The Monkey

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?

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

Analyze the narrative structure of “The Monkey” and discuss how it influences the reader’s experience and understanding of the plot. How do the story’s flashbacks shape the story’s pacing and underscore its meaning?

Examine the portrayal of childhood in “The Monkey.” Analyze the relationship between the children and the adults in the story, considering their contrasting views and experiences.

Consider the places in which the monkey appears (an attic, a closet, etc.). What is the symbolic significance of these spaces? How do they contribute to the story’s meaning?

How does King hint at the potential unreliability of Hal’s perspective? Analyze particular stylistic or narrative choices.

Consider the monkey’s words to Hal. What does its speech reveal about Hal’s unconscious fears and desires? What is the significance of the repeated phrase “Dead at the Scene” (179)?

Explore the social and cultural context of “The Monkey” and discuss how it influences the themes and messages of the story. How does the story reflect broader cultural anxieties or comment on societal issues of its time (1980s America)?