Stephen King, the master of horror, has penned countless tales that have sent shivers down our spines. His books have stood the test of time, but like any work, some moments don’t age as gracefully as others. In a world that’s constantly evolving, certain scenes or themes that were once acceptable or frightening might now seem outdated, problematic, or just plain odd. Let’s dive into ten moments from Stephen King’s books that haven’t aged well, and explore why they might make modern readers cringe.
1. The Racist Language in “The Shining”
“The Shining” is a masterpiece, but the casual use of racial slurs in the novel feels jarring to today’s readers. While it was likely intended to reflect the character’s flaws or the era in which the book was written, these moments are uncomfortable and can pull readers out of the story. The language doesn’t add much to the narrative and instead serves as a reminder of less progressive times.
2. The Depiction of Women in “Carrie”
Carrie White’s journey from bullied teen to vengeful prom queen is iconic. However, the way women, especially teenage girls, are portrayed in “Carrie” feels a bit dated. The emphasis on menstrual blood as a source of horror and the way female characters are either hyper-sexualized or completely oppressed doesn’t sit well with modern sensibilities.
3. Homophobic Undertones in “It”
“It” is another one of King’s legendary works, but the book contains several moments of homophobia that are hard to overlook. The novel’s opening with the brutal murder of a gay man, while based on a real event, is handled in a way that feels more sensational than sensitive. Additionally, the casual use of homophobic slurs by the main characters feels out of place in a story about friendship and overcoming evil.
4. The Child Orgy Scene in “It”
Speaking of “It,” there’s one scene that has puzzled and disturbed readers since its publication: the infamous child orgy scene. Intended as a metaphor for the children’s transition from innocence to experience, it’s a moment that has not aged well at all. Many readers find it uncomfortable and unnecessary, and it’s a scene that has been widely criticized for its inappropriateness.
5. The Stereotypical Characters in “The Stand”
“The Stand” is an epic tale of good versus evil, but some of its characters are painfully stereotypical. The portrayal of African-American characters, in particular, leans heavily on outdated tropes. The ‘magical Negro’ archetype is present, where the Black characters seem to exist solely to help the white protagonists, a trope that feels outdated and offensive by today’s standards.
6. The Fat Shaming in “Thinner”
In “Thinner,” the protagonist is cursed to lose weight uncontrollably, which eventually leads to his demise. While the novel is a commentary on guilt and justice, it also contains a lot of fat-shaming. The way King describes overweight characters is often cruel and mocking, which doesn’t align with more body-positive messages seen in today’s literature.
7. The Depiction of Mental Illness in “Misery”
“Misery” is a terrifying look at obsession, but its depiction of mental illness is problematic. The character of Annie Wilkes is portrayed as a deranged psychopath with no nuance or depth. Mental illness is used as a plot device to create fear, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes about people who suffer from psychological disorders.
8. The Gender Roles in “Pet Sematary”
“Pet Sematary” explores the depths of grief and the dangers of playing God, but it also reinforces traditional gender roles. The female characters are often passive, serving as support for the male protagonists rather than having their own agency. This portrayal feels outdated, especially in a world where gender roles are constantly being challenged and redefined.
9. The Use of Native American Culture in “The Shining”
Back to “The Shining”—the novel uses Native American burial grounds as a plot device, which is a trope that has been overused and criticized for its lack of cultural sensitivity. The idea that Native American culture is inherently mystical or cursed is a problematic stereotype that reduces a rich and diverse culture to a mere plot point.
10. The Treatment of Female Sexuality in “Gerald’s Game”
“Gerald’s Game” is a psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the human mind, but its treatment of female sexuality is troubling. The protagonist’s traumatic past is heavily sexualized, and the novel sometimes borders on exploitative in its depiction of her experiences. Modern readers might find these aspects of the book more disturbing than thrilling.
Conclusion
Stephen King is undeniably one of the greatest storytellers of our time, but not all of his work has aged like fine wine. Some moments, whether due to cultural shifts or changing social norms, feel outdated and uncomfortable to today’s readers. While these issues don’t necessarily detract from the overall impact of his work, they are worth noting as we continue to revisit and analyze his vast bibliography. As times change, so too does our interpretation of literature, and it’s important to recognize both the strengths and the flaws in our favorite stories.
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FAQs
1. What is the most controversial scene in Stephen King’s books?
The child orgy scene in “It” is often cited as the most controversial due to its graphic and unsettling nature.
2. Why does Stephen King use racial slurs in his books?
King often uses racial slurs to reflect the flawed nature of his characters or the societal norms of the time, but these moments can be jarring to modern readers.
3. How does Stephen King’s portrayal of women compare to modern standards?
While King has created strong female characters, some of his earlier works reflect outdated views on gender roles and female sexuality.
4. Is “Thinner” considered problematic by today’s standards?
Yes, “Thinner” is often criticized for its fat-shaming and cruel descriptions of overweight characters, which feel out of place in today’s body-positive culture.
5. Are Stephen King’s books still worth reading despite these issues?
Absolutely. While some moments haven’t aged well, King’s storytelling and ability to tap into universal fears make his books timeless classics.