We all Crave Horror Movies essay by Stephen King

What does King mean in paragraph 4 when he says that horror movies are “innately conservative, even reactionary”? What does he mean in paragraph 11 when he calls them “anarchistic, and revolutionary”?

To understand what Stephen King means in paragraph 4 when he describes horror movies as "innately conservative, even reactionary," and in paragraph 11 when he calls them "anarchistic and revolutionary," we need to analyze the context of his essay "Why we Crave Horror Movies."

In paragraph 4, King explains that horror movies serve as a release valve for our dark and primal desires. He argues that these movies allow us to experience fear and aggression in a controlled and safe environment, satisfying our deep-rooted instincts without acting on them in real life. By labeling horror movies as "innately conservative, even reactionary," King suggests that these films, despite their potentially disturbing and violent content, ultimately reinforce societal norms and values. They provide a platform where we can confront our anxieties while reaffirming our beliefs in the stability and safety of the world around us.

In paragraph 11, King presents a contrasting viewpoint by referring to horror movies as "anarchistic and revolutionary." Here, he emphasizes that these films challenge the established order and disrupt the status quo. Horror movies often defy conventions, subvert expectations, and push boundaries. They explore themes like the breakdown of society, the existence of evil, and the unraveling of sanity. By calling horror movies "anarchistic and revolutionary," King suggests that they have the power to disrupt established norms and provoke thought and introspection.

Overall, Stephen King's contrasting descriptions of horror movies as "conservative, even reactionary" and "anarchistic, and revolutionary" highlight the dual nature of the genre. While horror films can adhere to certain social values and norms, they also have the capacity to challenge and provoke change.