The Tragic Fate of Miss Collins in 'Carrie': An Analysis of Her Role

Stephen King's Carrie is a psychological thriller that explores the life of Carrie White, a telekinetic high school student struggling with bullying and personal control. One of the pivotal characters in this story is the gym teacher, Miss Collins, whose role is often misunderstood. Many believe that Miss Collins is deliberately targeted by Carrie, but this is not the case. In reality, Miss Collins is a casualty of Carrie's untimely release of her powers. This article delves into the character of Miss Collins and the reasons behind her fate.

The Role of Miss Collins in 'Carrie'

In King's novel, Miss Collins, who is based on Miss Desjardin from the story, serves as a caretaker and friend to Carrie. She tries her best to help Carrie navigate the difficult environment of high school and her emerging telekinetic powers. Miss Collins is portrayed as a compassionate and supportive figure, often standing against the bullies who torment Carrie. However, her good intentions often lead to unintended consequences.

Miss Collins and the Prom Night Tragedy

The novel's climax occurs at the prom, where Miss Collins witnesses the cruel prank involving pigoon blood being dumped on Carrie. In her emotional distress, Carrie unleashes her telekinetic abilities, causing widespread destruction. Miss Collins is not a direct target of Carrie's wrath, but she finds herself among the chaos that ensues. Even though she intended to be supportive, her actions inadvertently contributed to the situation that led to the tragic events.

The Visual Impact and Collateral Damage

In the film adaptation of the novel, Miss Collins's role is further emphasized to highlight the visual impact of her death. The film portrays her as a key figure in helping Tommy escape the aftermath of the prom, which leads to her untimely demise. Her death is not a result of deliberate targeting by Carrie but rather the consequence of the broader chain of events and the collateral damage caused by Carrie's outburst.

The Irony of Miss Collins's Fate

Ironically, Miss Collins survives the prom night, much like her counterpart, Miss Desjardin, in the original story. However, her role in helping to escape Tommy and her efforts to aid him are mistakenly perceived by Carrie, leading to her tragic end.

The Moral Lessons of Miss Collins's Story

The story of Miss Collins serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of moral intentions and the unintended consequences of our actions. King's narrative highlights the road to hell being paved with good intentions and the importance of considering the broader impact of our actions. Miss Collins's story is a testament to the challenges of being a supportive figure in a difficult and often hostile environment and the sometimes tragic outcomes that result from these efforts.

Conclusion

Miss Collins in 'Carrie' is a complex and thought-provoking character whose tragic fate adds depth to the novel. While many believe that she is deliberately targeted by Carrie, this is not the case. Instead, she is a casualty of the chaos created by Carrie's release of her powers. Her story is a reflection of the wider themes of support, intent, and the often unforeseeable consequences of well-meaning actions. The narrative serves as both a cautionary tale and a tribute to the characters who strive to help others, even in the face of adversity.