Strawberry Spring

Did you guess the story’s ending, or were you surprised? In either case, discuss the story elements that contributed to your reaction.

Research the Vietnam War. What happened in 1968 to spark protests on college campuses across the country, and how did they affect the outcome of the war?

What role does sexuality play in the story? Cite three descriptions of sexuality and analyze how they contribute to the story’s themes.

Compare and contrast “Strawberry Spring” with one of King’s other stories in Night Shift. What stylistic and thematic elements do they share? How do they differ?

Find another King story in which an adult character (or group of characters) looks back on their childhood. Why does King return to this theme? What do the stories reveal about the process of growing up?

Does strawberry spring hold supernatural powers, or is the weather merely a coincidence? How might the idea of climate change transform the concept of strawberry spring?

Describe King’s narrative style in “Strawberry Spring.” How would you characterize his word choice, imagery, and sentence structure? What do these elements add to the story?

Research the legend of Spring-heeled Jack. Why do you think King chose this as the name for the murderer?