Stephen King's Opinion: How Stranger Things Relates To IT

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Shared Themes of Childhood Trauma and Fear

Both IT and Stranger Things masterfully utilize the vulnerability of childhood as a backdrop to amplify the horror. The setting itself becomes a character, amplifying the sense of unease and danger. The protagonists, all children, face unimaginable threats that leave lasting psychological scars. This focus on childhood trauma is a key element of Stephen King's themes, and Stranger Things successfully echoes this.

• The vulnerability of children: Facing unimaginable threats, the Losers Club in IT confronts Pennywise, a creature that preys on their deepest fears, while the children in Stranger Things grapple with the terrifying Upside Down and its monstrous inhabitants. Their innocence is shattered, forcing them to confront mature and terrifying realities far beyond their years.
• The lasting psychological impact: The trauma experienced by both sets of characters shapes their identities and leaves lasting emotional wounds. The lingering effects of their encounters with evil are evident throughout both narratives, highlighting the enduring power of psychological horror.
• The power of friendship: In both stories, the bonds of friendship and camaraderie become crucial to survival and overcoming fear. The Losers Club's loyalty and the unwavering support among the friends in Stranger Things demonstrate the strength found in unity against overwhelming odds.
• Examples: Derry, the setting of IT, is steeped in a history of violence and tragedy, mirroring the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of Hawkins in Stranger Things. Eleven's traumatic past in the Hawkins lab directly parallels the horrific experiences of the Losers Club in their childhood encounters with Pennywise. These shared elements of childhood trauma contribute significantly to the overall horror and suspense of both narratives.

The Power of the Supernatural and the Monstrous

The antagonists in both IT and Stranger Things are terrifying embodiments of fear itself. Pennywise, the dancing clown from IT, and the monstrous entities from the Upside Down share a similar ability to manipulate the fears of their victims, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

• Symbolic representation: Pennywise embodies the primal fears of childhood, while the creatures from the Upside Down represent a more amorphous, existential dread. Both, however, utilize terrifying imagery and suspense to create a pervasive sense of dread within their respective narratives.
• Manipulation of fear: Both Pennywise and the Upside Down's creatures prey on the vulnerabilities of their targets, twisting their deepest anxieties into tangible horrors. This psychological manipulation adds another layer of terrifying complexity to the supernatural elements.
• Blurring of reality and fantasy: The unsettling ambiguity of what is real and what is not is crucial to both narratives. The line between the mundane and the monstrous is constantly blurred, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, unsure of what lurks just beyond the veil of normalcy. This technique is a hallmark of Stephen King's style of supernatural horror.

Small-Town Settings and the Feeling of Isolation

The settings of Derry and Hawkins are not merely backdrops; they are crucial components of the overall narrative, contributing significantly to the sense of unease and confinement. Both towns appear idyllic on the surface, masking the dark secrets and horrifying realities hidden beneath.

• Heightened unease: The claustrophobic atmosphere of small-town life amplifies the feeling of vulnerability and isolation for the characters. The sense of being trapped, with nowhere to escape the encroaching horror, adds to the overall tension.
• Contrast between normalcy and horror: The juxtaposition of everyday life with the supernatural elements creates a disturbing contrast, highlighting the fragility of perceived normalcy. This is a recurring theme in Stephen King's work, and Stranger Things successfully emulates this technique.
• Isolation and vulnerability: The small-town settings contribute significantly to the characters' sense of isolation and vulnerability. They are trapped within communities that, despite outward appearances, offer little protection from the horrors that surround them. This isolation enhances the impact of the psychological thriller aspects of both IT and Stranger Things.

Stephen King's Influence on Stranger Things (Direct Quotations if Available)

While there aren't widely publicized direct quotes where Stephen King explicitly comments on the similarities between IT and Stranger Things, the series' clear stylistic and thematic borrowings from his work speak volumes. The show's creators have openly acknowledged King's influence on their work, and the numerous parallels are undeniable. The use of nostalgic settings, child protagonists facing overwhelming threats, and the exploration of small-town secrets all point to King's lasting impact on the genre. Further research into less-publicized interviews or articles may reveal more direct statements.

A Terrifying Parallel: The Enduring Legacy of IT and Stranger Things

Both IT and Stranger Things excel in crafting a chilling atmosphere, leveraging childhood trauma, supernatural horror, and isolated small-town settings to create narratives that resonate with viewers. The enduring legacy of Stephen King's work is evident in the success of Stranger Things, showcasing his profound impact on horror and pop culture. The shared thematic elements and stylistic choices clearly demonstrate the influence of IT on the popular Netflix series. Have you noticed other striking similarities between IT and Stranger Things? Share your thoughts in the comments below!