Stephen King's Thoughts On Stranger Things And IT Comparisons

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Shared Thematic Elements: The Power of Nostalgia and Childhood Trauma

Both Stranger Things and IT tap into a potent wellspring of nostalgia and the lingering wounds of childhood trauma, key elements frequently explored in Stephen King's themes.

Nostalgia as a Key Ingredient

Stranger Things masterfully evokes the 1980s, immersing viewers in a world of classic arcade games, iconic synthwave music, and the distinctive fashion of the era. This nostalgic backdrop isn't merely aesthetic; it creates a sense of unease, highlighting the vulnerability of childhood juxtaposed with the lurking horrors. Similarly, IT uses the familiar setting of Derry, Maine, in the 1950s and 80s, imbuing the story with a sense of comforting familiarity that is then chillingly undermined by the presence of Pennywise.

• Nostalgic elements in Stranger Things: Dungeons & Dragons, Walkie-Talkies, Eggo Waffles, synth-pop soundtracks.
• Nostalgic elements in IT: Classic horror films, 1950s Americana, the comforting yet menacing town of Derry.
• Effect of Nostalgia: Creates a false sense of security, amplifying the terror when the supernatural elements are revealed.

The Scars of Childhood:

Both narratives explore the deep, lasting impact of childhood trauma, shaping the characters' personalities and driving the plot. The trauma faced by the kids in Stranger Things, dealing with the disappearance of Will and the horrors of the Upside Down, profoundly shapes their growth and resilience. Likewise, the Losers' Club in IT grapples with their own individual traumas, ultimately uniting them against the monstrous Pennywise. This exploration of childhood trauma is a hallmark of Stephen King’s themes, often underpinning the horror.

• Trauma in Stranger Things: Will's abduction, Eleven's experiences in the lab, the general fear and uncertainty surrounding the Upside Down.
• Trauma in IT: Individual childhood traumas of the Losers Club members (e.g., Georgie's death, Henry Bowers's bullying), shaping their adult fears.
• Impact on Plot: These traumas fuel their determination to fight the supernatural threats, and influence their decision-making process.

Contrasting Approaches to Horror: Supernatural vs. Psychological

While both Stranger Things and IT embrace supernatural horror, they approach the genre with distinct styles, reflecting a difference between Stephen King's style and the show's approach.

IT's Cosmic Horror:

IT delves into cosmic horror, with Pennywise representing an ancient, otherworldly entity of immense power. Pennywise's ability to shape-shift and exploit the deepest fears of its victims speaks to the terrifying unknown, far exceeding the typical limits of psychological horror.

• Cosmic horror characteristics: Ancient, powerful entities beyond human comprehension; focus on the vastness and indifference of the universe; exploration of existential dread.
• Pennywise vs. Demogorgon: Pennywise's cosmic nature contrasts with the more grounded, albeit terrifying, Demogorgon, rooted in a sci-fi context.

Stranger Things' Supernatural Elements:

Stranger Things, while featuring supernatural elements, leans towards a more grounded, science-fiction-infused horror. The Upside Down, while a terrifying alternate dimension, has a more tangible, albeit inexplicable, connection to the real world, and the narrative often involves elements of government conspiracy and scientific experimentation.

• Upside Down's nature: A parallel dimension with tangible effects on Hawkins, explained through scientific-like terms, rather than cosmic entities.
• Government conspiracies: A key element of the plot, connecting the supernatural events to real-world actions.
• Focus on human impact: The narrative focuses on the human cost and consequence of these supernatural events, rather than purely on the existential dread of cosmic horror.

The Small-Town Setting: A Breeding Ground for Fear

Both Derry, Maine, and Hawkins, Indiana, serve as more than just backdrops; they are integral to the atmosphere of dread in IT and Stranger Things. This use of a small-town setting is a recurrent element in Stephen King's atmosphere.

Derry, Maine vs. Hawkins, Indiana:

Both towns share similarities: a sense of close-knit community, underlying secrets, and a pervasive feeling of isolation that amplifies the horror. However, Derry's history is steeped in darkness and violence, creating a sense of inescapable dread. Hawkins, while initially idyllic, gradually reveals its own sinister underbelly.

• Similarities: Small-town setting, sense of isolation, hidden secrets and suppressed history influencing the horror.
• Differences: Derry's more pronounced history of evil and violence contrasts with Hawkins' more gradual unveiling of its sinister nature.

The Power of Place:

In both narratives, the settings themselves become almost characters, contributing to the overall atmosphere of suspense and fear. The ominous woods surrounding Hawkins, the creepy abandoned places, and the unsettling atmosphere of the Upside Down effectively raise the tension and amplify the horror. Similarly, the sewers and abandoned houses of Derry enhance the feeling of unease and suspense, reflecting Stephen King's atmosphere.

• Hawkins' atmosphere: The unsettling forests, abandoned places, and the visual representation of the Upside Down enhance the feeling of dread.
• Derry's atmosphere: The sewers, abandoned houses, and the chilling descriptions of the town's history, effectively increase the sense of impending doom.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of King's Influence on Stranger Things

Stranger Things, while having its unique elements, clearly draws inspiration from Stephen King's work, particularly IT. Both explore themes of nostalgia, childhood trauma, the power of place, but with differing approaches to horror – IT embracing cosmic horror, while Stranger Things leans towards a more grounded, science-fiction-infused style. It’s easy to imagine Stephen King appreciating the homage to his style, even if he might offer critiques on some of the stylistic choices. The similarities are undeniable, solidifying the enduring legacy of King's influence on modern horror.

What are your thoughts? Do you see other parallels between Stranger Things and Stephen King's works? Share your opinions below, and let's discuss further the connections between these two captivating narratives that resonate with the themes of "Stephen King's Thoughts on Stranger Things and IT Comparisons."