Comparing Stranger Things And IT: What Stephen King Said

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Shared Thematic Elements: Childhood, Trauma, and the Supernatural

Both Stranger Things and IT utilize the potent backdrop of childhood to amplify the horror, creating a chilling juxtaposition between innocence and terror.

The Power of Nostalgia and Childhood Innocence Lost

• Nostalgic 80s setting in Stranger Things: The show masterfully evokes the aesthetic and atmosphere of the 1980s, creating a sense of comforting familiarity that contrasts sharply with the underlying horror. This nostalgic backdrop adds another layer to the unsettling events unfolding.
• Derry's idyllic facade masking darkness in IT: King's Derry, Maine, presents a seemingly charming small town, but beneath the surface lies a deep-seated darkness and a history of unspeakable horrors. This duality creates a palpable sense of unease.
• Themes of friendship and loyalty in the face of terror: Both narratives center on groups of friends – the Hawkins kids in Stranger Things and the Losers Club in IT – whose bonds are tested and strengthened by their shared experiences with the supernatural. This element of loyalty adds an emotional core to the horror.
• Loss of innocence as a central theme: Both stories powerfully depict the loss of childhood innocence as a direct consequence of confronting unimaginable evil. This transition to adulthood is fraught with trauma and lasting consequences.

Exploring Trauma and its Manifestations

The lasting impact of trauma is a crucial element in both narratives.

• Eleven's past experimentation mirroring Georgie's trauma in IT: Both Eleven and Georgie Denbrough suffer significant childhood trauma that directly shapes their experiences and vulnerability to the supernatural entities they encounter.
• The lasting effects of childhood trauma on adult behavior: The adults in both narratives are often shown to be haunted by past traumas, influencing their actions and reactions in ways that impact the younger characters.
• The use of monsters as manifestations of fear and trauma: The Demogorgon, the Mind Flayer, and Pennywise are not simply monsters; they are physical representations of the deeply rooted fears and traumas experienced by the characters.

Supernatural Threats and the Nature of Evil

The types of supernatural entities differ, yet both narratives explore the cyclical nature of evil.

• The Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer vs. Pennywise the Dancing Clown: While vastly different in appearance and methods, both sets of antagonists prey on the vulnerabilities of their victims, exploiting their fears and weaknesses.
• The cyclical nature of evil in both stories: Both stories suggest that the evil they depict is not easily eradicated and may return in different forms, creating a sense of inescapable dread.
• The importance of confronting and overcoming fear: A crucial element in both narratives is the protagonists' journey of confronting their fears and ultimately overcoming the supernatural threats they face. This journey of self-discovery is central to the narrative arc.

Narrative Structures and Storytelling Techniques

The differences in format (novel vs. episodic television) profoundly impact pacing and narrative structure.

Episodic Storytelling vs. Novel-Length Narrative

• Seasoned storytelling of Stranger Things vs. expansive world-building of IT: Stranger Things uses a serialized, episodic structure, building suspense gradually over multiple seasons. IT, as a novel, allows for a more expansive exploration of its world and characters.
• The impact of different media (TV vs. Novel) on pacing and character development: The pacing and character development are inherently different due to the nature of the medium. The novel allows for deeper character introspection, while the TV series relies more on visual storytelling and cliffhangers.

Character Arcs and Development

Despite differences in narrative structure, both stories showcase compelling character development.

• Eleven's growth and empowerment mirroring the coming-of-age journeys of the Losers Club: Both Eleven and the members of the Losers Club undergo significant personal growth as they confront their fears and develop their strengths.
• The contrasting roles of adult figures in both stories: The adult figures in both narratives are depicted with varying degrees of competence and trustworthiness, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the children and the limitations of the adult world.
• Character motivations and their impact on the plot: The motivations of the characters in both stories are complex and deeply intertwined with the plot, driving the narrative forward and adding layers of depth.

King's Influence on Stranger Things: Direct and Indirect References

The Duffer Brothers have openly acknowledged Stephen King's influence on Stranger Things.

• Potential thematic parallels, stylistic choices, and possibly any direct comments from the Duffer brothers on King's influence: The show shares many thematic similarities with King's works, including the exploration of childhood trauma, small-town settings with hidden darkness, and the use of supernatural elements.
• Analyzing specific scenes or character traits that might reflect King's style: Many scenes and character traits in Stranger Things bear a resemblance to King's writing style, notably the use of suspense, atmosphere, and relatable characters.

Stephen King's Perspective (If Available)

While there may not be readily available direct quotes from Stephen King specifically comparing Stranger Things to IT, we can infer his potential reaction based on his previous statements about adaptations of his works and his known thematic preferences.

Public Statements or Interviews

Unfortunately, finding direct quotes from Stephen King explicitly comparing Stranger Things to IT proves difficult. However, analyzing his general comments on adaptations and his recurring themes could offer insights into his likely viewpoint.

Analyzing King's Themes Through the Lens of Stranger Things

Stranger Things successfully embodies several classic Stephen King themes, such as the power of childhood friendships in the face of overwhelming adversity, the exploration of small-town secrets and hidden evils, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both Stranger Things and IT tap into primal fears and resonate deeply with audiences because of their exploration of universal themes. Both masterfully utilize the setting of childhood to highlight the horrors faced by their young protagonists. The "Stranger Things IT comparison" reveals striking thematic similarities and stylistic echoes, solidifying Stephen King's profound influence on contemporary horror. What are your thoughts on this "Stranger Things IT comparison"? Share your insights in the comments below!