Month 3: Stephen King's IT Read-a-Long
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Anna and I are co-hosting the Stephen King IT Read-a-Long. We are having discussions once per month through the end of the year about the parts we’ve read.
For the first discussion of part 1, plus the following interlude, go here.
For part 2′s discussion, please visit Diary of an Eccentric.
Today is a discussion of Part 3: Grownups and Derry: The Third Interlude.
Following Part Two in which King revealed the individual encounters with IT and that IT had been around a lot longer than the kids suspected, Part Three picks up back in Derry when the kids meet again as grown-ups because IT has started once again. Here are the questions that came to my mind while reading this section:
1. Like most towns, Derry has changed with more developments and banks, but to the "gang" some things remain the same? Do you think they are trapped by nostalgia or something more frightening?
2. The canal plays a prominent role, and as it runs through, around, and beneath the town it collects all of the waste and darkness from its sewers. What are your theories about the canal and its role in Pennywise's cycles and mayhem?
3. The "gang" seems to have come together to work against the clown, and whatever they did is lost to their memories as they revisit sights that meant something to them in childhood. Chüd, silver dollars, and other items are mentioned. Was Mike's suggestion that they spend time alone in Derry aimed at jogging their memories of what happened or was there another purpose?
4. Do you agree or disagree with Mike's theory that after the "gang" stopped the killing cycle, something changed that allowed them to be more successful away from Derry than if they stayed? Why or why not?
There are a few other questions that really don't have answers at this point that I continue to ponder, such as what is Chud, what is this turtle, and how does IT know what these adults will fear most? Are their fears easier to gauge because of the connection they now have with IT since they put a stop to the previous cycle of murders? Or are these adults more connected to their childhoods than other adults may be -- especially given some of their more creative jobs; doesn't that require them to remain a bit in touch with their child-like selves?
Please share your thoughts in the comments, and I'll be sure to discuss with everyone. Thanks for joining in!
If you decide to do your own blog post, please leave the full link to that post in the Mr. Linky below:
For discussion of Part 4 and its following interlude, please stop by Diary of an Eccentric on Nov. 30.