2006-06-16 09:49:13 · 22 answers · asked by X 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Even though some of his ideas are pretty out there, I can't think of another modern author that develops characters better. No matter the type of character, you always find a piece of yourself in them, the way they think, act etc. He does this so well that I have even teared up when some characters die (or get real pissed for that matter) Not all of his books are horror or even supernatural, and if you haven't read it, his semi-autobiographical "On Writing" is absolutely fantastic.
Of course, when Dickens did his thing, he really revolutionized the novel. So, as important as Dickens, I don't know. But I do believe that he will be considered one of the best writers of his time, and if he had chosen to write about anything other than horror/supernatural, this would not even be a debate.
garwy, what do you base your statement on that people who read king read nothing else? You checked out every king readers collection? Seems like something you made up to prove your point. If you don't like him fine, but do not fabricate statements to prove your point. I have well over 600 books, and unfortunately king has only wrote 35-40 of them.
2006-06-16 10:05:40 · answer #1 · answered by mr_sparkle6666 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋
In answer to the direct question, no, I don't believe he will be considered as important as Dickens. Actually not even close. But King is a very good storyteller for the masses, and despite what most critics think, most of his books are really good escapism at least and inspirational stories at best. By the way I do read Stephen King novel, I'm on book # 7 in the Dark Tower Series as we speak.
2006-06-16 19:40:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Charles Dickens wrote novels that were so great they are a standard study in high school English classes. I doubt Stephen King would ever rise to this level of importance. In a hundred years King probably will not be remembered at all. Dickens, who wrote his novels in the 18th century has never had one to go out of print. Can King claim this distinction?
2006-06-16 17:04:02 · answer #3 · answered by journey_tothe_center 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have read Stephen King and Charles Dickens and many other authors besides. King has talent and most of his books are very good but some are better than others. I think that some of his stories may survive but I wouldn't want to go further than that.
2006-06-16 23:12:23 · answer #4 · answered by Darma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
King has something of the same gift for storytelling that Dickens had. Don't forget that many of Dickens' works were serialized in the periodicals of his day....they were not considered "literature"---they were meant for the enjoyment of the masses--just as King's work is now. I think it is entirely possible they will fall into the same range of respect in 100 years.
2006-06-16 17:23:52 · answer #5 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope so! Though some of his horror genre can be pretty twisted, I think Stephen King is mistaken for horror-only, and has so often written really interesting novels that are semi-supernatural, but not bloody/horrifying. Examples are some of his short stories that got turned into movies like "Stand By Me," "Shawshank Redemption", "The Green Mile." He is a fantastic story teller and definitely should be credited for his originality, despite his prolific publishings (and often horrible TV adaptations for his books).
2006-06-16 16:53:41 · answer #6 · answered by TL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it will probably take longer than that. Although I love Stephen King, it may take at least 500 years before he's considered a major literary icon by the literary elitists.
2006-06-16 17:03:28 · answer #7 · answered by Girasol 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people who read stephen king tend not to read much else. this is the only way that you can convince yourself that king is even competent as a writer.
in about 100 years stephen king will have maybe a shade less clout than mrs. oliphant does now. (mrs. oliphant was really hot in the 1880s).
the names people will remember will be douglas adams, jk rowling, julian barnes, fay weldon ... but not stephen king.
2006-06-16 17:48:46 · answer #8 · answered by synopsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Not even close. There are too many people who close their minds when they hear Stephen King. He only writes about aliens and gross stuff. Or NOT. Most people who aren't King fans don't bother looking at his other stuff.
2006-06-19 03:06:22 · answer #9 · answered by cincin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe but, I doubt it. For some reason, King's horror novels seem to age really quickly and what was scarey a few years ago eventually becomes cookiecutter.
Probably just a symptom of our society...
2006-06-16 16:53:31 · answer #10 · answered by sincityq 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋