Firestarter

Content Analysis: This section of the guide discusses the novel’s fatphobia and the grooming of a child.

King writes with severe bias against fatness, particularly when it comes to women. Characters such as Mrs. Gurney represent weak will and perceived working-class decadence. King’s writing also reflects the fatphobia of the time. The early ’80s saw the rise of fitness obsessions in media. The idea that fit, trim bodies are more desirable gained widespread acceptance, along with the notion that those who are fat hold lesser value. The burgeoning fitness industry tied moral value to the weight of people’s bodies, which is reflected through King’s tendency to equate fatness to lesser morals.

King describes characters primarily though their physical characteristics, most of which are exaggerated. This has the result of turning most of his characters who are not the heroes into grotesque caricatures. There is a strong literary tradition, particularly in horror, of depicting the grotesque to charge the atmosphere and setting of the story. This was a technique also used by American writer Shirley Jackson, to whom King dedicated Firestarter. This technique, however, relies on a writer’s cultural understanding of the grotesque, often leading to the vilification of marginalized people who are associated with the “grotesque,” such as fat people and disabled/disfigured people.

Rainbird’s ambiguous desire for Charlie intensifies the tension, even as he does nothing more than sit next to her. This is an example of dramatic irony, where the reader is aware of something that a character, in this case Charlie, is not. The sense of revulsion grows as they hold hands, and deepens as Charlie begins to follow Rainbird’s suggestions. Through Rainbird, King explores The Impact of Psychological Manipulation. Rainbird is effectively grooming Charlie, cultivating her trust so he can manipulate her. The ambiguousness of his sexual intent muddies the process, while providing King with a way to maintain the tension and unease.

King continues to explore Government Overreach and the Failure of Authority, examining how the Shop controls both Charlie and Andy through a shift in narrative tone. King uses diction to portray Andy’s drug addiction. Andy’s speech is limited. Then, using free indirect discourse, King shows how Andy’s thoughts fracture in panic. Andy experiences pharmacological dissociation, becoming a “good citizen” in the eyes of authority. Andy’s apartment without door handles and induced substance dependency show how the Shop stoops to controlling his very thoughts. The novel turns from a high-intensity chase story to a slow-burning psychological thriller centering on the destruction and reconstruction of minds.