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

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Shared Themes of Childhood Trauma and Loss of Innocence

Both IT and Stranger Things masterfully exploit the vulnerability of children confronting unspeakable horrors. The psychological horror in both narratives centers on the lasting impact of trauma on young lives. The loss of innocence, a recurring motif in King's work, is a central theme in both stories.

• The impact of trauma on the children: In Derry, Maine, the Losers Club battles Pennywise, leaving lasting scars on their psyches. Similarly, the children of Hawkins, Indiana, confront the Demogorgon and the Upside Down, facing unimaginable fear and loss. The lingering effects of these traumatic experiences shape their adult lives.
• Loss of innocence: The idyllic childhoods of the characters are shattered by the supernatural horrors they encounter. The innocence and carefree nature of youth are brutally confronted by the darkness lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary towns.
• Monsters preying on insecurities: Pennywise, the shape-shifting entity, exploits the children's deepest fears and insecurities. The Demogorgon and the entities from the Upside Down similarly target the children's vulnerabilities, using their anxieties as weapons.
• Friendship and resilience: In both stories, friendship serves as a lifeline for the children, providing strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming terror. Their bonds are tested, but ultimately, their collective strength helps them overcome the trauma and defeat their antagonists.

The Power of Small-Town Settings and Hidden Secrets

The small-town settings of Derry and Hawkins are integral to the unsettling atmosphere of both IT and Stranger Things. These seemingly idyllic locations conceal dark secrets and hidden dangers, amplifying the sense of dread and mystery.

• Isolation and community: Both towns portray a complex interplay of isolation and community. The close-knit nature of the communities fosters a sense of belonging but also traps the characters within a cycle of fear and secrecy.
• Revealing hidden secrets: The narratives gradually unveil disturbing secrets hidden within the towns' histories, impacting the lives of the characters and the overall atmosphere. These revelations increase the suspense and heighten the sense of unease.
• Setting as a character: Derry and Hawkins become active characters in the narrative. The towns themselves seem to contribute to the overall sense of fear and suspense, reflecting the psychological impact of the supernatural occurrences.
• Societal elements: The societal aspects of both Derry and Hawkins play crucial roles. The towns’ histories and cultural dynamics contribute to the underlying horror and influence the characters' reactions to the supernatural events.

Supernatural Elements and the Nature of Evil

The nature of evil is explored through the terrifying supernatural entities in both IT and Stranger Things. While different in form, Pennywise and the Demogorgon embody similar symbolic representations of fear and the unknown.

• Symbolic representation of evil: Pennywise represents the embodiment of pure evil, feeding on fear and manipulating the children's anxieties. The Demogorgon and the Upside Down symbolize a more abstract, otherworldly evil that threatens to consume reality itself.
• Exploiting deepest fears: Both entities prey on the characters' deepest fears and insecurities, using psychological manipulation to gain power and control.
• Similarities and differences: While both narratives involve terrifying otherworldly threats, their presentations differ. Pennywise is a more personal, manipulative entity, whereas the Demogorgon and the Upside Down represent a broader, more existential threat.
• Suspense and fear: The use of supernatural horror elements, including terrifying monsters, suspenseful sequences, and unsettling visuals, generates an atmosphere of constant fear and anxiety.

The Influence of 1980s Nostalgia and Pop Culture

Both IT (the novel is set in the 50s and 80s and the movie adaptations draw inspiration from the 80s) and Stranger Things embrace a strong 1980s aesthetic, enhancing their atmosphere and relatability.

• Pop culture references: Both narratives include several 80s pop culture references, creating a sense of nostalgia and familiarity for viewers.
• Atmospheric impact: The 80s setting greatly contributes to the overall feeling of fear and nostalgia, creating a specific mood that enhances the narrative.
• Stylistic choices: The stylistic choices reflect the era, including music, fashion, and visual effects, creating an immersive and authentic experience.
• Enhancing the viewing experience: The use of 80s music and visuals contributes to the overall viewing experience, immersing audiences in the era and amplifying the story's impact.

Conclusion

IT and Stranger Things share striking thematic and stylistic similarities, indicating a profound influence of Stephen King's work on the Netflix series. Both narratives explore the universal themes of childhood trauma, the mysteries hidden within small towns, and the terrifying power of supernatural horror. The enduring legacy of Stephen King’s work is evident in the continued popularity and impact of shows like Stranger Things. These parallels demonstrate the timeless appeal of King’s horror and its influence on modern storytelling. Explore the terrifying world of Stephen King's IT, delve into the mysteries of Stranger Things, and discover the chilling similarities between these two horror masterpieces.