The Dead Zone

Before shooting Greg Stillson, Johnny writes letters with the knowledge that he will “probably be dead” (409) when they are read. He writes to his father and explains that he felt compelled to shoot Stillson to avert a “full-scale nuclear war” (410). At a congressional committee hearing on the assassination attempt, one of Johnny’s former co-workers testifies that Johnny acted strangely one day and mentioned Stillson. After the incident, Johnny visited a neurologist who also testifies before the committee. Dr. Vann explains that Johnny had a “well-developed brain tumor” (414) and had between 8-20 months to live, given that Johnny was reluctant to have an operation. In his letter to his father, Johnny explains that he believes the tumor lies in his so-called dead zone. In the hearing, Dr. Weizak dismisses the idea that the tumor caused Johnny’s behavior. The photographer from the town hall also testifies. His photograph of Stillson using a child as a human shield destroyed Stillson’s political career.

Almost a year later, Sarah visits Johnny’s grave. In a letter to Sarah written before his death, Johnny describes the night at the fair and the strangeness of everything that came after. At the grave, Sarah feels a ghostly touch on her neck, but it vanishes immediately.