coming of age · thrillers · suspense
It by Stephen King — Summary, Key Ideas & Quotes
19861168 pages✦ 3-min Big ideas★ 4.1 (492)
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What is It about?
"*It*" is a 1986 horror novel by American author Stephen King. "*It*" was his 22nd book and his 17th novel written under his own name. The story follows the experiences of seven children as they are terrorized by an evil entity that exploits the fears of its victims to disguise itself while hunting its prey. "*It*" primarily appears in the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown to attract its preferred prey of young children. The novel won the British Fantasy Award in 1987, and received nominations for the Locus and World Fantasy Awards that same year. In 2003, "*It*" was listed at number 144 on the BBC's The Big Read poll.
See also: - IT 1/2 - IT 2/2
A glimpse inside
The Power of Fear
At its core, 'It' is about how fear shapes and controls us. The entity known as It preys on the specific terrors of its victims, often manifesting as Pennywise the Clown but capable of becoming whatever its target most dreads. King uses this device to explore how personal and collective fears can be manipulated, and how confronting them is necessary for growth. The novel suggests that fear, left unchecked, can become monstrous—both literally and metaphorically.
The Strength of Friendship
The Losers' Club, the group of children at the heart of the story, demonstrates how unity and loyalty can overcome even the most insurmountable evil. Their bond is forged through shared trauma and mutual support, and it is only together that they are able to face It. King emphasizes that friendship provides a refuge from the darkness, and that the courage to act often comes from knowing others stand with you.
Ratings at a glance
Open Library
★ 4.1 / 5
492 ratings
✦
Get smart in 3 min
6 key ideas, distilled
- 1The Power of Fear
- 2The Strength of Friendship
- 3The Persistence of Trauma
- 4The Corruption Lurking Beneath the Surface
- 5The Cyclical Nature of Evil
Popular quotes from It
“We all float down here.”
“Be true, be brave, stand. All the rest is darkness.”
More by Stephen King
Frequently asked
"*It*" is a 1986 horror novel by American author Stephen King. "*It*" was his 22nd book and his 17th novel written under his own name. The story follows the experiences of seven children as they are terrorized by an evil entity that exploits the fears of its victims to disguise itself while hunting its prey. "*It*" primarily appears in the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown to attract its preferr