who Stephen King is, but not many know his real story. In today’s time Stephen King entrances audiences and his classic books are converted into screenplays for movies.
“Each life makes its own imitation of immortality.” is exactly what Stephen King, one of top selling writers in history said when quoting on his own life. As one of the most renowned and famous authors of modern history, Stephen King has published a countless and immense number of bestsellers and worldwide hits. The King of Terror Stephen Edwin King is one of today's most popular and best-selling writers. His countless number of books have circled around the homes of millions of readers who are so intrigued by some of his most famous works. His works continue to embody the minds and fears of its reader while increasingly becoming ever more popular. Stephen King is not only a figure of present history but also a household
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the repercussions of Macbeth murdering his King are very numerous. Through themes that include, imagery, soliloquies, atmosphere, and supernatural beings, Shakespeare enforces the magnitude of Macbeth’s crime. Most of these factors are linked together.
It was a dark, cold, November night. The moon overlooked the lake as it mirrored its reflection. It was peaceful, too peaceful. I was on my way to my aunt’s, who lived a mile or so from my house. I didn’t want to go, but my mother made me. She was working a double shift at the hospital and she didn’t want me to be alone tonight. Tonight was the night my brother died two years ago. It’s a funny story how it happened, but that’s a story to tell another time. According to Stephen King’s essay “Why We Crave Horror Movies” he draws viewers into horror stories like the one above simply because we crave it. King claims in his essay we obsess over the wanting of horror as if we are daring the nightmare. The human condition is finally allows people
At least six or seven years pass after the writing of Midsummer Night’s Dream before we find Shakespeare engaged on Hamlet, the second of the great plays with an important Supernatural element, and, in the opinion of many, the greatest tragedy ever penned. What a profound change has come over his attitude towards the Unseen! No longer does he handle it in . . . [a] cheerful,
Texts become valued over time when they explore challenging and enduring ideas relevant to humanity. Hamlet (1603), a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, examines many important themes throughout the story of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, who seeks revenge for his father’s murder at the hands of his uncle, Claudius. The theme of action and inaction within the play highlights the need for balance within the human mind. The innate human pursuit of knowledge is personified by the theme of death. Finally, the use of archetypal characters causes the reader to empathise with them, allowing a greater emotional connection to the story.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet is one of the most popular dramas in world literature, as it examines the passionate, but toxic ambitions of King Claudius. He murders his own brother, King Hamlet, to overtake the throne, power, and wife. As a result of King Claudius’ fratricide, he inherits the “primal eldest curse” of Cain and Abel, and the dispersion of his venom ends the lives of several major characters. Including, of course, Prince Hamlet, who gets drawn into a deep depression over his father’s death, who later visits him as an apparition. This essay will analyze Shakespeare’s symbolic use of poison, embodied by King Claudius and the unintended consequences of his wicked acts.