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57 pages 1 hour read

Stephen King

The Drawing of the Three

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987

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Essay Topics

1.

Examine the Dark Tower as both a figurative symbol and a literal place. How does King intentionally construct ambiguity around this central goal? How does King use this ambiguity to build layers of meaning around the symbols of towers? Would the tone of the novels change if the Dark Tower’s purpose and location were clearer?

2.

King uses many real-world pop-culture references throughout the novel, especially in the sections written from Eddie’s point of view. Examine three such references from the novel and analyze how they enrich the text’s themes or motifs. Cite passages from the text to support your views.

3.

The Dark Tower series has been described as a genre-spanning work. Using examples from the book, name at least three genres under which the series can be included and why.

4.

Examine whether Roland’s quest for the Dark Tower is too single-minded. Support your argument by citing examples from the book.

5.

Recent critical analysis finds the book’s portrayal of Detta Walker problematic. Do you agree? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

6.

Based on information provided in the novel, write an essay describing Roland’s world.

7.

Create and describe an alternate fantasy world, using any five elements of your choice. The elements can range from a fictional language to the existence of magic to anything else you prefer.

8.

What makes King’s depiction of the lobstrosities particularly vivid and horrifying? How does he use these literary techniques throughout the novel to craft his atmosphere?

9.

Citing examples, examine the use of humor in the text.

10.

Compare and contrast Jack Mort with the man in black, the primary antagonist of the previous novel. What do their parallels and differences suggest about the nature of villains in this book series?

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