27 pages 54 minutes read

Stephen King

The Monkey

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1980

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Essay Topics

1.

The story describes Crystal Lake at some length. Discuss the symbolism of the lake in relation to the story’s overall meaning.

2.

Explore how “The Monkey” depicts guilt. How does Stephen King use guilt as a driving force in the narrative, and what does its presence suggest about the characters’ moral struggles and psychological states?

3.

Discuss the role Dennis plays in the story. How does his presence inform your understanding of Hal?