Stephen King has long been associated with tragic pet deaths, particularly among dogs, a theme that resonates painfully with many readers. His previous works frequently illustrate dogs as innocent beings who suffer due to human cruelty or unfortunate circumstances. However, his 2022 release, Fairy Tale, marks a poignant shift in this recurring narrative, aimed at mending the emotional wounds of avid fans.
In Fairy Tale, King introduces Radar, a devoted dog whose journey serves as a heartfelt rebuttal to the grim fate that has typically befallen canine characters in his stories. While King has a history of placing his dog characters in distressing situations, Fairy Tale stands as a refreshing deviation, showcasing rare moments where dogs emerge unscathed, suggesting a potential evolution in King’s treatment of these beloved companions.
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In Cujo, King’s haunting narrative takes a tragic turn, culminating in a devastating ending that remains etched in the minds of his readers. The stark contrast between the book and its film adaptation lies particularly in the treatment of animal and child mortality. In the book, while Cujo meets a morbid fate, the loss of young Tad, who succumbs to dehydration and heatstroke, deeply affects his mother, Donna, marking a pivotal moment in their lives.
Other works, like Secret Window, Secret Garden, feature grim fates for animals, with John Shooter eliminating Bump the cat and threatening Mort’s dog. This pattern continues across King’s portfolio; novels such as Cell, Insomnia, The Dead Zone, and Desperation depict similarly tragic dog deaths. King’s ability to evoke emotional responses stems from his depiction of dogs as trusting innocents, inherently vulnerable to human flaws.
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Radar, the Affectionate Canine Companion in Fairy Tale, Survives
With Fairy Tale, King aims to offer an olive branch for the heartache caused by previous dog deaths in his narratives. The novel features Charlie and his loyal dog Radar as they confront malice and danger together. In a revealing interview with The Times, King reflected on his past, saying:
“In some ways I have been a little bit tough on dogs in my career,” said King. “I wanted to write a dog character who was really good. Radar is my apology.”
Rather than using Radar as a tool for foreshadowing or to heighten the stakes for human characters, King presents him as a steadfast companion, one that readers are eager to see survive the trials ahead. The palpable tension when Charlie loses sight of Radar serves to further engage the audience, leading them to root for his safety throughout the narrative.
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In contrast to earlier works, where a dog’s demise often underscored a character’s anguish or development, Fairy Tale eschews such a tragic narrative tool. King expertly navigates Charlie’s growth without the necessity of sacrificing Radar, thus preserving a sense of hope and loyalty in the story. The forthcoming television adaptation of Fairy Tale by A24 promises to unlock the story’s fantastical essence while maintaining the core themes of companionship.
Fairy Tale Is A Rare but Not Isolated Instance of a Surviving Dog in King’s Work
Acknowledging King: Other Canines Have Made It Through His Stories
While Fairy Tale stands out as a rare instance where a dog survives, it’s essential to recognize that King has allowed other canine characters to evade fatal endings. In “Laurie”from the collection You Like It Darker, despite the demise of Lloyd’s neighbor at the hands of an alligator, both Laurie and her canine companion manage to return home with minimal harm. Their bond plays a significant role in Laurie’s healing process as she grapples with loss.
Additionally, in The Stand, Kojak the Irish Setter is granted a long life, as King reassuringly narrates:
“Even when he was an old, old dog (and Kojak lived another sixteen years, long after Glen Bateman died), those scars would pain and throb on wet days.”
The affable Kojak emerges as one of the narrative’s most beloved figures. King acknowledges the readers’ concerns by delving into Kojak’s perspective and affirming his survival against the backdrop of loss rampant in other parts of his stories. While the television adaptation of The Stand may have fallen short in chronicling Kojak’s journey, fans hope that A24’s upcoming rendition of Fairy Tale provides Radar the spotlight she rightly deserves.
Source: The Times