Why We Crave Horror Movies

King refers to the best in the horror genre as having “anarchistic, reactionary, and revolutionary” qualities “all at the same time” (Paragraph 11) because they confirm a sense of “normality” while also fighting against it and promoting change. What are the anarchistic, reactionary, or revolutionary aspects of horror movies that you have watched? Do they appeal to fears of things like the dark, heights, and death? Cite the text in your response.

Which of King’s horror novels that were adapted into movies connect most closely to his arguments? Which do not, and why?

King states that the horror genre “deliberately appeals to all that is worst in us,” so “good liberals often shy away from horror films” (Paragraph 12)? What does he mean by this? Is he using “liberal” in the political sense or some other sense? How does this relate to his describing horror films as “innately conservative, even reactionary” because they confirm “feelings of essential normality” (Paragraph 4)?

Write an essay similar to King’s, but address the reasons that people crave a different film genre, such as romantic comedy or drama.

True crime has been rising in popularity in recent years. Do people crave true crime for similar reasons as they do horror movies, and is fear a component? Why or why not?

In the first paragraph, King draws a connection between “insanity” and fear. Do you agree with his assertion that the two are related? Why or why not?

In Paragraph 6, King states, “One critic has suggested that if pro football has become the voyeur’s version of combat, then the horror film has become the modern version of public lynching.” Do you agree with the use of this provocative statement and the comparison King makes?

King compares horror films to fairy tales twice in the essay and refers to the “mythic” horror film. Why does he make this comparison? How are fairy tales and myths similar to horror movies?