Making CarrieRelatable S

omething I admire as a writer is how some writers are naturally in tune with their stories. For example, in the well-known novel Carrie, Stephen King manages to focus on Carrie White's character arc throughout the book. Carrie’s classmates torment her at the beginning of the story because she gets her first period.

I can relate to this experience because I remember when I had my first period. I was twelve and could not understand what was happening in my body. My mother had to explain that I was not dying, but it was my way of becoming a woman. To be honest, using a pad was horrifying.

Toward the end of the book, Carrie becomes a confident woman before the Black Prom massacre. I empathize with Carrie because I was shy and quiet throughout high school. I have slowly become a confident person, but sometimes I find myself reverting to a shy and less confident Amber. Even at 36 years old, I struggle with confidence in myself.

BY AMBER BRANCH

Even though Carrie manages to find a way to gain self-confidence, that confidence somehow turns into the “Black Prom” massacre. I do not believe was the original intent of King. In the book, Carrie is overweight, and she has pimples everywhere. In the film, however, she looks beautiful by Hollywood standards, or she looks slightly disheveled.

I relate more to Carrie in the book version. Growing up, I did not see myself as beautiful. I would always try to “hide” my blemishes or slight imperfections. I have my moments where I had body dysmorphia. Even after losing 65 pounds five years ago, I still thought I was “fat.” I was listening to the negative voices. Today, people use cosmetic surgery or Botox. To be honest, Hollywood’s beauty standards paint a narrative that women should look young.

Another example of how a writer is in tune with the story is how the reader is able to connect with Carrie. Despite King being a man, he was able to tap into Carrie White quite relatably. Because of this extraordinary skill in King’s writing, readers naturally empathize with Carrie and her struggle to become a woman and to discover her identity. I often wonder if Carrie grew up in a stable environment, would it change the outcome of the book?

King’s writing always sands out to me, including how he can create unique characters that give you a sense of who they are, their needs, and their overall character arc throughout the book. The book Carrie means more to me because, in a lot of ways, I feel like Carrie. I was bullied throughout my life and into my adult life. I feel as though the only character who tries to help Carrie out is Sue Snell. She realizes the errors of her ways. To me, not a lot of people can see the error in their ways.

Carrie and I are similar. I feel for Carrie being guarded around people because of the abuse she suffered with her mother. We both went through our own turmoil, but she snapped when her telekinetic powers manifested. I have entertained in my life a similar acting out impulse, but would have truly solved anything? Absolutely not. Instead, I have been able to learn and grow from my own experiences.

I do not think Carrie truly trusts Sue enough, but I wish she did. It may have saved her. But I do not think that was the intention of the book, personally. The book serves as an allegory that we should treat others how they want to be treated. We shouldn’t be so quick to judge others who may come from different backgrounds or different circumstances. I believe that we should give people the benefit of the doubt.

Because of this book alone, I want to become a writer. I have read the book more times than I can count! To this day, Carrie White remains a cautionary reminder of the struggles of being a teenager and becoming a woman. As my writing continues to grow the older I get, I am able to connect to my own characters and see through their eyes, inspired by my favorite authors.

“Carrie’s internal truth” (this page) versus “Carrie’s fantasy self” (facing page).

Dual conceptual posters made for the ROR Magazine by Sumy Sarfaraz.

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