53 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, racism, gender discrimination, cursing, child death, illness, and death.
Arnie is the novel’s main character since the events center on him. Dennis emphasizes Arnie’s centrality when he declares, “This is the story of a lover’s triangle, I suppose you’d say—Arnie Cunningham, Leigh Cabot, and, of course, Christine” (12). Arnie’s relationship with Christine propels the narrative. He becomes infatuated with the car, leading to conflicts that consume his life and those of the other characters.
Stephen King keeps Arnie rather distant. Dennis narrates parts 1 and 2, and an omniscient narrator takes over in Part 3. The omniscient narrator can access Arnie’s torment; nevertheless, Arnie is never in charge of his own story: A mediator is consistently present between him and readers. King’s choice to deny Arnie a turn as narrator emphasizes his lack of free will: He can’t disentangle himself from LeBay and Christine. In addition, Arnie’s remoteness adds mystique and keeps both readers and Arnie uncertain about what’s occurring. The most natural conclusion is that an elusive combination of LeBay’s spirit and Christine possesses Arnie.
Arnie’s role as a character is equally elusive.
Unlock all 53 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 9,100+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By Stephen King
Beauty
View Collection
Books that Feature the Theme of...
View Collection
Books that Feature the Theme of...
View Collection
Class
View Collection
Class
View Collection
Coming-of-Age Journeys
View Collection
Community
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Fate
View Collection
Fear
View Collection
Friendship
View Collection
Good & Evil
View Collection
Hate & Anger
View Collection
Loyalty & Betrayal
View Collection
Mortality & Death
View Collection
Order & Chaos
View Collection
Pride Month Reads
View Collection
Safety & Danger
View Collection
Trust & Doubt
View Collection
Truth & Lies
View Collection