Comments and discussion

When you analyze Stephen King’s essay “Why We Crave Horror Movies”, you should also discuss interesting or controversial statements and ideas.

King’s theory that we are all insane and need to express our insanity through watching horror movies could be seen as controversial. For example, many people could be offended at the thought that they are considered mentally ill. Furthermore, King supports his idea that we are all insane by giving examples of strange, yet common, behaviors (ll. 3-7). Consider King’s theory and his examples – can they all ever be a sign of mental illness or does King exaggerate to catch the readers’ attention? Do you agree with King’s theory? Whatever your response is, consider and argue why horror continues to be such a popular genre.

You could also consider whether King is dismissive of real mental illnesses and disorders by suggesting that everyone is mentally ill. His reference to a psychiatric unit as a “funny farm” (l. 48) might also be seen as disrespectful.

The writer makes another controversial statement as he states that some liberals often avoid horror movies because they appeal to what is worst in us (ll. 89-93). Through this, King criticizes the attitude of many liberals (despite he seems to ...