Carrie is a horror novel and the debut work of American author Stephen King, published in 1974. The story is set in Chamberlain, Maine, and follows the plight of Carietta "Carrie" White, a 16-year-old girl who faces relentless bullying at school and strict religious tyranny at home from her mother, Margaret. Carrie, an outcast with a frumpy appearance and unorthodox religious beliefs, becomes the target of a cruel prank at her high school prom, triggering her hidden telekinetic powers.
Carrie's horrific experience starts with a traumatizing incident in her school's locker room. Carrie, due to her mother's rigid suppression of sexual education, believes she is dying when she gets her first menstrual period. The ensuing mockery by her peers and the discovery of her telekinetic abilities set the stage for a tragic series of events. After being invited to the prom in a gesture meant as atonement by her classmate Sue Snell, Carrie is subjected to a final humiliation that unleashes her powers in full force. The night ends in a catastrophic display of vengeance that devastates the town of Chamberlain, leading to Carrie confronting and ultimately killing her mother before tragically succumbing to her own injuries.
Structurally, Carrie is noteworthy for its unique composition, presenting the narrative through an assortment of fictional documents and multiple perspectives. This novel not only deals with themes of ostracism and revenge but also critiques societal norms and the horrifying consequences of bullying. King's debut sparked significant interest in the horror genre, revitalizing it for the contemporary audience and setting the stage for his prolific career.
Carrie has been adapted into several films, notably Brian De Palma's 1976 version, which significantly contributed to King's fame as well as the novel's enduring popularity. It also inspired a musical, showcasing its significant impact on popular culture and the horror genre. Carrie continues to be a pivotal work for its exploration of the dark consequences of social alienation and unchecked power.
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About the author
Stephen King
Stephen King, widely known as the "King of Horror," is a prolific and bestselling American author. His works have sold more than 350 million copies worldwide, with many of his novels and short stories adapted into successful films, television series, and miniseries. King's career took off in 1974 with the publication of Carrie, followed by iconic titles such as Salem's Lot, The Shining, Pet Sematary, The Stand, and It. His ability to blend the ordinary with the supernatural has garnered critical acclaim, alongside a multitude of awards, including the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters and the 2014 National Medal of Arts.
King was born on September 21, 1947, and his upbringing in Durham, Maine, under the care of his mother after his father's departure, played a significant role in shaping his literary voice. An avid reader and writer from a young age, King attended the University of Maine, where he wrote for the student newspaper and participated in anti-war activities. After graduating with a BA in English, he struggled to find teaching work, turning to writing for supplemental income. His breakthrough came with a teaching position at Hampden Academy, alongside selling his first professional short story, "The Glass Floor," in 1967.
King's prolific output includes more than 50 bestsellers, spanning various genres. Key novels such as Mr. Mercedes not only received critical acclaim, winning the Edgar Award, but also showcased King's versatility beyond horror, venturing into crime thriller territory. His collaborative work with his son Owen King on Sleeping Beauties and his contributions to mystery and fantasy further display King's broad literary talents. Alongside his literary achievements, King's influence permeates popular culture through adaptations of his works into critically acclaimed and popular films, including The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, and television series. He lives in Maine with his wife, fellow author Tabitha King.
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