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Stephen King, one of the world’s most successful authors, has built his career on writing stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Known for his works of horror and the supernatural, he has a massive following and his books have sold millions of copies worldwide. However, despite his success, King has never shied away from criticism, especially from literary critics who often look down on the genre he writes in.
In fact, he has some strong opinions about the way his stories are treated, especially when compared to other forms of entertainment. And when it comes to the critics, King has a lot to say.
Why does Stephen King think films likeJawsget an unfair pass?
Stephen Kinghas always been open about how people judge his work. Over the years, he’s faced strong criticism, especially from literary experts who often look down on popular fiction. But what really annoys the famous author is the unfair difference in how books and films are treated. He once pointed out how his book is criticized while Steven Spielberg’sJawsis celebrated as a masterpiece.
King joked viaRolling Stoneabout how films are seen as more approachable, saying,“You can take a f**king illiterate to Jaws, and he can understand what’s going on.”Meanwhile, books likeThe Standare brushed off by critics as“just genre fiction.”For the author, the problem lies in the way some critics view popular stories. Many assume that if a lot of people like something, it must be low-quality.
King strongly disagrees with the notion that popular works are automatically low quality because they appeal to many people, calling this view elitist and rejecting it completely. He has also expressed frustration over the respect given to certain authors over him. For instance, he wasannoyed when Tom Clancy, another writer at Penguin, was seen as more important. To this he believed his own work deserved equal recognition.
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Even with over 350 million books sold, Stephen King has struggled against the label of being“just”a genre writer. He insists that stories should be judged on their quality, not on whether they include elements of horror, fantasy, or the supernatural. He once compared critics to picky eaters who won’t try food just because“the different kinds of food are touching on the plate.”
Ultimately, King’s frustration is less about the critics and more about defending stories that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s his novels or Spielberg’s movies, King champions the idea that the true power of a story lies in its ability to connect with everyone. While critics may debate his place in literature, his lasting impact on storytelling is undeniable.
What madeLord of the Fliesso impactful for Stephen King?
Stephen King has often shared how certain books have shaped his life and career. In this, one of the most impactful books for him wasLord of the Fliesby William Golding, which he read as a teenager. The connection he felt to this book was so strong that King likened it to how kids today feelaboutHarry Potter.
Lord of the Fliestells the story of a group of boys stranded on an island, slowly spiraling into chaos and savagery. He was captivated by the story, feeling fully immersed in the world Golding created.
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It was an interesting story that revealed a darker side of human nature, which fascinated him. He added in an interview viaThe Guardian:
Lord of the Flies: it was about kids, and I was a kid. The plot was simple and the descent into savagery was believable. I read it at the age of 12 – it was only later that I grasped the symbolism of the severed pig’s head and the sexual subtext. I felt that if I could do something like that, I’d be happy. And guess what? I was right.
For King, Lord of the Flies was more than just a book—it was a turning point. It inspired him to become the storyteller he is today, leaving a lasting impact on his writing style and perspective. The book stuck with him, influencing his work in ways that went beyond simple enjoyment and had a much deeper personal meaning.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1434
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
