29 pages 58 minutes read

Stephen King

Word Processor of the Gods

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1983

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Essay Topics

1.

Why did Stephen King choose a word processor as this story’s object of power? What about the word processor (or word processors in general) specifically makes it the best object to use in this story? What if he had chosen another object, such as a radio or a TV? Support your analysis with textual evidence from the story.

2.

Along with the word processor, this is a story that features many meaningful objects. Choose three and analyze how they contribute to characterization and the story’s themes. You might choose to focus on the Magic 8 Ball, Seth’s guitar, the Amana freezer, or brands that King mentions like Wang, Twinkie, and Bud.

3.

What is King’s opinion on technological progress in this story? Does he support it or reject it? What techniques does he use to convey his message?