The Stand is a remarkable work by Stephen King, regarded by many as a literary masterpiece. However, its length—being the longest of King’s novels—often leads to one prevailing critique from readers. Like much of King’s oeuvre, The Stand draws upon existing themes while also establishing its own narrative voice, ultimately contributing to its status as a defining work in the genre of post-apocalyptic fiction.
Despite its acclaim, even the most exceptional books, particularly lengthy ones like The Stand, inevitably harbor criticisms. These flaws do not diminish its status as a masterwork; if anything, they underscore the complexities of maintaining perfection throughout a sprawling narrative. Among these criticisms is the novel’s conclusion, a point where many readers felt their expectations were not met.
Why The Stand’s Ending Is Considered One of King’s Most Contentious Conclusions
An Abrupt Conclusion That Disappointed Many Readers
As discussions around the plot conclude, many readers consider the book’s ending to be its weakest aspect. The narrative builds up to what many expected to be a climactic showdown, only to deliver a resolution that feels anticlimactic. For instance, in the 1990 “Complete and Uncut”edition, the main antagonist survives, and the anticipated heroic battle is absent. The culmination, marked by a nuclear explosion triggered by a character’s serendipitous timing, strikes many as a cliché, further contributing to the sense of letdown.
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While the symbolic nature of the ending may resonate with some, its blunt delivery and lack of nuance diminish its effectiveness as a conclusion to an epic narrative. The aftermath of the ending compounds this disappointment, reinforcing a common critique of King’s work: the manner in which pivotal character deaths are handled can leave readers feeling unsettled. The resolution of the plot occurs without adequately exploring the implications for the characters who survive or the wider community.
The Length of The Stand Suggested a Chance for Deeper Exploration of Aftermath
The Complete & Uncut Edition Missed a Valuable Opportunity
Considering the extensive length of The Stand, particularly the “Complete and Uncut”edition, which spans over 1,150 pages, it’s perplexing that the aftermath of such a monumental event was not thoroughly addressed. King initially condensed the narrative to alleviate concerns regarding its length and marketability, yet this decision resulted in critical moments being rushed.
Even in its uncut form, the narrative’s resolution seems rushed. The survival and aftermath of characters who endure such loss deserve in-depth exploration. Numerous crucial characters meet untimely ends, and the emotional complexities associated with these deaths merit deeper narrative reflection. The disturbances wrought by the Captain Trips plague and its consequent human tragedies set the stage for a rich tapestry of grief—one King typically excels at depicting in his other works. The lack of engagement with these emotional themes in The Stand is therefore a missed opportunity.
The Stand Might Have Thrived as a Series Rather Than a Single Lengthy Novel
A Series Approach Could Have Enhanced Character Development
Reflecting on the narrative structure, one can’t help but wonder how The Stand would have fared had it been divided into multiple books rather than condensed into a single epic volume. A series format—be it a duology or more—would allow for thorough character exploration and development, particularly for secondary characters that didn’t receive ample attention.
Regardless of its controversial ending and the shortcomings in threading character arcs together, The Stand remains an extraordinary piece of literature. It undeniably stands as one of the paramount post-apocalyptic novels, comparable to the great literary classics. Although Stephen King humorously likens his work to “the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and fries,”The Stand demonstrates his capability to climb amongst literary giants. Still, one ponders how much richer the narrative could have been had readers spent more time with its characters as they navigated profound loss and sorrow.