Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - It by Stephen King

"It" by Stephen King is a masterpiece of literary horror that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the twisted depths of human nature. The novel follows the adventures of a group of seven childhood friends, who call themselves 'The Losers Club', as they confront their deepest fears and battle a malevolent force that has haunted their hometown for centuries.

The novel is divided into two parts, each with its own distinct themes and storylines. The first part of the novel takes place in 1958 when the members of The Losers Club are children. They discover that their hometown of Derry, Maine is plagued by a monstrous entity that preys on the fears of its victims, taking the form of a clown named Pennywise. The children band together to defeat this monster, but the victory is short-lived as they soon realize that Pennywise is just one manifestation of a much greater evil that has been terrorizing their town for centuries.

The second part of the novel takes place twenty-seven years later, in 1985, when the members of The Losers Club are adults. They have all gone their separate ways, but they are drawn back to Derry when it becomes clear that Pennywise has returned. The second part of the novel is more introspective, exploring the psychological scars left by their childhood trauma and the ways in which they have tried to move on with their lives.

The story is narrated through the perspectives of the seven members of The Losers Club, each of whom has a unique and compelling backstory. Bill Denbrough is the de facto leader of the group, haunted by the death of his younger brother Georgie, who was killed by Pennywise at the beginning of the novel. Ben Hanscom is the overweight and bookish member of the group, who has a secret crush on Beverly Marsh, the only female member of the club. Eddie Kaspbrak is the hypochondriac of the group, whose overbearing mother has kept him sheltered and fearful his entire life. Richie Tozier is the wisecracking class clown, whose humor masks a deep sense of insecurity. Stan Uris is the pragmatic and level-headed member of the group, who struggles to accept the supernatural events unfolding around him. Mike Hanlon is the African-American member of the group, whose family has lived in Derry for generations, and who serves as the historian and chronicler of the town's dark history. Finally, there is Beverly Marsh, the lone female member of the group, who is dealing with abuse at the hands of her father and the unwanted attention of her male classmates.

As the novel progresses, the members of The Losers Club must confront their deepest fears and overcome their personal demons to defeat Pennywise and the greater evil that lurks beneath the surface of their hometown. Along the way, they encounter a variety of supernatural creatures and phenomena, including werewolves, lepers, and haunted houses.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is King's exploration of the theme of childhood trauma and its lasting effects on the psyche. Each member of The Losers Club is dealing with their own personal demons, which are magnified by their encounters with Pennywise and the supernatural. King's portrayal of the children as vulnerable and innocent, yet capable of great bravery and resilience, is both poignant and powerful.

The novel's climax takes place in the sewers beneath Derry, where The Losers Club finally confronts Pennywise and the greater evil that has been terrorizing their town for centuries. The final showdown is both terrifying and cathartic, as the members of The Losers Club face their fears and come together as a united front.

Ultimately, "It" is a complex and multi-layered novel that combines horror, suspense, and psychological insight to create a truly unforgettable reading experience. King's masterful storytelling and vivid imagery bring the town of Derry and its inhabitants to life, while his exploration of the themes of childhood, memory, trauma, and the supernatural make "It" a timeless work of literature that will haunt readers long after they have turned the final page.