The Cryptic Floating in Stephen King’s 'It': Symbolism and Themes

Stephen King’s It is a classic horror novel that delves into the fears and traumas of a small town, particularly focusing on a monstrous entity known as Pennywise. One of the most intriguing and symbolic elements of the novel is the concept of 'floating,' which represents several themes throughout the story. This article explores the significance of the floating motif in Stephen King’s It, unravelling its symbolic meanings and the underlying themes of loss of innocence, fear, and the power of memory.

The Floating Motif in 'It'

The floating also represents the loss of innocence and the predatory nature of the entity as it lures children with promises of fun and safety before revealing its true sinister intentions. Additionally, the floating motif ties into the themes of fear and the power of memory as the adult characters reflect on their childhood experiences and confront the trauma inflicted by Pennywise. Overall, It is a story that masterfully employs symbolism to convey complex ideas and emotions.

The Creature IT and the Floating Deadlights

In It, the creature known as IT, an entity from another dimension, acts as a conduit for the ‘deadlights.’ These are souls or essences of victims that IT traps, allowing them to float in a floating realm, creating an eerie and unsettling image. When IT says that “you’ll float,” it implies that the victims will be trapped with these deadlights for eternity. This concept is central to understanding the long-term psychological and emotional impact of the entity's actions.

Pennywise’s World and the Fear Factor

Pennywise, the primary antagonist in It, is a terrifying figure who preys on children. He is best known for his cannibalistic tendencies, as well as his ability to instil fear in anyone who encounters him. The novel describes how Pennywise scares children to make them easier targets. This fear is not just for the thrill of scaring them; rather, it serves a practical purpose: spooked children are more likely to be compliant and less likely to fight or run, thus making them easier to consume. This aspect of the story highlights the psychological manipulation and the primal instincts that drive Pennywise's actions.

Deadlights and the Sewers

The concept of deadlights is further explored through the idea of the sewers. The floating deadlights are thought to be souls of victims trapped by IT. One of the more popular theories suggests that, since IT lives in the sewers, many of the dead bodies that aren’t found (and thus not properly buried) float through the sewer systems for eternity. Another theory suggests that, much like the balloons used by Pennywise to lure children, IT traps these souls into his deadlights, tethering them to himself so that they endlessly float around him. These ideas contribute to the overall horror and dark atmosphere of the novel.

Conclusion

The floating motif in Stephen King’s It is a powerful symbol that encapsulates the themes of loss of innocence, fear, and the enduring impact of trauma. The floating deadlights add a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative, enhancing the story’s horror and its psychological dimensions. Understanding the significance of floating in It provides insight into the character of Pennywise and the broader themes of the novel. As readers delve deeper into the story, they uncover the layers of symbolism that tie the floating motif to the core elements of the narrative.