Summary
Stephen King's The Long Walk, published in 1979 under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, is a dystopian horror novel that has captivated readers for decades. Set in a totalitarian America, the story revolves around an annual walking contest where 100 teenage boys must maintain a grueling pace of four miles per hour without stopping. The novel's chilling premise and psychological depth have earned it a place among King's most thought-provoking works.
Originally written during King's college years, The Long Walk was his first completed novel, predating his debut publication Carrie by several years. The book's exploration of human endurance, both physical and mental, has resonated with readers and critics alike. In 2000, the American Library Association recognized its impact by naming it one of the 100 best books for teenage readers published between 1966 and 2000.
While The Long Walk has yet to be adapted for the screen, its path to adaptation has been long and winding. After several false starts, including interest from George A. Romero and Frank Darabont, the project is currently in development at Lionsgate. With Francis Lawrence attached to direct and a cast including Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson, fans of the novel may soon see King's harrowing vision brought to life on the big screen.
Plot
In Stephen King's dystopian novel The Long Walk, 100 teenage boys participate in a grueling annual contest where they must maintain a constant walking pace of four miles per hour without stopping. Set in a future America that has become a police state, the competition is overseen by soldiers who enforce strict rules. Contestants receive warnings for slowing down, and after three warnings, they are permanently eliminated - by being shot dead.
The story follows 16-year-old Ray Garraty as he enters the contest against his mother's wishes. As the walk begins, Garraty befriends several other contestants, including the cynical McVries, the affable Baker, and the mysterious Stebbins. The boys form bonds as they face the physical and mental challenges of the relentless march. However, tensions also arise, particularly with the antagonistic Barkovitch, who boasts about outlasting the others.
As the walk progresses over several days, exhaustion and desperation set in. Contestants begin to drop out through injury, exhaustion or mental breakdown. Garraty struggles with his own motivations for joining the walk as he witnesses the deaths of new friends. The camaraderie between survivors is tested as they realize only one can ultimately win “The Prize” - anything they want for the rest of their life.
In a shocking twist, Stebbins reveals he is the illegitimate son of the Major who runs the contest. As the number of survivors dwindles to just a few, Garraty finds himself among the final contestants. In the end, he emerges as the lone survivor and winner, though in a state of delirium. The novel closes with Garraty, mentally unhinged, continuing to walk towards an unseen figure in the distance.
Themes
Endurance and human limits
Totalitarian control and manipulation
Friendship and camaraderie in extreme circumstances
Loss of innocence and coming of age
The nature of competition and survival
Psychological impact of prolonged stress
Societal entertainment at the expense of human life
Setting
Set in a dystopian future America, The Long Walk takes place in a totalitarian society where the annual walking contest serves as a major source of entertainment. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a police state, where civil liberties have been severely curtailed and the government exerts strict control over its citizens.
The geographical setting primarily focuses on the northeastern United States, with the walk beginning at the Canada-Maine border. As the contestants progress, they travel south along U.S. Route 1, passing through Maine and into neighboring states. The route takes them through both rural and urban areas, with spectators lining the roads to watch the grim spectacle unfold.
Specific locations mentioned include Freeport, Maine, where the protagonist Ray Garraty hopes to see his girlfriend in the crowd. The walk eventually enters Massachusetts, highlighting the grueling distance covered by the participants. Throughout the journey, the landscape serves as a stark contrast to the increasingly desperate situation of the walkers, with the familiar American scenery becoming a haunting backdrop to their struggle for survival.
Characters
Ray Garraty: The novel's 16-year-old protagonist from Maine. Thoughtful and naive, Garraty struggles to understand his compulsion to join the Walk. He forms close bonds with other Walkers, particularly McVries, as he grapples with the physical and psychological toll of the competition. Garraty's journey is one of self-discovery and survival against increasingly impossible odds.
Peter McVries: Garraty's closest companion during the Walk. Sardonic and masochistic, McVries repeatedly saves Garraty's life and offers crucial advice. His complex personality and fierce hatred for Barkovitch make him a pivotal character in the story's unfolding drama.
Stebbins: A mysterious loner who walks at the rear of the group. Revealed to be the Major's illegitimate son, Stebbins speaks in riddles and believes the Walk is rigged. His calm demeanor and strategic insights make him a formidable competitor and a source of intrigue for Garraty.
Art Baker: A kind-hearted boy from Louisiana who befriends Garraty. Despite his sweet nature, Baker has a dark past as a con artist and night rider. His fascination with death adds depth to his character as he faces the Walk's grueling challenges.
Gary Barkovitch: A small, intense boy from Washington, DC. Barkovitch's aggressive attitude and threats to “dance on the graves” of other Walkers make him a pariah. His descent into paranoia and madness showcases the psychological impact of the Walk.
Hank Olson: Initially cocky and humorous, Olson quickly becomes withdrawn and unresponsive as the Walk progresses. His transformation symbolizes the brutal toll of the competition on its participants.
Scramm: The odds-on favorite to win the Walk. Friendly despite his dim-witted nature, Scramm's motivation stems from his pregnant wife waiting at home.
Collie Parker: A tough-talking boy from Illinois. Parker's profanity-laced speech and attempts to flirt with spectators provide moments of levity in the grim narrative.
Abraham: A 17-year-old boy known for his droll humor and short temper. Abraham's decision to enter the Walk partially as a joke highlights the recklessness of youth.
Pearson: A tall, bespectacled boy with an interest in poetry and game theory. Pearson's logical approach to the Walk contrasts with the emotional reactions of other participants.
Quick facts
The Long Walk was the first novel Stephen King ever wrote, though not the first published. He began writing it as a college freshman in 1966-67.
King originally published the book under the pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1979.
The novel is set in a dystopian future America where 100 teenage boys compete in a grueling walking contest.
King was inspired to write the story after participating in 50-mile hikes as part of President Kennedy's physical fitness program.
The book's main character, Ray Garraty, is from King's home state of Maine.
The Long Walk was included on the American Library Association's list of 100 best books for teenage readers published between 1966-2000.
Director Frank Darabont held the film rights for many years but never produced an adaptation.
The novel explores themes of totalitarianism, coming of age, and the human will to survive.
King has said the book was partially influenced by his own experiences dealing with poverty as a young man.
A film adaptation is currently in development, with director Francis Lawrence attached to the project as of 2023.
About the Author
Stephen King is one of the most prolific and popular authors of the 20th and 21st centuries, renowned for his mastery of horror, suspense, and fantasy fiction. Born in 1947 in Portland, Maine, King developed a passion for storytelling at a young age and published his breakout novel Carrie in 1974. Since then, he has written over 60 novels and hundreds of short stories, many of which have been adapted into successful films and TV series.
King's writing style is characterized by its vivid descriptions, relatable characters, and ability to tap into common fears and anxieties. Some of his most famous works include The Shining, It, Misery, and The Dark Tower series. While primarily known for horror, King has also ventured into other genres like crime fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction. His non-fiction book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is widely regarded as an insightful guide for aspiring writers.
Throughout his career, King has received numerous accolades, including multiple Bram Stoker Awards, World Fantasy Awards, and a National Medal of Arts. He has also been a vocal advocate for literacy and has made significant philanthropic contributions to libraries and educational causes. King's influence extends beyond literature, as his works have shaped popular culture and inspired countless other writers in the horror and suspense genres.
Despite facing personal challenges, including a near-fatal car accident in 1999 and struggles with addiction, King has maintained a prolific output and continues to publish new works regularly. His storytelling prowess and ability to connect with readers have solidified his place as one of the most influential authors of his generation, earning him the nickname “The King of Horror” among fans and critics alike.
