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”?
what does king means when in paragraph 2 when he says When we pay our four or five bucks and seat ourselves at tenth-row center in a theater showing a
horror movie, we are daring the nightmare.
He means that the movie is interesting to us from the beginning and that it also can be realistic to everyday life.
In paragraph 4, when Stephen King states that horror movies are "innately conservative, even reactionary," he means that they often reflect traditional values, uphold societal norms, and reinforce the status quo. Horror movies tend to follow established tropes and formulas, presenting a world where evil is defeated and things return to a sense of normalcy or order, thereby preserving conservative beliefs and ideals.
On the other hand, in paragraph 11, when King describes horror movies as "anarchistic, and revolutionary," he suggests that they can challenge and subvert established norms and traditions. Horror movies often explore themes of chaos, rebellion against authority, and the breakdown of societal structures. They can serve as a platform for questioning and criticizing authority figures, institutions, and the prevailing social order, thereby offering a sense of freedom, rebellion, and revolution.
In paragraph 4, when Stephen King says that horror movies are "innately conservative, even reactionary," he is referring to the tendency of horror movies to uphold traditional values and reinforce societal norms. By portraying a clear distinction between good and evil, horror movies often reflect and reinforce conservative ideals of morality and social order.
To understand this in more detail, you can look for clues within horror films that go along with conservative values. Pay attention to how the protagonist's actions align with traditional family structures, gender roles, or religious beliefs. Look for examples of evil being punished and good prevailing as a representation of conservative moral values.
On the other hand, in paragraph 11 when King describes horror movies as "anarchistic, and revolutionary," he is referring to the subversive nature of the genre. Horror films have the ability to challenge established norms and provoke societal change by exploring taboo subjects, questioning authority, or confronting primal human fears.
To grasp this concept further, analyze horror movies that subvert societal norms or challenge established power structures. Look for instances where horror movies confront social issues, challenge societal expectations, or critique authoritarian figures. By doing so, you can identify the revolutionary elements that King mentions.
It is important to note that while King describes horror movies as both conservative and anarchistic, these qualities are not mutually exclusive. Different horror films may lean towards one interpretation more than the other, and some may even exhibit elements of both. Understanding the context and themes of specific horror movies will help you grasp the intricacies of King's assertions.