The Monkey

In literature, atmosphere refers to the feeling that readers get from a narrative based on details such as setting, diction, and tone. In “The Monkey,” the atmosphere is one of tension, unease, and impending doom, underscoring the toy’s malevolence and building suspense as the narrative approaches its climax.

One element that contributes to this atmosphere is the setting. The story takes place primarily in a few rooms: the attic/storage spaces of Hal Shelburn’s childhood homes, his bedroom, and the hotel room of the present storyline. These are all relatively cramped and therefore claustrophobic spaces; that they are limited in number heightens the sense of the characters’ isolation and vulnerability, as they seem to be trapped with the evil toy.

Another technique Stephen King uses to create atmosphere is vivid sensory descriptions. The story’s detailed imagery immerses the reader in an eerie and unsettling world. For instance, King describes the monkey toy as having “the sun of a burning pinpoint in one glass eye” and its mouth as “grinning saucily back at [Hal]” (175).