The Functions of Unnatural Death in Stephen King: Murder, Sickness, and Plots

The Functions of Unnatural Death in Stephen King: Murder, Sickness, and Plots explores over thirty of King's works, examining character deaths within their plot chronology and assigning them functions. Death is a universal horror, but King keeps it from being repetitious or fully expected by playing with it, maintaining a childlike approach. Early deaths have different narrative functions than those that come during the rising action or climax, affecting surviving characters and the plot. Kings varied approaches to and uses of character deaths demonstrate his continued exploration of the subject and its facets of horror throughout his work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Functions of Unnatural Death in Stephen King's Murder, Sickness, and Plots delves into a comprehensive examination of over thirty of King's works, focusing specifically on the character deaths within them. This study organizes these deaths not only by their chronological sequence within the plot but also assigns them specific functions. Death, a terrifying and seemingly universal horror, strikes us all, making it one of the most pervasive and enduring themes in literature. Renowned as the Master of Horror, Stephen King rarely fails to incorporate death into his narratives. However, he skillfully avoids making death repetitive or predictable by employing various techniques that maintain a childlike perspective on the subject. While character deaths are a recurring element in King's works, their narrative significance varies depending on their placement within the plot. By distinguishing between early deaths and those that occur during the rising action or climax, this book explores the profound impact that character deaths can have on the surviving characters and, consequently, the overall storyline.

Despite the frequency of character deaths in King's books, his diverse approaches and uses of these deaths demonstrate his ongoing exploration and manipulation of the horror genre. By examining the functions of unnatural death in King's works, this study sheds light on the intricate ways in which these deaths shape the characters, the plot, and the overall atmosphere of his narratives. Whether it is used as a catalyst for character development, a means of escalating tension, or a tool for exploring the darker aspects of human nature, King's treatment of death adds a depth and complexity to his storytelling that keeps his readers captivated and terrified.

Weight: 481g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793646217