It

At many points in the novel, characters have a sense that they are being drawn together for a specific purpose. It is obvious to them that Bradley is not a member of their group, even before their group is officially formed. Their instincts are constantly telling them that they are together for a reason, as if they are being directed. When Bill is in the void and feels the presence of the Other, he understands that the Other was the guiding force in their lives, using them to fight It (and evil). As long as It exists, their fates are already determined by the Other, and by the voice of the Turtle. Once they are able to forget at the end, there is a sense that they will now be able to live autonomously and choose their own fates.

When the members of the Losers’ Club are alone, they are vulnerable to melancholy and bullies. Together, even in pairs, they are able to fight off Henry Bowers and the other bullies, challenge It, save Eddie from an asthma attack, and more. It is friendship that allows Eddie to stand up to his mother, and friendship that brings them to clean Beverly’s bathroom with her.