Stephen King: A Critical Review of His Work and Personal Prejudices

Stephen King is a renowned author and one of the most prolific writers in the horror genre. However, his works are not without criticism. This article delves into the reasons why some readers are uncomfortable with King's writings and the prejudices he exhibits, while also highlighting his strengths in storytelling. We will explore King's tendencies, the subject matter of his controversial works, and the impact his writing has had on readers.

1. Tendentious Characters and Storylines

One of the primary criticisms of Stephen King's writing is the portrayal of his characters and storylines. King tends to glorify certain characters, often depicting them as saints or saviors, while his antagonists are frequently weakened at the climax of the story. A prime example is the Dark Tower series, where the antagonist, the Crimson King, is defeated by a mundane ERASER rather than the formidable Eater of Worlds or the Lord of Spiders. Similarly, in The Stand, the protagonists' ability to obtain and sustain food during a post-apocalyptic scenario seems overly simplified.

2. Unexplained Plots and Worldbuilding

King's worldbuilding often leaves readers perplexed. For instance, in The Stand, the detailed plotline does not explain how the good people in Colorado manage to obtain food, which is a crucial aspect of the story. This oversight undermines the realism and immersive experience for readers. Additionally, King's penchant for infodumping often detracts from plot development and character interaction, leading to a disjointed and possibly frustrating reading experience.

3. Personal Prejudices and Characterization

King's literature is often criticized for its personal prejudices, particularly in his older works. He frequently depicts fat people, especially obese women, in a negative light. The frequent mention of people digging in their noses, as seen in The Shining, adds to the negative portrayal of certain characters. Furthermore, King's tendency to write saintly Black characters like John Coffey in The Green Mile or the Robinson family in later books can seem contrived and patronizing. Another critique is his fixation on long-legged women, often referred to as "coltish," and his portrayal of women's inability to conceive in his older works.

4. Disturbing Content and Inappropriate Subject Matter

A significant issue with certain of King's works is the disturbing content and inappropriate subject matter. The graphic descriptions in The Green Mile, such as the scene of an 11-year-old boy and his friends engaging in group sex in a sewer, are particularly distressing. The detailed and graphic nature of this scene, while contributing to the unsettling tone of the novel, crosses a line that many readers find unsettling. This type of content is not always necessary for the plot and can be degrading to the characters involved.

5. Overreliance on Irresolvable Plots

Some of King's works, such as The Dark Half, are criticized for having weak or unresolved cliffhangers. The ending involves a series of crows or ravens suddenly appearing and killing the antagonist, which feels anticlimactic and anti-climatic. Such abrupt and unsatisfying conclusions can leave readers feeling let down, questioning the overall narrative structure of the novel.

Conclusion

While Stephen King is undoubtedly a master storyteller with a vast and diverse collection of works, his literature is not without its controversial elements. The portrayal of certain characters, the personal prejudices evident in his writing, and the handling of plot and worldbuilding are areas where his work falls short. Whether these criticisms are valid or not, King's readers should be aware of these aspects when engaging with his vast body of work. Ultimately, the choice to continue reading King's works remains a personal one, but recognizing the criticisms can enhance one's reading experience, making it more informed and nuanced.