Genre
Thriller/Horror
Setting and Context
The novel takes place in a remote Colorado town, specifically in Annie Wilke's home
Narrator and Point of View
Misery is told from the perspective of a third-person narrator.
Tone and Mood
Suspenseful, tense, violent, and grim.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Paul Sheldon vs. Annie Wilkes
Major Conflict
Paul's struggle to escape Annie's captivity, heal his wounds, and finish his novel.
Climax
When Paul finally escapes from Annie's home, killing her along the way.
Foreshadowing
Annie introducing herself as a nurse (and as Paul's #1 fan) foreshadows her later attempts to heal Paul after he breaks his legs in his car accident, as well as her mental breakdown.
Understatement
At times, King understates Paul's intelligence as a way to emphasize the precarious, seemingly impossible situation he finds himself in.
Allusions
King alludes to his previous works, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park Colorado, and popular culture throughout the novel.
Imagery
King utilizes violent imagery, mainly related to Paul's injuries and Annie's interest in chainsaws (which she almost uses towards the end of the novel to kill Paul), to show how mentally unwell Annie is and the lengths she will go to get what she wants.
Paradox
Writers are free thinkers who work best when left alone. Annie innately knows this, but is paradoxically upset that Paul's writing isn't up to her standards.
Parallelism
Not applicable. King doesn't utilize this literary device.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Not applicable. King doesn't utilize this literary device.
Personification
Sheldon's "Misery" series is personified throughout the novel and given human-like characteristics, reinforcing its importance to everyone involved.
