Summary
Stephen King’s “It” is a horror novel that weaves a chilling tale of childhood trauma and enduring evil. Set in the fictional town of Derry, Maine, the story alternates between two time periods: 1958 and 1985. At its core, the novel follows seven outcasts known as the Losers’ Club as they confront a malevolent entity that resurfaces every 27 years to prey on the town’s children.
The narrative begins in 1958 with a tragic incident involving young Georgie Denbrough, who encounters a sinister clown named Pennywise in a storm drain. This encounter sets off a series of horrifying events that bring the Losers’ Club together. The group, led by Bill Denbrough (Georgie’s older brother), discovers that Derry is haunted by an ancient evil that can shapeshift to exploit its victims’ deepest fears.
As children, the Losers’ Club battles this entity, which most often appears as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. They manage to wound It and force it into hibernation. However, they make a blood oath to return to Derry if It ever resurfaces.
Fast forward to 1985, and the adult members of the Losers’ Club are called back to Derry when It awakens and begins its reign of terror once again. Now successful adults, they must confront their childhood traumas and face It one last time. The group rediscovers the power of their friendship and shared experiences as they delve into Derry’s dark history and their own forgotten memories.
The novel culminates in a final confrontation with It in its lair deep beneath Derry. The Losers discover that It has taken the form of a giant female spider. In a climactic battle, they manage to destroy It’s physical form and its offspring, seemingly ending its cycle of terror. However, the victory comes at a great cost, with one of their own sacrificing his life in the process.
Throughout the novel, King masterfully intertwines themes of childhood innocence, the power of memory, and the enduring impact of trauma. He explores the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of small-town America and the strength found in friendship and shared adversity.
Key themes:
- The loss of childhood innocence
- The power of memory and trauma
- Good versus evil
- The strength of friendship and unity
- Fear and its many manifestations
- The cyclical nature of violence and evil
- The dark underbelly of small-town America
Character Details
Bill Denbrough
Bill is the de facto leader of the Losers’ Club. As a child, he has a pronounced stutter, which worsens after the death of his younger brother, Georgie. Bill is determined, brave and creative, often using his imagination to help the group in their fight against It. As an adult, Bill becomes a successful horror novelist, drawing from his childhood experiences. His leadership and unwavering courage are crucial in both confrontations with It.
Beverly Marsh
Beverly is the only female member of the Losers’ Club. She comes from an abusive household and faces challenges related to her gender throughout the story. Beverly is known for her exceptional marksmanship with a slingshot. As an adult, she becomes a fashion designer but finds herself in an abusive marriage, mirroring her childhood. Beverly’s strength, resilience and the love she shares with her friends play a vital role in the group’s success.
Ben Hanscom
As a child, Ben is overweight and often bullied, finding solace in books and his crush on Beverly. He is intelligent and has a talent for engineering and architecture. In adulthood, Ben transforms physically, becoming fit and successful in his field. His strategic thinking and deep love for his friends, especially Beverly, contribute significantly to the group’s efforts against It.
Richie Tozier
Known for his quick wit and incessant joking, Richie often uses humour as a defence mechanism. He has a talent for voices and impressions, earning him the nickname “Trashmouth.” As an adult, Richie becomes a successful radio DJ. His humour and ability to make others laugh prove to be unexpected weapons against It, particularly in moments of extreme danger.
Eddie Kaspbrak
Eddie is a hypochondriac, influenced by his overprotective mother. Despite his fears and perceived frailty, Eddie shows great courage throughout the story. He becomes a successful limousine company owner as an adult but remains married to a woman very similar to his mother. Eddie’s bravery and sacrifice play a crucial role in the final confrontation with It.
Mike Hanlon
Mike is the only member of the Losers’ Club who stays in Derry into adulthood. He becomes the town librarian and takes on the role of the group’s historian, researching Derry’s dark past and It’s cycle. Mike is the one who calls the others back to Derry when It resurfaces. His dedication to uncovering the truth and his strong connection to the town are vital to the group’s understanding of their enemy.
Stan Uris
Stan is known for his logical thinking and neatness. He struggles the most with accepting the supernatural events in Derry. As an adult, Stan becomes an accountant. His reaction to being called back to Derry reveals the deep-seated trauma that lingers from their childhood encounters with It.
Henry Bowers
While not a member of the Losers’ Club, Henry is a significant antagonist. He is a violent bully who torments the Losers throughout their childhood. Henry becomes a tool for It, driven to madness and used to attack the adult Losers when they return to Derry. His character represents the human capacity for cruelty and the way It manipulates and amplifies existing evils.
Reader Fit
“It” is perfect for readers who enjoy immersive, character-driven horror stories with a dash of nostalgia. Fans of Stephen King’s other works will find his signature style of blending supernatural terror with coming-of-age themes. The novel appeals to those who appreciate complex narratives that explore the lasting impacts of childhood experiences and the power of friendship.
Readers who enjoy psychological horror, small-town mysteries, and stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature will find “It” particularly engaging. However, due to its intense scenes and mature themes, it’s best suited for adult readers who can handle graphic content and psychological horror.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Horror, Supernatural Fiction
- Publication Year: 1986
- Reading Time Estimate: 28-35 hours (based on average reading speed)
- Notable Awards: British Fantasy Award (1987), Locus Award Nominee for Best Fantasy Novel (1987)
Related Books
- “The Stand” by Stephen King – Another epic King novel dealing with good vs. evil and featuring a large cast of characters.
- “Summer of Night” by Dan Simmons – A horror novel about a group of young friends facing a supernatural threat in a small town.
- “Boy’s Life” by Robert McCammon – A coming-of-age story with elements of mystery and the supernatural set in a small Southern town.
