Stephen King's Carrie is widely hailed for its gripping portrayal of adolescence and supernatural horror. Critics praise its suspenseful narrative and deep character development, particularly of the titular character. While some find the writing occasionally melodramatic and the pacing uneven, overall, it is regarded as a powerful and chilling debut.

Readers who relish psychological horror, teenage angst, and supernatural elements will find Carrie by Stephen King riveting. Fans of works like The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson or Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews will connect with its intense, emotional narrative and the complexities of growing up in a hostile environment.

Carrie by Stephen King follows Carrie White, a 16-year-old girl with telekinetic powers, who is bullied by her peers and abused by her mother. After a traumatic incident at prom, she uses her powers to exact revenge on her tormentors. The novel is narrated through a mix of epistolary excerpts and third-person limited omniscient perspectives, depicting the events that lead to the catastrophic climax. The story contains graphic depictions of violence, abuse, and bullying.

Dark / Unnerving / Mysterious / Emotional / Suspenseful

Stephen King

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Carrie reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Carrie | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Carrie and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Carrie Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Blood Sport”

Part 1, Pages 3-62

Carrie Part 1, Pages 3-62 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 62-123

Carrie Part 1, Pages 62-123 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 123-144

Carrie Part 1, Pages 123-144 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Prom Night”

Part 2, Pages 147-205

Carrie Part 2, Pages 147-205 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Pages 205-264

Carrie Part 2, Pages 205-264 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Pages 265-291

Carrie Part 2, Pages 265-291 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Pages 295-305 

Carrie Part 3, Pages 295-305  Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Carrie Character Analysis

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Themes

Carrie Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Carrie Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Carrie Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Carrie Essay Topics

Carrie

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Carrie?

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Book Details