An overview of
Carrie
by Stephen King
2.Doubledaya
a.1974
Let them burn, then. Let the streets be filled with the smell of their sacrifice. Let this place be called racca, ichabod, wormwood.
Carrie White
Nothing can change her back now from something made out of newsprint into a person. Sue Snell
Nothing can change her back now from something made out of newsprint into a person. Sue Snell
Carrie summarized (in two sentences or less)
In "Carrie," an ostracized high school girl with a religiously fanatic mother discovers she has telekinetic powers. After a humiliating prom night prank, she loses control and unleashes her powers in a devastating rampage that destroys her town.
Carrie Trivia and/or (Un)fun Facts
King's First: "Carrie" was Stephen King's first published novel, kicking off his illustrious career in 1974.
Almost Trashed: King initially threw the manuscript for "Carrie" in the trash, but his wife, Tabitha, fished it out and encouraged him to finish it.
Inspiration: The character of Carrie was inspired by two girls King knew in high school, both of whom had difficult lives and died young.
Movie Magic: The book was adapted into a film just two years after its release, directed by Brian De Palma and starring Sissy Spacek as Carrie.
Cultural Impact: The phrase "Carrie at the prom" has entered the cultural lexicon as shorthand for any disastrous or humiliating public event.
Why Carrie Is Challenging
Non-Linear Structure: The story jumps between different timelines and perspectives, including excerpts from fictional books and articles about the events. It's not your straightforward, start-to-finish narrative.
Psychological Depth: King delves deep into the psyche of not just Carrie, but also her mother and classmates. It's emotionally heavy and can be unsettling.
Social Themes: The book tackles some heavy issues like bullying, religious fanaticism, and the struggles of adolescence, which can be challenging to digest.
Horror Elements: If you're not a fan of horror, the intense scenes, especially towards the end, can be a bit much.
Sympathy for the "Villain": One of the unique challenges is that you end up feeling for Carrie, even as she becomes the agent of destruction. It's a complex emotional ride.
Why Carrie Is Worth Reading
The single coolest thing about "Carrie" is the way it blends traditional narrative with fictional "found documents" like news articles, scientific papers, and eyewitness accounts. This mix creates a sense of realism and immediacy, making you feel like you're piecing together a real-life event. It's like a literary jigsaw puzzle that adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the story. It's basically the literary equivalent of The Blair Witch Project if the found footage had spawned congressional hearings.
Who Carrie Is For
Horror Aficionados: If you love a good scare and enjoy the darker corners of the human psyche, this one's for you.
Psychological Explorers: If you're intrigued by complex characters and the emotional turmoil they go through, you'll find plenty to dissect here.
Social Critics: If you're interested in themes like bullying, religious extremism, and the struggles of adolescence, the book offers a lot to ponder.
Structure Sleuths: If you appreciate unconventional storytelling formats and like piecing together a story from different perspectives, you're in for a treat.
King Fans: If you're already a fan of Stephen King's work, this is a must-read as it's the one that started it all.
Coming-of-Age Connoisseurs: If you enjoy coming-of-age stories but are looking for a darker, more twisted take, "Carrie" flips the script in a memorable way.
How to Read Carrie
Mind the Structure: The book jumps between different timelines and formats. Keep track of where you are to get the full picture.
Embrace the Darkness: This isn't a feel-good read. Prepare yourself for some heavy themes and intense scenes.
Pay Attention to Characters: King gives a lot of psychological depth to his characters. Understanding their motivations will enrich your reading experience.
Reflect on Themes: Beyond the horror, there are deeper themes like bullying, religious fanaticism, and the pains of growing up. Take a moment to ponder these.
Safe Reading Environment: Given the book's intense scenes, maybe don't read it alone in a dark room. Unless that's your thing, of course.
Take Your Time: While it's a relatively short book, it packs a punch. Don't rush through it; let the horror and tension build.
Discussion Questions about Carrie
Carrie Research Prompts for Postdocs:
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Narrative Structure and Reality: How does the inclusion of fictional "found documents" like news articles and scientific papers affect the reader's perception of the story's realism?
Psychological Complexity: How does "Carrie" engage with psychological theories on trauma, repression, and the manifestation of psychic abilities?
Feminist Interpretations: How can "Carrie" be analyzed through a feminist lens, particularly in its portrayal of female adolescence and mother-daughter relationships?
Religious Symbolism: What role does religious symbolism play in the narrative, and how does it interact with the book's horror elements?
Socio-Cultural Context: How does "Carrie" reflect the societal attitudes and fears of the 1970s, particularly around issues like bullying and religious extremism?
Ethics of Power: How does the book explore the ethical implications of wielding immense power, especially in the hands of a traumatized individual?
Metafictional Elements: Are there instances where the book becomes self-aware of its own form, and how does this affect reader engagement?
Horror as Social Commentary: How does "Carrie" use the horror genre to comment on social issues, and what does this say about the potential of horror to be more than just entertainment?
The Body as a Site of Horror: How does "Carrie" engage with theories about the body, especially the female body, as a site of horror and abjection?
Interdisciplinary Dialogues: Given its blend of horror, psychological drama, and social commentary, how does "Carrie" engage in interdisciplinary dialogues, and what does this say about its impact beyond literature?
Carrie Conversation Starters for Normal People:
- Narrative Structure: How does the use of multiple formats like news articles and scientific papers affect your understanding and engagement with the story?
Character Study: How does Stephen King develop Carrie as a complex character? What techniques does he use to make the reader empathize with her?
Themes of Bullying: How does "Carrie" explore the impact of bullying, and what does it say about the responsibility of bystanders?
Religious Extremism: How is religion portrayed in the book, particularly through the character of Carrie's mother? What commentary does it offer on religious extremism?
Power and Revenge: How does the book explore the theme of power, both its allure and its dangers? What does it suggest about the ethics of revenge?
Questions about Carrie that you can ask your dog:
- Why Do You Think Carrie Was Sad at School?: What do you think made her feel that way, and what could her classmates have done differently?
How Do You Think Carrie Felt When She Found Out She Had Special Powers?: Was she happy, scared, or maybe a little of both? Why?
What Do You Think Carrie Wanted to Happen at the Dance?: Did she want to have fun, make friends, or something else?
The Most Amusing Carrie Review I Can Find
been a while since i've read a book very clearly written by a man
★☆☆☆☆
—casey via Goodreads
—casey via Goodreads