SPOILER NOTICE - YOU MAY WANT TO AVOID THIS BLOG UNTIL YOU HAVE FINISHED READING THIS BOOK
"The Stand" is a post-apocalyptic horror/fantasy novel by Stephen King
This story is about the total breakdown and destruction of society through widespread violence, the failure of martial law to contain an outbreak, and eventually the death of virtually the entire population.
LOST Reference[]
Disc 7 of Lost: The Complete Second Season (DVD) comments that the table where writers brainstorm for new episodes of LOST is “never without a copy of The Stand”.
J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof & Carlton Cuse repeatedly hint at the importance of the book in their molding of the show on multiple interviews and podcasts.
In the official podcast on Novemer 6th, 2006, Carlton says:
- "So, in fact, our model in many ways have been other things, including Stephen King's The Stand, which we acknowledge as kind of a way you can tell a long, sprawling, character-based story."
a 2004 interview with Ain’t It Cool News, Damon Lindelof stated:
- “For the record, it's my favorite King book other than the Dark Tower series."
The Author[]
Stephen King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author of contemporary horror, suspense, science fiction and fantasy fiction.
Stephen King has likewise shown enthusiasm and fan-support for the series of LOST.
Also See: LBC - LOST Book Club Authors
Quote[]
The book is dedicated to King's wife, Tabitha: "For my wife Tabitha: This dark chest of wonders."
The Characters[]
Stu's party: Stuart Redman
Frances (Frannie) Goldsmith
Glen Bateman
Perion McCarthy and Mark Braddock
Dayna Jurgens
Susan Stern
Patty Kroger
Nick's party: Nick Andros
Tom Cullen
Ralph Brentner
Dick Ellis
Gina McCone
Olivia Walker
June Brinkmeyer
Larry's party: Larry Underwood
Rita Blakemoor
Nadine Cross
Leo "Joe" Rockway
Lucy Swann
Judge Farris
Randall's group Randall Flagg
Lloyd Henreid
Donald Merwin Elbert
Whitney Horgan
Julie Lawry
"the Rat Man"
Barry Dorgan
Jenny Engstrom
Hector "Heck" Drogan
Discussion Points[]
- What is unique about the setting of the story?
- Does this setting enhance or take away from the story?
- What specific themes are discovered throughout the story?
- Do you see any themes also relating to the story of LOST?
- What is the message conveyed by the story themes?
- Do the characters seem real and believable?
- Which characters remind you of similar characters in LOST?
- Are their predicaments similar to any in LOST?
- How do characters change or evolve in the story?
- What triggers those changes?
- What are the similarities and differences with LOST characters?
- What are the philosophical views portrayed in the story?
- How is it the same/different from LOST's philosophical view?
Discussion Guidelines[]
- Be specific and provide examples to back up your point of view.
- To make the discussion more interesting, feel free to ask your own questions.
- Please be considerate of all points of view.
- Encourage participation.
Happy Reading and Thanks!
--Just Sayin' JSTalk LBC LBCTalk eMail 04:53, August 2, 2010 (UTC)
