by Monnie

Created on: September 05, 2010

The Last Rung On The Ladder is featured in the 1978 collection of short stories Night Shift by Stephen King. The first of several books where Stephen King’s briefer works have been bundled together Night Shift was published in 1978. His first three books were all horror in the more traditional sense of the word; featuring vampires, telekinetic teenagers hell bent on revenge and a man losing the battle to his inner demons. There was no need for King to prove he was an amazing writer of scary tales. Night Shift is an important book in Stephen King’s career. It proved he could be so much more. While there are plenty of spooky stories in Night Shift, there are also thoughtful tales pondering a more emotional terrain. While he still explores fears there are a few stories which do this without the assistance of ghosts, madmen, ghouls or demons. The Last Rung on the Ladder does this inspiring deeper emotions in the reader than fear. This story inspires feelings of regret and grief as well.

Larry has just gotten a letter from his sister Katrina. A letter that has come shortly after her death a week before. As he holds the crumpled letter and envelope in his hand the reader can already sense his anguish. Larry then begins to tell the readers a story of one day in his youth. He recounts a day from his youth when he lived in Hemmingford Home, Nebraska when he and his sister were jumping into hay in the barn. He recalls the feeling of climbing up the ladder, inching across the beam with hearts beating fast and then jumping to the massive pile of hay down below. The thrill of danger, the adrenaline rush of jumping and the smell of hay breaking their fall was an experience both kids loved. Then on this particular day something goes very wrong.

The characters in this book are beautifully crafted and the reader feels an infinite amount of empathy for both Larry and his sister. The book describes how time seemed to pass and his regret he didn’t keep in closer contact with his sister. The story is powerful because many could relate to it. The feelings of guilt and grief Larry feels is palpable and through his eyes we see the vulnerability and special sensitivity of his little sister. King gives us a vivid image of her bright blue eyes, golden light blonde hair and overalls. The story, because of this attention to detail, packs a huge emotional punch when you read the last line.

While many feel Stephen King is the king of horror his writing stretches beyond the confines of the genre. He also weaves something human into his stories even when exploring the supernatural. His characters are often memorable because he is able to chronicle far more than just squirting blood and guts or specters from the grave. He is able to depict the emotions of an individual; the complexity of their inner world so the reader feels as if they know the person. This elevates his writing beyond just simply horror.

Learn more about this author, Monnie.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.