What makes a "Different Season"?

本文为课堂作业。虽说是课堂作业，自己也下了不少苦工写作这点东西，其中所反应的思考也是真实存在，并且（我个人认为）有所讨论意义的。

其实就是为了水点东西填下三个月没写的博客空白（

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Introduction

Publication for Popular

Literature for the public: It defines the popularity of American Literature. The young and new civilization is rooted in the era of widespread knowledge. Large-scale pressing and publishing is the key to the societal trend of reading. Post-World War II Americans saw the emptiness in their physical life and mental repository. The nation has undergone nirvana, and its public is urging for nutrition, thus causing a surge in the popularity of literature for the public. The war itself has become the topic in the spotlight, with its traces deeply embedded into society, for which literature became a much mightier surgical blade in the progress of expressing, reflecting, and even shaping the collective consciousness.

The foundations of this literary shift can be traced back to the emergence of a young and vibrant civilization eager to establish its cultural identity. The widespread dissemination of knowledge became a defining characteristic of this era, driven by advancements in education, technology, and media. The democratization of literature took center stage as publishers recognized the burgeoning demand for books across diverse demographics. This democratization, in turn, fueled the societal trend of reading, making literature a shared experience that reached countless Americans’ homes.

The pulse of American literature for the public was intricately tied to the pressing and publishing industry. The ability to produce books on a large scale and the advent of paperback editions made literature more affordable and accessible. This accessibility, in turn, democratized reading, transcending social and economic barriers. A wave of diverse voices found expression in the literary realm, reflecting the rich tapestry of American society. Authors began to explore themes that resonated with the collective experiences of a nation in flux – issues of identity, the impact of war, the changing role of women, and the influence of technology on daily life.

Genres that gained prominence during this period were as diverse as the voices contributing to the literary conversation. Science fiction, for example, flourished as authors used the genre to explore the implications of rapidly advancing technology and the potential futures it could usher in. With its spontaneous and free-form expression, Beat poetry provided a platform for writers to challenge conventional norms and delve into society’s existential questions. Contemporary fiction, too, thrived as authors experimented with narrative styles and perspectives, reflecting the complexity and diversity of American life.

Horror Defined

Amidst this literary renaissance, one figure stands out as a luminary whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American literature: Stephen King. His name has become synonymous with gripping narratives, compelling characters, and the ability to tap into universal fears. However, King’s significance goes beyond popular fiction; he is a testament to literature’s enduring appeal and influence for the public. His works resonate with a broad readership because they capture the pulse of contemporary society and tap into timeless human experiences and emotions.

Contrary to what people generally thought about great minds, the youth of Stephen King was filled with entertainment one would describe as inferior. From the earliest creation, he was amused with horror stories. “You are what you eat” also applies to mental fulfillment. During middle school, he first started transcribing and eventually creating horror stories, selling them in an informal publication format. His talent drives his actions, and despite his massive success among peers, his mentor still considers his little hobby not comparable to formal literature creation. “One could not make a living by writing horror stories,” they insist. This assertion is what defines the future path of Stephen King: His horror pushed his urge to express, but the fact that he was writing horror stories increased his fear, fear of the possible fact that he was spending his life creating nothing worthy. This inner struggle accompanied him throughout his life of creation.

Fast forward to his early adulthood, he struggled to get a high school teacher job, and his newly founded family lived a life danging within the line of poverty. Like everyone working with a daunting life, he has his dreams and life pursuits, but what eventually makes his life is his seemingly irrelevant hobby. The urge to express was inconvenient for him, but thanks to his wife, who had the vision to encourage him to continue, we have today the most remarkable passages that defined “Social Horror Literature.” His creation also enriched the field of motion picture creation, with his great sellers creating exceptional expression on the screen. The current production mode of Hollywood blockbusters, in which the writer is guaranteed to receive adaptation and film producers can produce films that have credible revenue forecasts, was made possible thanks to his creation type.

But his struggle was never over. Both internal and external. The conservative, traditional literature disaffirmed the popular literature he represented, and the awards in the field did not recognize his reputation among Americans. Moreover, he is still skeptical about his ability. “What word is it for a writer who only writes horror books to success?” He questioned.

Although he still firmly believes in the potential of popular literature, he still tries to set himself on different tracks sometimes. Apart from publishing his award-winning long stories, he still makes an effort towards short novels in fantasy and sci-fi, while he explores his talents in attempts of less horror blended stories, which includes the book we’re diving into: Different Season.

Year Around

Different Seasons, published in 1982, is a distinctive collection of four novellas by the iconic author Stephen King. Renowned for his mastery of the horror genre, King, in this particular compilation, ventures into narratives that transcend the realms of conventional horror, offering readers a compelling exploration of human drama and resilience. The novellas, each encapsulating the essence of a specific season, weave intricate tales that delve into the complexities of the human experience.

“Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” introduces readers to a wrongfully imprisoned convict who, against all odds, ascends above the desolation of his fate. As the narrative unfolds, the resilience of the human spirit becomes a central theme, painting a vivid picture of hope and Redemption in the face of adversity.

“Apt Pupil” takes readers on a dark journey through the psyche of a gifted teenager. This tale explores the haunting consequences of an obsession with the sinister past of an elderly local, unraveling the complexities of morality and corruption that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.

“The Body” intricately weaves a narrative around four lively boys aspiring to discover a deceased body. Through their journey, the author skillfully captures the nuances of innocence lost and the inevitable passage into the complexities of adulthood.

“The Breathing Method” introduces readers to a single mother-to-be who, in a desperate bid to ensure the survival of her unborn child, transcends the natural order of things. This final tale explores the boundaries of maternal love and the extraordinary lengths one might go to protect the ones one holds dear.

Hope Spring Eternal

The Shawshank Redemption is among the most famous adaptations of the original. In 1947, banker Andy Dufresne was sentenced to two life terms at Shawshank State Prison for a crime he claims he didn’t commit. There, he forms a friendship with fellow inmate Red, endures hardships, and assists the prison staff with financial matters. Over the years, Andy maintains hope, educates a young prisoner named Tommy, and uncovers evidence proving his innocence and corruption within the prison. Despite threats from the warden, Andy escapes through a tunnel he secretly dug, exposing the corruption. In the aftermath, Red is released on parole after 40 years but struggles to adapt. Fulfilling a promise, he eventually finds Andy in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, living a peaceful life after escaping Shawshank.

The story is about freedom. Freedom exists anywhere, no matter whether imprisoned or enslaved, But freedom is always an ongoing goal, even if one is in a free state. Freedom is a continuous goal that requires tenancy towards life. Without freedom, one would fall into the control of other people or, more precisely described, “institutionalized.”

The shadow of Christianity casts the revelation depicted in the story. The plot sets the scene in a prison where “everyone is innocent” (which meets the original sin in the description of people in Christianity), while Andy is proved by the fact that he has no sin (A symbolized Jesus). Andy is described as “having a shelter that isolated him from the prison,” with actions like struggling for the beer of his “coworker.” Red, under the influence of Andy, finally made peace with himself, which depicts a wish for people to cleanse their sins and receive salvation.

Zihuatanejo is a small island on the Pacific. As Andy described, “It has no memory”. Much like Heaven, it’s a peaceful place where one can cleanse his sins with the water from the Pacific and forget his past. It’s a place where one can escape reality’s harsh truth. It symbolizes freedom and escape from daunting work, life, and social environment. The eventual arrival does not matter here: The point is belief: Believing that such a place exists and will be the end of every one.

But the story also transcends the idea of Christianity. Andy did not pray for revelation; he did not just surrender under the attack of “sisters” and the pressure from the warden. He made his way to escape. Just like he depicted in the note to the warden in the Bible, “Salvation lies within.” But salvation is not the gospel denoted in the book; it’s a humble rock hammer. The Redemption will not be bestowed from some imaginary god: It has to be retrieved by our struggles. Andy made a grand escape through education and hope, which is what we should all enrich ourselves with.

We spread our sail to be powered by dreams
To cross the night, for the day to come
Fuelled to the brim by expectations
Knowing it’s gonna work out somehow, arm in arm
No way we ain’t afraid, but we’re not turning back
Anticipating the crises to come, but nothing else we can do
Our love says, our voices say
They say “Go!”

Grand Escape, RADWIMPS

Summer of Corruption

“Apt Pupil” describes the surrender of the figure depicting the bright future of the “American Dream” in front of the incarnation of pure evil. An American boy with a credible grade and a healthy relationship had an obsession with the sinister past of an elderly local. On revealing that he is a Nazi troop who had gotten away with the trial, his diverted focus reduced his lifestyle from excellent to mediocre in his preceding mocking of the senile old, making his actions from mistake to deliberate felony. In the meantime, the evil arises deep down in the older man’s heart because he once again gains the sweet feeling of power, of controlling others by words, by force, although his body doesn’t allow him to do so. The old and the young had their way of disguising themselves, behaving well over the average citizen while murdering over time to dispel the devil inside. Both find their solace in the act of taking the other’s life, the very root of war crimes and Nazi behavior. In the end, their past has been revealed, and they sold their last bit of soul to Satan.

This passage featured what would happen when the consequence of an anti-social act is treated as entertainment. The danger of historical denialism is imminent in our daily lives, with the devastating influence often developing unnoticed until it explodes. It also reminds us of the great danger within the education we currently provide as a society. We can not expect that each aspect a child gets in touch with society will have a positive outcome; thus, exposing them to the evil innate of humans in a controlled fashion is like a vaccine injection. Proceeding with all the good deeds is not enough; only by actually reacting to evil can the immune system in the mind function well, and one can learn what’s evil and how to deal with it.

As a case history, “Lolita” will become, no doubt, a classic in psychiatric circles. As a work of art, it transcends its expiatory aspects; and still more important to us than scientific significance and literary worth, is the ethical impact the book should have on the serious reader; for in this poignant personal study there lurks a general lesson; the wayward child, the egotistic mother, the panting maniac – these are not only vivid characters in a unique story: they warn us of dangerous trends; they point out potent evils. “Lolita” should make all of us – parents, social workers, educators – apply ourselves with still greater vigilance and vision to the task of bringing up a better generation in a safer world.

- Foreword, “Lolita”, Vladimir Nabokov

Fall from Innocence

The passage is in the terms of a fictional memoir, consisting of a relatively obscure exploration. A lone boy with a broken family, who had a despised hobby of writing fiction, often being considered a nerd, had an exploration for a goal that’s remote from satisfaction. After a long day of hiking and the thrill of being chased by a dog, being tricked by a shopowner, the horror of a pound teeming with leeches, and a conflict that put his life in danger, almost involving the use of a gun.

We often consider childhood a golden time with a bit of pity. One never grows old enough to embrace the taste of childhood joy but is always too old to reexperience that past. It’s always that one time, when we opened the door of our house, with nothing but silence and cold waiting for us, that we picked up the memory where we have all that warmth but unsatisfied and eager to grow up, for the promise of adulterate.

One would always have the urge to tell the past self, to cherish the simple joy they can have because adulting was never as good as expected. We have jobs and responsibilities that bind us with pressure that no one can escape. Sometimes, we yearn for a time when life was more straightforward, and maybe that time is romanticized. Perhaps the time was looking back through rose-tinted glasses. But whether we are or aren’t, you’ll never know because we’ll never be able to get that time back again.

And it’s those little moments, those simple times we cherish and reminisce about, that this novella encapsulates perfectly.

There would be a point in the growth; after a day of play and joy, a kid would lose sleep in the dark, staring into the ceiling. Suddenly, he would feel bored about the life he had. He would have new opinions, and he would think deeply. He would have that change in just one night.

And just like that, his summer was over.

Tomorrow, poetry and vows will shoot past the indigo
Shouting of today, when you don’t want to be here
I realized that I can’t talk about my dreams
Oh, shallow summer, end for me

- Because Summer Will End Soon, n-buna

A Winter’s Tale

“The Breathing Method” best reflects King’s delicate scene and plot flow. The story is set inside a fictional club, where “I” would share horror stories with other gentlemen. This story inside story plot is familiar in classical horror stories, such as works from H.P. Lovecraft, in which the structure is set for one or more independent stories to be presented with no beginning or end, intensifying the tense feeling of “inside a dream”. The “I once heard” types of stories melted down the mental barrier of the readers, enticing them to take the feeling and scene the text conveyed rather than tangled in the logic conflict against their shared knowledge.

As the story proceeds, we meet the actual narrator, and in his story, our view is projected into his, which also has a dream-like trait. He delivers a story of a desperate mother-to-be who transcends the limits of humanity with her forever-lasting love. The core story is fictionalized to the extent that even stretching the imagination to the maximum can hardly accept this. However, as discussed above, the point is feeling and scene. It brought the same level of sensational stimulation as if we were watching a film, and that’s all good storytelling needs. The story reminds us of the fable in numerous cultures depicting the love of parents, even in a somewhat exaggerated way, which states our shared belief that love is something that can transcend time, space, and even the laws of physics, dawning on the one they hold dear like the angel’s wing.

I’m willing to be the angel you love in that fairytale
Spread out my arms like those wings to protect you

- Fairy Tale, Michael Wong

Reflection

Stephen King has not escaped from his horror. In this book, we could still depict the horror, but it’s the most subtle type: It’s not the purest fear of blood and violence, of those humans have instincts to scream, to run away, to be thrilled; It’s not the planned fear arise from uncertainty, from the anti-knowledge essence of unknown, from the echoing mind of imaginations being pierced with a glance of forbidden knowledge. Instead, it’s the horror of emotional lurches, of war crimes, of being an overly inquisitive kid, of telling stories designed to unsettle and shock. It’s the horror of life, of the future, of existential crisis, and ultimately, of our regret for the past for a possible, better future.

Review, regret, repent, Redemption. It’s the essence of discussion across all four novellas. Red had regret over the young man committing that stupid crime he was; Todd and Dussander served as the counter-example of not regretting over war crime; Gordie regretted his imperfect adulterating from a failed exploration; and Sandra regretted not being able to further parenting her infant till the last second of her life. We do not believe in the depiction of Christianity that everyone was born with sin, but we do agree that everyone grows up with loads of regret in mind.

Different Season has such power, exclusively utilizing stories, delving into the intricacies of hope, corruption, innocence, and the extraordinary facets of human determination. It’ll grip you with the purest of tales packed with raw human emotion, leaving your heart filled to the brim. And by the end, it gives you something: A message. A lesson it earnestly hopes you can take with you. It reminds you that Redemption isn’t just something that exists within the boundaries of a fictional story. It doesn’t come easy. It’s a long, hard, unforgiving road, but you can get there, even if you only take one small step at a time every day.

We will always find a reason to fight each other, no matter what period we are in, weapons we can use, or tools we have at our disposal. But no matter how broken you think the world is, there is still meaning in trying to build a better tomorrow.

Maybe tomorrow I can make a brighter day come.
Maybe tomorrow I can be just that little bit kinder.
Maybe tomorrow I can become a slightly better version of myself.

You are capable of letting go of that hatred, even if that hatred is towards yourself. When you truly make peace with yourself, you have no enemies.

Acknowledgement

This report is the direct result of the fantastic original. We would like to thank Stephen King again for his mastery of creation.

This report gathers quotations from lyrics and other books from various resources. In addition, we supplemented our view from various reviews of this book. Due to the informality of this work, we omitted accurate references. We thank the authors of the reference we are inspired by.