Stephen King is one of the most published contemporary authors. He has written more than 50 novels and movie scripts, some of them under the pseudonym of Richard Bachmann. His stories deal with the supernatural, with aliens or the abysses of the human mind. Due to his topics, his books are often regarded as trivial literature by many of his readers and also by people who have never read a single one of his books and who only judge him by his name. But what these critics seem to miss is the fact that Stephen King has adapted many themes and motifs from highly regarded authors of classic Gothic fiction, such as Horace Walpole, Ann Radcliffe and Bram Stoker, to mention just a few.
In each of Stephen King’s books, the reader can identify traces of classic Gothic fiction, although the topics and settings are normally adapted to modern times.
Stephen King says of himself that ‘most of my [Stephen King’s] books have been derivative to some extent…’ (Bloom, p.96), which is not surprising regarding his educational background: After studying English at the University of Maine, Stephen King worked as a high school teacher, although he did not get too much teaching practice due to the commercial success of his books. Therefore, it is not very surprising that Stephen King uses the sources he has become acquainted with during his studies. He uses the motifs of Gothic novels in different ways and in many of his books. In fact, he says that ‘what I [Stephen King] try to do…is to pour new wine from old bottles’ (Bloom, p.96).
What I would like to do in this term paper is to show some of the Gothic motifs Stephen King uses in his books and in what way he uses them. For this purpose, I have chosen two novels from Stephen King’s earlier working period: Salem’s Lot and The Shining. But before actually beginning the comparison between Stephen King’s books and classic Gothic novels I will give an overview over the characteristic features of Gothic writing in order to enable the reader to identify the tradition Stephen King’s writing stands in.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 What is a Gothic novel and what are its main features?
- 2. The Shining
- 2.1 The Overlook Hotel
- 2.2 Jack Torrance
- 3. Salem's Lot
- 3.1 Ben Mears and Barlow
- 3.2 The Marsten House
- 3.3 The Vampire hunters
- 3.4 The End
- 3.5 Further Parallels
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to demonstrate the presence and utilization of Gothic motifs in the works of Stephen King, specifically focusing on Salem's Lot and The Shining. It analyzes how King adapts classic Gothic themes to a modern context, highlighting the continuity between his work and the established conventions of Gothic fiction.
- Adaptation of classic Gothic motifs in modern literature
- Exploration of the supernatural and psychological horror
- Analysis of character development and transformation under supernatural influence
- Examination of the role of setting in creating atmosphere and driving narrative
- Comparison of King's work to canonical Gothic authors
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter defines the characteristics of Gothic novels, establishing a framework for the subsequent analysis of Stephen King's work. It explores the key features of Gothic fiction, such as its emphasis on mystery, horror, the supernatural, and gloomy settings. The chapter highlights the frequent use of isolated castles or houses, fragmented narratives, and exploration of intense emotions. It further discusses how the term "Gothic" itself emerged in association with Walpole's work and its historical context. Finally, it introduces Stephen King as a contemporary author who creatively utilizes these established Gothic motifs, setting the stage for the analysis of his chosen novels.
2. The Shining: This chapter focuses on Stephen King's The Shining, characterizing it as a ghost story where the Overlook Hotel itself embodies the evil spirit. It introduces Jack Torrance, a former teacher and recovering alcoholic who accepts the winter caretaker position at the isolated hotel. The chapter describes how the hotel influences Jack, triggering his violent tendencies and transforming him into an inhuman being influenced by fragments of his past. It highlights the presence of Danny, Jack's son, who possesses psychic abilities ("Shining"), and his crucial role in the narrative. The chapter explains how the hotel attempts to use Danny to replenish its energy, ultimately turning to Jack as an easier target, culminating in a terrifying struggle for survival. The chapter concludes by emphasizing how The Shining embodies core Gothic features, foreshadowing further analysis in subsequent chapters.
Keywords
Gothic fiction, Stephen King, Salem's Lot, The Shining, supernatural horror, psychological horror, Gothic motifs, character transformation, setting, atmosphere, classic Gothic authors.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of Gothic Motifs in Stephen King's "Salem's Lot" and "The Shining"
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes the presence and use of Gothic motifs in Stephen King's novels, specifically "Salem's Lot" and "The Shining." It examines how King adapts classic Gothic themes to a modern context and explores the connections between his work and traditional Gothic fiction.
What are the key themes explored in this analysis?
The analysis explores several key themes, including the adaptation of classic Gothic motifs in modern literature, the exploration of supernatural and psychological horror, the analysis of character development and transformation under supernatural influence, the examination of setting's role in creating atmosphere and driving the narrative, and a comparison of King's work to canonical Gothic authors.
Which books are analyzed in this paper?
The paper focuses on two of Stephen King's novels: "Salem's Lot" and "The Shining."
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into four chapters: an introduction defining Gothic novels and their features; a chapter on "The Shining," focusing on the Overlook Hotel and Jack Torrance; a chapter on "Salem's Lot," covering Ben Mears, Barlow, the Marsten House, vampire hunters, and parallels between the two novels; and a concluding chapter.
What are the key features of Gothic novels discussed in the introduction?
The introduction defines key features of Gothic novels such as mystery, horror, the supernatural, gloomy settings (often isolated castles or houses), fragmented narratives, and the exploration of intense emotions. It also discusses the historical context of the term "Gothic" and its emergence.
How does "The Shining" exemplify Gothic themes?
The analysis of "The Shining" portrays the Overlook Hotel as an embodiment of evil, influencing Jack Torrance and triggering his violent tendencies. It highlights Danny Torrance's psychic abilities and his role in the narrative, and the hotel's attempt to use him for its own purposes. The chapter emphasizes how the novel embodies core Gothic features.
What aspects of "Salem's Lot" are analyzed?
The "Salem's Lot" chapter analyzes the characters of Ben Mears and Barlow, the importance of the Marsten House setting, the role of vampire hunters, and ultimately, the ending. It also draws further parallels between "Salem's Lot" and "The Shining."
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include Gothic fiction, Stephen King, "Salem's Lot," "The Shining," supernatural horror, psychological horror, Gothic motifs, character transformation, setting, atmosphere, and classic Gothic authors.
What is the overall aim of this paper?
The paper aims to demonstrate how Stephen King utilizes Gothic motifs in his work, highlighting the continuity between his writing and the conventions of Gothic fiction, while adapting them to a modern setting.
- Quote paper
- Judith Schwickart (Author), 2004, Gothic Motifs in Stephen King's Work With Special Regard to Salem's Lot and The Shining, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/38900
