The Boogeyman

How would the story change if it were told in the first person by Lester in real time, rather than as a discussion of events that already transpired? How might the themes be affected? How might the characters change?

In addition to responding to current events, literature also often responds to other literature. What other works might Stephen King be responding to with this story? What was he adding to the conversation occurring in horror fiction at the time?

By the same token, what works of horror fiction have responded to “The Boogeyman” since it was published? What themes have those works expounded upon, and which literary elements did they use to do so?

Based on his responses to Lester’s story, how do you think Dr. Harper sees Lester? Lester is convinced Dr. Harper thinks he’s crazy. Is that true? Why or why not?

Drawing on evidence in this text and from King’s other works, what can we conclude about King’s sentiments toward the Vietnam War? How does he express those sentiments through his fiction?

In the Foreword of Night Shift, King states, “The arts are obsessional, and obsession is dangerous. It’s like a knife in the mind. In some cases—Dylan Thomas comes to mind, and Ross Lockridge and Hart Crane and Sylvia Plath—the knife can turn savagely upon the person wielding it” (7). What obsession does King explore in “The Boogeyman”? What knife is he wielding?

Everyone responds to grief differently. Discuss Rita and Lester’s reactions to their children’s deaths. How are they different, and how are they similar? How might their individual reactions help them cope with their grief?

Several times throughout the story, Lester claims that he and his wife were happy. Was this true? Why or why not? If not, why would Lester claim otherwise?