Stephen King's Take: Comparing Stranger Things To IT

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Shared Thematic Elements: Childhood Fears and the Power of Friendship

Both Stranger Things and IT effectively utilize the lens of childhood to amplify the horror, highlighting the formative power of imagination and fear in shaping young minds. This focus on childhood horror is a hallmark of Stephen King's work, and these two examples perfectly embody this core element.

The Power of Childhood Imagination

• Stranger Things: The children's adventures in the Upside Down aren't merely escapades; they're fueled by their vivid imaginations and a desperate need to understand the terrifying forces encroaching on their small town. Their playful explorations quickly transform into desperate struggles for survival, demonstrating how easily the line between fantasy and reality can blur in a child's mind. Their shared experiences and unwavering loyalty to one another become crucial to their survival.
• IT: The Losers Club confronts Pennywise, a creature that feeds on their deepest fears, manifesting as their worst nightmares. Their friendship becomes their greatest weapon, their shared bond offering solace and strength against a seemingly invincible evil. The power of their collective imagination, manifested in their adult return to Derry, is ultimately what allows them to defeat the ancient entity.
• Keywords: Childhood horror, Friendship, Imagination, Stephen King themes, coming-of-age, childhood trauma

Small-Town Americana and Hidden Darkness

Both series utilize the idyllic backdrop of a small town to heighten the contrast between surface charm and underlying darkness. This trope, a frequent element in Stephen King's narratives, creates a palpable sense of unease.

• Stranger Things: Hawkins, Indiana, with its quaint streets and friendly neighbors, hides a sinister secret: a government conspiracy and a terrifying portal to a malevolent parallel dimension, the Upside Down. This juxtaposition between the seemingly ordinary and the profoundly unsettling is a masterclass in building suspense.
• IT: Derry, Maine, steeped in a long history of violence and tragedy, harbors the ancient evil of Pennywise. The town’s seemingly innocuous façade masks a deep-seated darkness, reflecting the town's collective trauma and repressed memories.
• Keywords: Small-town setting, Hidden darkness, Supernatural elements, King's Americana, dysfunctional community, repressed trauma

Differences in Tone and Scope: Exploring Horror Subgenres

While sharing thematic similarities, Stranger Things and IT diverge in their approach to horror, exploring different subgenres within the broader horror spectrum.

Supernatural vs. Cosmic Horror

• Stranger Things: Leans more toward science fiction horror. The Upside Down, while undeniably terrifying, possesses a certain level of scientific plausibility (however fantastical). The series explores the possibility of parallel dimensions and the potential consequences of scientific experimentation.
• IT: Delves into the realm of cosmic horror. Pennywise is not merely a supernatural creature; he's an ancient, unknowable entity that represents Derry's collective fears and traumas. He transcends simple explanation, embodying a primal, almost Lovecraftian horror.
• Keywords: Cosmic horror, Supernatural horror, Science fiction horror, Pennywise, Upside Down, Lovecraftian horror, existential dread

Character Archetypes and Narrative Structure

The character arcs and narrative structures of the two differ significantly, contributing to their unique tonal qualities.

• Stranger Things: Employs a more episodic structure, with each season focusing on a specific threat. Character relationships evolve organically, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. The pacing is relatively fast-paced, keeping the audience constantly engaged.
• IT: Features a more sprawling, extended narrative, building suspense over a much longer period. The book follows the Losers Club from childhood to adulthood, exploring the lasting impact of their encounter with Pennywise. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the horror to slowly build and fester.
• Keywords: Character development, Narrative structure, Pacing, Storytelling techniques, character arcs, plot structure

Conclusion: A King-Sized Comparison of Supernatural Thrills

Both Stranger Things and IT draw heavily from the wellspring of Stephen King’s creative genius, echoing his fascination with childhood fears, the darkness lurking beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic communities, and the enduring power of friendship. While Stranger Things leans towards science fiction horror with its exploration of a parallel dimension, IT plunges into the depths of cosmic horror, presenting an ancient and unknowable evil. Their differing narrative structures and pacing further contribute to their distinct identities, but both ultimately tap into timeless themes that resonate with audiences across generations. The enduring appeal of both works lies in their ability to confront universal anxieties, weaving gripping narratives that explore the complexities of childhood, friendship, and the enduring struggle against the unknown. What are your thoughts on this comparison? Share your opinions on social media using #StrangerThings #IT #StephenKing! Further explore the rich tapestry of Stephen King's work, or delve deeper into the individual analyses of Stranger Things and IT to uncover more layers of these fascinating narratives.