Why Are Some of Stephen King's Works So Sadistic?

Stephen King's novels often captivate readers with their intense and unsettling narratives, and frequently, readers wonder why certain elements in his stories feel especially cruel and heartless. To understand this, one need only look at the nature of horror fiction.

Horror: A Genre Requiring Horror

Horror fiction thrives on the elicitation of fear, shock, and suspense. By its very definition, it must contain elements that are frightening, unsettling, and often inhumane. This is exactly why some of Stephen King's works seem so sadistic to his audience.

Shakespeare’s Influence on Tragedy

Shakespeare's tragedies, such as Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet, frequently end in a death or a tragic outcome. The same can be said for romantic comedies; they typically culminate in a marriage or a form of resolution that brings a sense of closure and happiness. However, despite ending on a note of resolution, these works are inherently tragic, and the overall narrative process often involves great suffering and conflict.

This foreshadows the nature of horror fiction. While horror stories often offer a resolution, this is often a sobering one, with the key protagonists either suffering great harm or finding themselves in a permanent and often nightmarish state. The goal of horror is not just to entertain but to make readers feel a range of emotions, from fear to shock and even horror.

The Role of Sadism in Horror

Some of Stephen King's works contain elements of sadism, where the protagonists endure suffering that seems disproportionate to the context. This is because sadistic elements enhance the horror and keep readers engaged. Horror fiction is designed to test the limits of human endurance and the boundaries of what we are willing to endure in fiction.

Moreover, these sadistic scenes serve to heighten the horror by demonstrating the brutality and ruthlessness of the antagonists. They also serve as a reflection of the darker aspects of the human psyche, making the stories more relatable and more universally resonant.

Examples from Stephen King's Work

Consider the novel Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock, which was later adapted into a film by the same name. The story revolves around the psychotic and sadistic actions of Norman Bates, who kills multiple characters in a series of increasingly disturbing and violent scenes. This sadism is a central aspect of the horror and suspense that drive the narrative.

Similarly, The Shining contains horrific and sadistic elements, where steam rises from the floor intending to cook Jack Torrance, and the hotel becomes a malevolent force that tortures and seeks to kill the protagonists. These extreme elements heighten the horror and contribute to the overall sadness and dread that permeate the novel.

Conclusion

Stephen King's works often contain sadistic elements as these are necessary to achieve the desired effect of horror. Horror fiction is about arousing fear and shock, and sadism is often a powerful tool to do so. Like Shakespeare's tragedies or romantic comedies, these works often culminate in a resolution, albeit a somber one. It is the nature of the genre to explore the darker aspects of human existence and the struggles that come with it.

Understanding the role of sadism in horror can help readers appreciate the art and purpose of Stephen King's narratives, making them more engaging and thought-provoking.