Is Eddie's Mother's Behavior in 'It' 2017 Linked to Her Past with IT?

In It 2017, the character of Eddie Kaspbrak is heavily influenced by his overprotective mother. This behavior raises a fascinating question among fans: could Eddie's mother have encountered IT 27 years ago, which might explain her current overprotectiveness? This article delves into the possibility, analyzing the movie and Stephen King's original novel to provide a well-rounded perspective.

Exploring the Speculation

The idea that Eddie's mother might have experienced IT in the past is intriguing and adds depth to her character. In It 2017, the film portrays Eddie's mother as extremely cautious and protective, likely due to her own traumatic experiences. The movie does not explicitly confirm this theory, but it does suggest that the fear associated with IT can be passed down through generations.

From the movie's perspective, Eddie's mother's behavior is often interpreted as a response to her own fears and the terror pervasive in Derry due to the influence of Pennywise. Her actions can be seen as a manifestation of her own psychological scars and the atmosphere of dread that surrounds the town. This interpretation aligns with Stephen King's novel, where the cycle of fear and trauma is a central theme.

Book vs. Movie: A Different Perspective

However, when we turn to the source material, Stephen King's novel, the reasons for Eddie's mother's behavior are significantly different. According to the book, Eddie's mother was not raised in Derry. She moved to live with her sister after the traumatic events 27 years ago. Her overprotective behavior stems from a different origin.

In the novel, Eddie's mother's motivation is to convince Eddie that he is always sick, ensuring that she can continue to take care of him. This actions were triggered by a near-death experience when Eddie was a baby. She believed that making Eddie think he is always sick would prevent him from getting very sick again. The underlying motivation is a distorted form of love, stemming from a deeply psychologically disturbed state of mind.

Psychological Insights and Backstory

The theory that Eddie's mother might have encountered IT in the past is intriguing but ultimately speculative. In the movie, there is no evidence to directly support this theory. The film focuses more on the environmental and psychological impact of IT rather than individual encounters.

Psychologically, Eddie's mother's behavior can be explained by her own trauma and the lasting effect of IT's influence. Her protectiveness could be a psychological defense mechanism or a response to the whispered advice of IT, which seemed to affect virtually everyone in Derry. Her actions reflect a deeper, more complex narrative of anxiety and fear that permeates the story.

Conclusion

While the theory of Eddie's mother encountering IT 27 years ago and being motivated by this experience is compelling, it remains speculative and not explicitly addressed in the film. The movie and the novel provide different perspectives on Eddie's mother's behavior, with the novel offering a clearer explanation rooted in psychological trauma.

Regardless of the exact origin of her overprotectiveness, the character of Eddie's mother is a rich, multi-layered portrayal that contributes significantly to the themes of It. Whether she experienced IT 27 years ago or is motivated by other factors, her behavior reflects the enduring impact of Pennywise and the cycle of trauma and protection that defines the story.