

Stephen King Has Ruled The Horror Genre For 50 Years. But Is It Art?
Mar 22, 2024
Linda Holmes, an NPR culture critic, dives into Stephen King's monumental influence on horror over 50 years. They discuss the literary significance of works like 'Carrie,' debating its place in the canon. Holmes highlights the themes of power and rage in the novel and its impactful adaptation to film. The conversation also touches on King’s storytelling skills and their relevance to modern societal dynamics, showcasing how his narratives resonate deeply in both literature and popular culture.
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King's First Novel
- Stephen King's first novel, Carrie, debuted 50 years ago and became a hit movie.
- This marked the start of King's exploration of horror, from vampires to possessed children.
King's Accessibility
- Stephen King's writing is considered universally accessible.
- Kingcast podcast hosts Vespey and Wampler emphasize King's skill in storytelling and character development.
Critical Disagreement
- Not everyone praises King; critic Harold Bloom called King an "immensely inadequate writer."
- Bloom criticized King's writing on a sentence, paragraph, and book level.