Hello everyone

[Atalya]

Hi,

My name is Atalya, I'm from Israel, I'm a Linguistics post-grad student and I work as a Paralegal. I've been a SK fan since I was 15, which was 15 years ago - literally have my life. I'm excited to be here and can't want to commence interesting SK discussions.

I just finished reading The Stand for the first time (I know, but better late than never) - and it was a masterpiece, but there's something I just couldn't get to the bottom of: I understand that

Spoiler

Glen, Ralph and Larry's purpose was to serve as sacrifice (like Jesus was) for the "good side" to interfere and prevail. But what was the purpose of sending Stu with them, just to be wounded and go back. Especially when it was known from the beginning that only 3 would complete the journey. what was the reason behind it? One might say it was in order for him to meet Tom and help him back home safely, but than another question comes up: what good was it to send Tom in the first place? he didn't do much good as a spy (since the situation was resolved without his help), and in any case - Nick's spirit helped him get the drugs etc. couldn't he have helped him get home.

Any thoughts?

thanks!
Atalya

 

[HollyGolightly]

I read The Stand so long ago, I can't comment on that, but welcome here to the SKMB - it's a fun place to hang out!

 

[Atalya]

thanks!
sorry for not posting a spoiler alert.

 

[Spideyman]

Hi and welcome to the SKMB.

Spoiler

Perhaps it was to keep a sense of suspense by sending all four. Which three would continue, and what happens to the fourth? Part is also character development- Tom being an innocent would not be a suspect as he scouted out Vegas; the need to Stu to be recused and Nick's spirit helping Tom accomplish it. Good versus Evil all coming inot play via the characters actions.[/spolier]

 

[Angelo Bottigliero]

Welcome to the SKMB!

 

[mustangclaire]

Welcome!

 

[Chuggs]

Hi there! I've not really ever thought about it. It is a great story!

 

[king family fan]

Hi and welcome, Great you are joining us.

 

[GNTLGNT]

...Stu was there to bear witness to the "finale" and be a living testament to the ultimate power of "The White"....Tom brought away more than you think, and Stu needed him, more than Tom needed Stu...and Nick?....Tom's spirit guide as he served the White in aiding Stu...

 

[Neesy]

Hi,

My name is Atalya, I'm from Israel, I'm a Linguistics post-grad student and I work as a Paralegal. I've been a SK fan since I was 15, which was 15 years ago - literally have my life. I'm excited to be here and can't want to commence interesting SK discussions.

I just finished reading The Stand for the first time (I know, but better late than never) - and it was a masterpiece, but there's something I just couldn't get to the bottom of: I understand that

Spoiler

Glen, Ralph and Larry's purpose was to serve as sacrifice (like Jesus was) for the "good side" to interfere and prevail. But what was the purpose of sending Stu with them, just to be wounded and go back. Especially when it was known from the beginning that only 3 would complete the journey. what was the reason behind it? One might say it was in order for him to meet Tom and help him back home safely, but than another question comes up: what good was it to send Tom in the first place? he didn't do much good as a spy (since the situation was resolved without his help), and in any case - Nick's spirit helped him get the drugs etc. couldn't he have helped him get home.

Any thoughts?

thanks!
Atalya

Welcome to the SKMB!

 

[Dana Jean]

Hi Atalya!

 

[Grandpa]

That's a neat feature, the spoiler thing.

Welcome, Atalya!

This is reminiscent of Amy in Big Bang Theory telling Sheldon why Indiana Jones isn't necessary to the movie.

Whatever the symbolic purpose may have been, I think the character purpose was to advance the story, pretty much. Stephen King notes in his book On Writing (which is excellent, best writers book I've read - also check out Oakley Hall's The Art and Craft of Novel Writing) that he provides the narrative and lets the story tell itself. He doesn't necessarily know how it's going to turn out, although I'm pretty sure that

Spoiler

Mother Abigail's mortal coil was doomed from the start

.