Selected Shorts Podcast: Stephen King – A Half Century of Scares
Episode Overview Selected Shorts, produced by Symphony Space, delves into the vast literary universe of Stephen King in the episode titled “Stephen King: A Half Century of Scares”, released on January 30, 2025. Hosted by Meg Wolitzer, the episode celebrates King’s enduring legacy as a master storyteller, not only in horror but across multiple genres. Featuring insights from Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Colson Whitehead and performances by esteemed actors Carrie Coon and John Benjamin Hickey, the episode offers a multifaceted exploration of King’s work and its profound impact on both readers and fellow writers.
1. Introduction to Stephen King’s Dual Legacy
Opening Remarks by Meg Wolitzer [00:07-05:13]
Meg Wolitzer sets the stage by highlighting Stephen King’s unparalleled position in popular culture. She underscores King’s dual legacy: his mastery of horror with iconic works like The Shining and Carrie, and his versatility evident in other profound narratives such as The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me. Wolitzer emphasizes that King’s genius lies not just in his ability to scare but in crafting deeply resonant characters and stories that traverse genres from science fiction to alternate history.
Notable Quote:
“Stephen King understands that combination [of fear and pleasure] better than any writer I can think of, and I have a hunch that maybe he feels it too, when he's writing.”
— Meg Wolitzer [00:07]
2. Colson Whitehead on Stephen King’s Influence
Guest Introduction and Insights [03:12-05:13]
Colson Whitehead, renowned for novels like The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, shares his personal connection to Stephen King’s work. He reflects on King’s ability to explore a myriad of genres beyond horror, including crime, fantasy, and realism. Whitehead praises King’s assertion in On Writing that writing is a form of telepathy, allowing authors to tap into the deepest fears and hopes of their audience.
Notable Quote:
“He peered into our brains to identify the things that terrify us the deepest... and also the things that give us hope.”
— Colson Whitehead [03:12]
3. Dramatic Reading: Carrie by Carrie Coon
Performance Introduction [05:13-07:10]
Meg Wolitzer introduces the first excerpt from King’s seminal novel Carrie, marking its 50th anniversary in 2024. She highlights Carrie’s vivid imagery and its enduring relevance, cautioning that the content may not be suitable for younger audiences. The reading is performed by acclaimed actress Carrie Coon, known for her versatile roles in projects ranging from mainstream franchises like Ghostbusters to indie films.
Reading Excerpt [07:10-13:35]
Carrie Coon delivers a gripping passage from Carrie, capturing the protagonist’s traumatic experience at the prom. The excerpt vividly portrays Carrie’s emotional turmoil as she confronts betrayal and humiliation, culminating in her unleashing her telekinetic powers in a climactic confrontation.
Notable Quote:
“They were still all beautiful and there was still enchantment and wonder. But she had crossed a line and now the fairy tale was green with corruption and evil.”
— Carrie Coon as Carrie White [07:10]
4. Analysis and Reflections on Carrie
Meg Wolitzer’s Commentary [13:35-24:45]
Following the reading, Wolitzer reflects on Carrie’s impact, noting King’s unparalleled ability to weave universal human fears—particularly those rooted in adolescence—into compelling narratives. She reminisces about her own experiences with the novel, illustrating how King’s characters transcend the supernatural to embody real, relatable emotions and struggles.
Notable Quote:
“Stephen King is brilliant at making the unreal real in two entirely different ways... any minute, if someone on the bus did something mean to her, we were going to fly off the Long Island Expressway and into oblivion.”
— Meg Wolitzer [13:35]
5. Dramatic Reading: The Last Rung on the Ladder by John Benjamin Hickey
Performance Introduction [24:45-53:51]
The episode transitions to a more introspective facet of King’s work with The Last Rung on the Ladder, an excerpt read by actor John Benjamin Hickey. This story departs from supernatural elements, focusing instead on the poignant and heart-wrenching bond between siblings. Hickey’s performance brings to life the narrative’s exploration of childhood innocence, family dynamics, and the traumatic events that shape one’s destiny.
Reading Excerpt [24:45-53:51]
John Benjamin Hickey narrates a deeply emotional story about Larry and his sister Kitty, recounting their childhood experiences with a dangerous game involving a rickety ladder. The reading delves into themes of responsibility, loss, and the lasting scars of childhood trauma. It culminates in the tragic and mysterious death of Kitty, leaving Larry to grapple with grief and unresolved questions.
Notable Quote:
“How are you going to approach that? So we have that.”
— Carrie Coon [54:04]
(Note: This quote seems misplaced in the transcript. It might be an error, so it's excluded from quotes directly attributed to Hickey.)
6. Reflections on The Last Rung on the Ladder
Insights from John Benjamin Hickey [53:51-56:00]
Backstage comments from Hickey reveal his admiration for King’s ability to portray deep familial bonds without succumbing to sentimentality. He compares the emotional depth in The Last Rung on the Ladder to King’s acclaimed works like Stand By Me, highlighting his mastery in balancing sentiment with genuine emotional resonance.
Notable Quotes:
“Stephen King is a master of... such a fine line he treads.”
— John Benjamin Hickey [54:40]
“He was probably 14 years old when the Shining came out in paperback, and I bought it... it scared the living crap out of me.”
— John Benjamin Hickey [55:14]
7. Closing Remarks
Meg Wolitzer’s Final Thoughts [56:00-57:29]
Meg Wolitzer concludes the episode by acknowledging Stephen King’s versatility in eliciting different types of fear and emotional responses. She contrasts the supernatural horror King is famed for with the more grounded, emotional terror in his family-centric stories, celebrating his breadth as a storyteller.
Notable Quote:
“A story like that accesses a different kind of fear than the one poked by killer clowns and a sadness unlike the one which visits when facing zombie pets.”
— Meg Wolitzer [56:00]
Production Credits: The episode was produced by Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague, with a dedicated team including Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimpkin, Vivienne Woodward, and Magdalene Robleski. Recordings were handled by Myles B. Smith, and the theme music featured David Peterson’s That’s the Deal, performed by the Deardorf Petersen Group. Selected Shorts is supported by the Dungannon Foundation and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with Symphony Space overseeing production and distribution.
Conclusion
This episode of Selected Shorts offers a profound homage to Stephen King, celebrating his multifaceted contributions to literature. Through compelling readings and insightful discussions, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for King’s ability to navigate and intertwine various genres, creating stories that resonate on both a superficial and deeply emotional level. Whether revisiting Carrie or exploring the heartfelt narrative of The Last Rung on the Ladder, the episode underscores King’s enduring relevance and his unparalleled talent in capturing the complexities of the human experience.