We're all unique and beautiful snowflakes, right? And we all have the power of free will, right? Not exactly. When a lot of people get together, they often act really stupid. Good people in large numbers may commit a crime or act violently simply because other people are doing those things. Why? Psychologists blame a phenomenon called mob mentality. So it's no surprise that Stephen King seems to equate people (and mostly women) with farm animals in Carrie; sometimes, we all just go along with the herd. And when you're a teenage girl, being a part of the herd means bullying who everyone else is bullying. Sorry, Carrie.
Questions About Women and Femininity
- Why are only women telekinetic in the world of Carrie? What would happen if a man were to become telekinetic?
- Are there any characters in Carrie who defy female stereotypes, or do they all conform to them?
- Do the girls in Carrie act differently than girls do today? (Remember that the novel is set in the 1970s.)