Finding vigor and solace in a book shrouded with gore, violence, and suspense may seem perplexing, but author Stephen King has proved this possible with the novel Misery. In this stomach-wrenching story, the main character Paul Sheldon successfully directs his way through the various hindrances set by the antagonist Annie Wilkes, in hopes of reaching for the freedom that he yearns for. In Misery, King extols the potential for self-determination through the use of the Scheherazade motif, the “Can You?” motif, as well as the symbolism of the caged bird, to demonstrate that despite certain external circumstances, self-determination is attainable and the ability to reach it is embedded within the mind of the individual.
Despite being forced to …show more content…
However, through the Scheherazade motif, Sheldon realizes that the author is the sole person responsible for the creative direction of a novel and that “it wasn’t Annie that was Scheherazade. He …show more content…
Initially, King describes Sheldon as an “exotic bird” from Africa, who was “doomed to die in the cage where it lived, far away from wherever God had meant it to be”, suggesting how King’s primary description of Sheldon is of a character who will fall into the hands of destiny by staying within the physical and emotional constraints set up by Wilkes in her home (39). However, the motif of the caged bird parallels the growth that Sheldon’s mindset experiences. Eventually, Sheldon is able to convince himself that he wasn’t going to submit to the position that he was intentionally placed in. His own mind readily admits to Sheldon that he must attempt to break away from physical isolation and that “he hadn't lived the life of a hero or a saint, but he did not intend to die like an exotic bird in a zoo” (217). Rather than succumbing to his environment like a captive animal, Sheldon’s mind expresses a strong level of conviction within this quote about how he has an assertive hold on his confinement in Wilke’s home and how he can exercise autonomy in his physical action. This propels Sheldon to search for resources throughout Wilke’s home as well as potential methods of escape from her horrific
Despite being forced to …show more content…
However, through the Scheherazade motif, Sheldon realizes that the author is the sole person responsible for the creative direction of a novel and that “it wasn’t Annie that was Scheherazade. He …show more content…
Initially, King describes Sheldon as an “exotic bird” from Africa, who was “doomed to die in the cage where it lived, far away from wherever God had meant it to be”, suggesting how King’s primary description of Sheldon is of a character who will fall into the hands of destiny by staying within the physical and emotional constraints set up by Wilkes in her home (39). However, the motif of the caged bird parallels the growth that Sheldon’s mindset experiences. Eventually, Sheldon is able to convince himself that he wasn’t going to submit to the position that he was intentionally placed in. His own mind readily admits to Sheldon that he must attempt to break away from physical isolation and that “he hadn't lived the life of a hero or a saint, but he did not intend to die like an exotic bird in a zoo” (217). Rather than succumbing to his environment like a captive animal, Sheldon’s mind expresses a strong level of conviction within this quote about how he has an assertive hold on his confinement in Wilke’s home and how he can exercise autonomy in his physical action. This propels Sheldon to search for resources throughout Wilke’s home as well as potential methods of escape from her horrific