Anyone get kind of a cynical vibe from King's work?

Connor B · May 28, 2015

Don't get me wrong, now. I love Stephen King, and he's one of those writers that made me want to become a writer. Nevertheless, looking at his stories, I've noticed that he tends to have a grim, almost Hobbesian view of human nature. Carrie definitely comes to my mind; aside from the titular character, everyone in the story is psychotic, sociopathic, apathetic, selfish, or stupid. Not exactly a pleasant view of human beings.

Dana Jean · May 28, 2015

Connor B said:
Don't get me wrong, now. I love Stephen King, and he's one of those writers that made me want to become a writer. Nevertheless, looking at his stories, I've noticed that he tends to have a grim, almost Hobbesian view of human nature. Carrie definitely comes to my mind; aside from the titular character, everyone in the story is psychotic, sociopathic, apathetic, selfish, or stupid. Not exactly a pleasant view of human beings.

But doesn't it make for interesting reading? Who wants to hear about the perfect person? Unless of course some sociopathic selfish apathetic killer is going to gut them like a fish.

not_nadine · May 28, 2015

On the flip side - along with that, he shows the most compassionate loving characters that you could ever know, that makes us understand the others. He makes it real.

PatInTheHat · May 28, 2015

Dana Jean said:
But doesn't it make for interesting reading? Who wants to hear about the perfect person? Unless of course some sociopathic selfish apathetic killer is going to gut them like a fish.

h do tell

!

Spideyman · May 28, 2015

His characters are true to themselves and demonstrate human nature. It's about the good and evil/ the white and dark within each. Of all the authors I have read- King surpasses them all in his true character development. In some cases it may not be a pleasant view of human nature, but it is true one indeed.

kingricefan · May 28, 2015

King doesn't hesitate to show us the darker side of humanity in all its, ahem, glory. Yes, most of his novels/stories are dark, but he's there to shine a light on the shadows for us to see and lets us be our own judge and jury. I think that he writes the truth, he doesn't lie to his readers. To quote him about fiction writing 'The truth is in the lie.' I think he possiby views life from a cynical perspective and that's fine by me. With his upbringing, I think maybe he's always waiting for that other shoe to drop. I get that.

Grandpa · May 28, 2015

My favorite story of his, The Dead Zone. The protagonist, Johnny Smith, is a well-meaning guy trapped in his circumstances. His long-lost girl is a well-meaning lady who got trapped in her circumstances. Johnny has a dad who's a swell guy. He's taken care of by a doctor who's just great. The guy who befriends Johnny and bestows some resources on him is a tough, fair-minded factory owner.

Of course, the story has its share of psychos, weirdos, and villains, but I can't say it's overwhelming cynical. More tragic, really.

AchtungBaby · May 29, 2015

King tells it like it is-- plain and simple

Lord Tyrion · May 29, 2015

I've only read his books since 11/22/63, but in a general sense I would say no. There is a good sense of hope in his books, however, definitely not in one of his latest.

GNTLGNT · May 29, 2015

...I can understand your take CB, but even as the cynical pessimist that I am personally-I can easily sense an underlying or even overt sense of hope and optimism in many of his works...as most all have said, King holds up a mirror in which we often see our most base feelings and desires, but for every Flagg, there is a Duddits-showing the way to the best part of ourselves....

misery chastain loves co. · May 29, 2015

I would have to say no in answer to the thread title. Everyone has already stated it perfectly.
One recurring theme I have noticed in many of his works is the cheating spouse. I'm not using the "write what you know" idea here nor is it any of my business but I've always wondered if that is one of his greatest fears? Forget clowns in sewers and rabid St. Bernards, maybe this is what really gets to him.

Philzilla · May 29, 2015

misery chastain loves co. said:
I would have to say no in answer to the thread title. Everyone has already stated it perfectly.
One recurring theme I have noticed in many of his works is the cheating spouse. I'm not using the "write what you know" idea here nor is it any of my business but I've always wondered if that is one of his greatest fears? Forget clowns in sewers and rabid St. Bernards, maybe this is what really gets to him.

Well, that's just abandonment issues right?

taggs7475 · May 29, 2015

Its one of the many reasons that makes his books glorious

PatInTheHat · May 29, 2015

Grandpa said:
My favorite story of his, The Dead Zone. The protagonist, Johnny Smith, is a well-meaning guy trapped in his circumstances. His long-lost girl is a well-meaning lady who got trapped in her circumstances. Johnny has a dad who's a swell guy. He's taken care of by a doctor who's just great. The guy who befriends Johnny and bestows some resources on him is a tough, fair-minded factory owner.

Of course, the story has its share of psychos, weirdos, and villains, but I can't say it's overwhelming cynical. More tragic, really.

Yep, circumstances, nobody writes about playin' a lousy hand your dealt without quitin' any better.
The Stand, my favorite book of all time, is like that lil' choo choo that thought he could of adult fiction is what I'm sayin'.

GNTLGNT · May 29, 2015

Philzilla said:
Well, that's just abandonment issues right?

...not only is it abandonment, but also trust issues, loss and a veritable emotional hornet's nest...

ghost19 · May 29, 2015

Cynicism is what I have in common with a lot of King's books, it always has been. In real life, the good guys don't usually win. Mr. King's books are wonderful to read because they're not fluff. His stories are fictional, but written by a man with a good grasp on the human condition and an uncanny ability to translate that grasp into stories.

muskrat · May 29, 2015

I've said it before, say it again--King musta been bullied a lot in school. Not sure how that could be, considering he was, like, six feet tall at twelve years old, but whatever. But think of all the bullies in his fiction, and how most of them meet horrible, agonizing deaths. Hmm...food for thought, that.

And not just talkin about the school punks. I mean, what are jerks like Big Jim, Greg Stillson, and ol Tick Tock if not overgrown bullies in positions of power? Seems Uncle Stevie has some serious issues with injustice, abuse of power, and plain old cruelty. Can't say I blame him--I hate that stuff too.

Flat Matt · May 29, 2015

This is a good thread and a testament to what Stephen King does best.

He knows people. He knows the good and, more importantly, the bad that human beings are capable of. Throw in some humour and, yes, a bit of cynicism, and you've got a writer who builds characters so strong, so familiar and sometimes so scary that his books are some of the best you will ever read.

It's not necessarily what happens in King's books that makes them great; it's what the people he creates in them do. His ability to build characters is almost second to none.

not_nadine · May 29, 2015

Very well said.

Surreal · May 29, 2015

I think it's hard to write horror without some level of cynicism. You have to be cynical of human nature to be good, IMO.

Anyone get kind of a cynical vibe from King's work?

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