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Stephen King Novel ‘Rage’ Withdrawn Due to School Shooting Link
For decades, Stephen King, often hailed as the “King of Horror“, has enthralled readers with his terrifying tales. However, within his vast collection of works, one novel, “Rage“, occupies a unique position not because of its frightening content, but due to its withdrawal from publication and limited availability to readers.
The Deliberate Withdrawal of ‘Rage’
“Rage“, penned by Stephen King under his pseudonym Richard Bachman, was intentionally removed from circulation at the author’s own behest. This choice arose from unsettling real-world occurrences that mirrored the book’s narrative.
Origins and Plot of ‘Rage’
Initially composed in 1965 during King’s high school years, “Rage” was eventually published in 1977. The story intensely examines the psyche of Charlie Decker, a high school student who, following a violent outburst, fatally wounds a teacher and takes his classmates hostage. The narrative profoundly investigates themes of teenage angst and the latent potential for aggression.
Disturbing Connections to Tragic Events
Over time, “Rage” became disturbingly linked to several school shootings across the United States, prompting serious concerns regarding the book’s potential influence. These incidents fueled a debate about the responsibilities of authors and the impact of violent narratives.
Incidents Linked to the Novel
- 1988, California: Jeffrey Lyne Cox, a high school senior, brought a semi-automatic rifle to school and held classmates hostage. Reports indicated Cox had repeatedly read “Rage” and strongly identified with the protagonist.
- 1989, Kentucky: Dustin L. Pierce, a student, entered a classroom armed with multiple weapons and held his class hostage for nine hours. A copy of “Rage” was discovered among his possessions.
- 1997, Kentucky: Michael Carneal, 14, perpetrated a shooting at Heath High School, killing three and injuring five. The discovery of “Rage” in his locker intensified public scrutiny of the novel.
King’s Response and Decision
The association of “Rage” with these distressing events deeply concerned King. He voiced apprehension that the novel might act as a “possible accelerant” for vulnerable individuals contemplating violence.
Taking ‘Rage’ Out of Print
Following the Heath High School tragedy, King requested that “Rage” be discontinued from printing, a decision he further explained in various interviews and essays.
Author’s Reflection
In his 2013 essay “Guns,” King addressed the book’s potential effects and his accountability as a writer. He stated that while “Rage” was never intended to incite such actions, the possibility of it serving as a negative influence compelled him to decide to withdraw it from circulation.
‘Rage’ as a Collector’s Item
Since becoming unavailable to the general public, “Rage” has transformed into a highly sought-after collector’s item. Original copies, particularly first editions, have been known to command substantial prices in the resale market, making it a rare and controversial piece in Stephen King‘s bibliography.
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