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Angelin Trinh
Professor Leatham
English 1302
21 July 2024
The Truth Behind Humanity
Stephen King's stories offer valuable insights into the genre of horror in his essay, "Why
We Crave Horror Movies.” While Stephen King skillfully addresses the resistance that some may
have towards horror films, he presents an opportunity for young individuals to explore the
complexities of human nature with the phrase “keep the gators fed” and effectively persuades us
that horror movies are positive and productive. He effectively engages his audience through
effective evidence, strong diction, and contrasting tone.
Using effective evidence, Stephen King develops a sense of realization and reassurance in
young individuals. For example, he points out that, “horror movies provide psychic relief on this
level because this invitation to lapse into simplicity, irrationality, and even outright madness is
extended so rarely” (par. 5). This phrase implies engaging in horror films allows the audience to
act outrageous and psychopathic, as recalled by the passage, “to put away our more civilized and
adult penchant for analysis and to become children again” (par. 6). This states that it is
sometimes important to let yourself go and have unlimited fun. In addition, watching horror
movies may serve as a mental escape to relieve “nastiest fantasies and thoughts” and may open
opportunities that the audience otherwise do not have in reality. During this time, people can
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jump out of their comfort zone to express their dark side, as the passage states, “If we are all
insane, then sanity becomes a matter of degree” (par. 6). Therefore, Stephen’s use of
“simplicity,” “irrationality,” and “outright madness,” encourages his audience to let go of reality
and enjoy the moment, consolidating the productivity of horror movies.
Next, King convinces his point to his audience by using strong diction to provoke
emotions of desperation in young individuals. As stated in the first and second paragraphs within
the text, “worms and grubs” and “double twists and 360 loops” create a mood of terror and
disgust. This appeals to young individuals that they naturally exercise primitive urges and
emotions, and horror movies offer equilibrium for the mind, keeping it balanced. “Worms and
grubs” symbolizes the inner ego that we all have some sort of insanity, while “double twists and
360 loops” implies the reckless nature, eagerness to take risks, and the necessity for normality.
Therefore, this boosts notice that horror movies are sufficiently important and necessary, as they
offer great benefits for the mindsets.
Lastly, Stephen King employs a contrasting tone that allows the younger generation to
feel comfortable and reassured of their beliefs. For instance, he claims that, “the potential
lyncher is in almost all of us (I exclude saints, past and present, but then, most or all saints have
been crazy in their own ways)” (par. 8). This quote conveys that everyone is the same and has
moments of insanity at some point, so there is nothing to shy away from. Another example is,
“But if we deliberately slam the rotten little puke of a sister’s fingers in the door, sanction
follows — angry remonstrance from parents, aunts, uncles; instead of a chocolate-covered
graham cracker, a spanking” (par. 8). This states that mental instability occurs not only in adults,
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but children at young age. As you can see, King applies a sarcastic yet serious tone to disclose
his audience that they should not be overwhelmed with their insanity. Everyone has their
approach to controlling their feelings and should not be afraid to show it, and people learn this
even before “getting out of diapers” (par. 9). People are born this way naturally, and King proves
his point with humor about the facts of mental illnesses that reside within oneself and the
importance of finding enjoyment in being scared, having fun, and overcoming fears.
In conclusion, Stephen King engages his young individuals by effective evidence, strong
diction, and contrasting tone. The impact of horror movies on individuals' psychological
well-being can be positive and productive. One may argue that these films provide a form of
catharsis, allowing viewers to confront and alleviate their unhealthy fantasies. Renowned author
Stephen King is particularly adept at encouraging younger generations to freely express
themselves and have fun in a catchy way.
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Works Cited
King, Stephen. “Why We Crave Horror Movies.”
