What conclusions should be drawn from 'The Stand' having it's most developed character be Harold Lauder?

Answer 1

The character of Harold Lauder in "The Stand" being the most developed may suggest that complex, morally ambiguous figures can offer rich storytelling opportunities. It also highlights the potential for growth and transformation in individuals who may initially be perceived as negative or flawed. Additionally, it emphasizes the theme of societal breakdown and the impact of extreme circumstances on human nature.

Answer 2

Stephen King's earliest works, often regarded as his best work, almost exclusively dealt with "nerds". And these were always his biggest fan base. "Carrie", his first work, was about a girl nerd. "Christine" About a Boy nerd. Etc.

That Stephen King as a child had at the least "nerd aspects" is certain. No one who has not done it could have wrote of "reading under the blankets with a flashlight" so the parents wouldn't see the light on when you were supposed to be asleep!

Harold Lauder was the ultimate nerd, and the point made - like in all his other books about nerds - was "If you keep hurting these nerds, they will go crazy and kill a bunch of you"! In Harold, he took painstaking effort to show how Harold went from messed up kid to Apostle of Darkness. It showed it from Harold's perspective, through his inner thoughts, and from the perspective of those around him.

King also, for the first time thoroughly, showed that in spite of "nerds going crazy", that they should not. He elaborately explored the justifications of it, and showed them to be wanting. At the end, Harold did repent. He recognized that he could have let go of the hate and yearning for revenge, and let himself be accepted.

It was as if King was showing nerds that in spite of their inclinations to "get even", that they should guard against making themselves perpetual nerds, that they should instead be patient and mature, and recognize that their continued status of "nerds" is partly of their own making.