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Stephen King and Philosophy examines the philosophical underpinnings of America's master of horror through his most iconic works including The Shining, The Shawshank Redemption, Salem's Lot, Carrie, The Green Mile, and Pet Sematary. This literary criticism volume serves as the inaugural book in the Great Authors and Philosophy series, bridging popular culture with academic analysis.
This paperback explores complex philosophical concepts embedded within King's narratives, examining themes of retribution, freedom, and moral relativity. The book analyzes how King's characters confront death, insanity, and the fundamental questions that challenge human existence. Each chapter dissects specific stories to reveal the philosophical frameworks underlying King's four decades of horror, science fiction, and psychological thrillers.
The volume demonstrates how King's supernatural tales access universal fears and existential questions while celebrating the perseverance of the human spirit. Through systematic literary analysis, this book reveals how horror fiction serves as a vehicle for exploring profound philosophical inquiries about reality, morality, and human nature.
Jacob Held brings extensive expertise in philosophy and popular culture analysis to this project. His previous editorial work includes Dr. Seuss and Philosophy and Roald Dahl and Philosophy, with co-editing credits on James Bond and Philosophy. Held has contributed philosophical analysis to volumes covering the Beatles, South Park, and Watchmen. He teaches philosophy at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas, where he continues to explore the intersection of popular culture and philosophical thought.
As the first entry in this academic series, Stephen King and Philosophy establishes a framework for examining how contemporary literature engages with timeless philosophical questions. The book provides readers and scholars with tools for deeper appreciation of King's contributions to American literature beyond entertainment value, recognizing his work as serious subject matter for philosophical investigation and literary criticism.