Stephen King recently voiced his thoughts on the concept of spoilers in a piece tied to the release of Dame Daphne du Maurier’s new collection of dark short stories. He discussed how spoilers, often complained about by readers, do not truly ruin the enjoyment of a story, emphasizing the journey over the ending.
Stephen King Challenges the Complaint Over Spoilers
In an article for The Guardian, King shared his perspective on the modern obsession with spoilers while analyzing du Maurier’s distinctive storytelling style. He highlighted how Du Maurier’s horror stories often conclude in unsettling ways that allow readers to form their own interpretations.
King stated,
I am impatient with the idea of ‘spoilers,’ a term that’s come into vogue along with other unpleasant side-effects of the internet in general and social media in particular.
This reflects his strong stance against the frustration commonly expressed around plot revelations.
He further criticized the reaction of fans who claim their experience was ruined.
I find ‘You spoiled it!’ to be, typically, the cry of spoilt people.
King elaborated by arguing,
I’d argue you can rarely spoil a good story, because the joy is in the journey rather than the arrival.
Praise for Daphne du Maurier’s Masterful Craft
While King dismisses most spoiler complaints, he makes a rare exception for du Maurier’s work, acknowledging that discussing her stories in detail could diminish their impact. He remarked,
Du Maurier’s stories are a notable exception to that rule. To talk about any of them at length would destroy their effect,
thus applauding her narrative skill.
He expressed deep admiration with the words,
Suffice it to say that you are in the hands of a master storyteller. A diabolical one, at that.
This underscores the respect King holds for du Maurier’s ability to craft compelling and chilling tales.
The Significance of King’s Commentary and Du Maurier’s New Collection
This commentary coincides with the release of Daphne du Maurier’s new anthology, After Midnight: Thirteen Chilling Tales, which includes an introduction by Stephen King himself. His reflections provide a thoughtful context for readers approaching the collection, encouraging them to focus on the storytelling experience rather than fearing spoilers.
King’s rejection of the spoiler culture suggests that readers might benefit from embracing the full narrative journey, and his praise for Du Maurier highlights the lasting power of masterful storytelling in horror literature.
