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Stephen King, the renowned thriller author, delves into the enigmatic world of horror movies in his article, "Why We Crave Horror Movies," featured in the December 1981 issue of Playboy Magazine. With a blend of sarcasm and menace, King explores the underlying reasons behind humanity's fascination with the macabre. This essay seeks to unravel King's perspectives and dissect the psychological motivations that drive people to indulge in the chilling narratives of horror films.
King begins by asserting that every individual possesses a degree of insanity, a concealed mental instability that varies in its visibility (King 222).
The central question emerges: Why do people invest time and money in watching horror movies? According to King, the answer lies in our innate desire to showcase fearlessness. Horror films provide a platform for individuals to confront their inner anxieties, allowing them to experience a world where moral complexities are reduced to stark contrasts of good versus evil (King 223).
Moreover, King introduces the concept of positive and negative reinforcements embedded in childhood experiences.
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As children, individuals learn to differentiate between positive reinforcements, such as smiles, and negative reinforcements, including punishments like spankings. Horror movies, according to King, serve as a socially acceptable outlet for the expression of negative emotions and anti-civilization feelings. These films become a cathartic experience, allowing individuals to release pent-up emotions in a controlled environment endorsed by society.
King's argument aligns with the notion that horror movies offer a sanctioned space for the exploration of dark and primal aspects of human psychology.
By engaging with the unsettling narratives, individuals find an avenue to process and externalize emotions that may otherwise remain suppressed in their daily lives.
King draws an intriguing parallel between horror movies and roller coasters, emphasizing that both serve as exhilarating experiences, particularly for the young. He contends that, akin to roller coasters losing their thrill as one ages, the same phenomenon occurs with horror movies (King 223). The adrenaline rush, the ups and downs, and the suspense in horror films echo the thrills experienced on roller coasters.
King's insight reflects a broader perspective on the transient nature of excitement and its correlation with age. The analogy of roller coasters resonates with readers, especially the younger demographic, as it encapsulates the fleeting nature of certain pleasures. This comparison contributes to the essay's effectiveness in conveying King's thesis to a youthful audience.
Furthermore, King's informal tone establishes a connection with readers, particularly young men, whom he identifies as the primary audience. By acknowledging the shift in appetite for thrill-seeking experiences as individuals age, King positions horror movies as a form of youthful bravado—a shared endeavor to showcase fearlessness and confront societal fears of madness.
To articulate his thesis effectively, King employs various language techniques, appealing predominantly to emotional responses. Picturesque language becomes a powerful tool as King vividly describes scenes from horror movies. His reference to "Die, Monster, Die!" and the portrayal of "Freda Jackson as the horrible melting woman" create disturbing mental images, tapping into the visceral appreciation for blood and gore (King 223).
Additionally, King utilizes metaphors to deepen the emotional connection with his audience. Comparing watching horror movies to "lifting a trapdoor in the civilized forebrain and throwing a basket of raw meat to alligators," he captures the essence of the anti-civilization feelings that horror movies satiate (King 224). This figurative language enhances the readers' comprehension and provides relatable images that align with King's overarching argument.
By blending picturesque language and metaphors, King skillfully communicates his thesis to young males, fostering a connection through shared experiences and visceral reactions. The essay's effectiveness lies in its ability to create realistic and relatable images, aligning with the preferences of its target audience.
Stephen King's exploration of why individuals crave horror movies transcends a mere analysis of cinematic preferences. The essay unravels the psychological underpinnings of fear, fascination, and the collective need for a controlled outlet to express darker emotions. King's language techniques, including sarcasm, picturesque language, and metaphors, contribute to the essay's success in engaging and resonating with its intended audience.
As the essay navigates through the labyrinth of horror's appeal, it leaves readers with a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between societal norms, individual psychology, and the allure of the macabre. "Why We Crave Horror Movies" not only provides insights into cinematic choices but serves as a reflection on the broader human psyche, inviting contemplation on the boundaries between sanity and the concealed realms of our collective insanity.
The Psychology of Horror: A Deeper Look into Stephen King's Insights. (2020, Jun 02). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/terrifyingly-compelling-new-essay
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