That Is Ominous
Welcome to The Podcast That Floats Down Here’s Daily Derry! The Daily Derry focuses on topics discussed in the most recent episode of the show, which this week was 020 IT Ch. 11 pt. 3 – Walking Tours.
In this episode, Luke, Ben, and Melissa discussed part 3 of chapter eleven, which focuses on Beverly. There were two interesting things in this chapter that I wanted to discuss: time and memory.
Luke pointed on early in the episode: “The timeline jumps around so often it feels like we haven’t gone anywhere yet. And that is ominous.”
I find the structure of It very interesting. On the surface, it doesn’t seem like there is ever that much going on. This entire chapter is just each Loser walking around and remembering something about their childhood. There really isn’t too much plot here. But King is creating this slow burn of action, keeping the reader wondering what will happen and when.
On the topic of memory, the hosts pointed out that the characters are often saying, “If I could only remember” and then they do remember. They wonder if this is because they are in the environment that causes them to remember, or because they are trying to remember. I think both probably come into play here.
We know that most of the Losers left Derry and were probably trying to escape what they experienced as kids. This means they’d probably be trying to forget those experiences and not think about them. But of course, when you’re back in a meaningful place, that will make you remember all the things you did in that place. The characters are remembering because they’ve placed themselves back in the experience.
But also, when you think about something and try to remember it, that can often jog your memory too. The Losers were not trying to remember their childhood, so when they do actively try, they might find the memories were lurking there beneath the surface all along.
Perhaps this remembering adds to the ominous feeling that Luke was describing. The Losers spend this entire chapter remembering and reliving things from their childhood. By slowly regaining their memories, the Losers are slowly coming to terms with what they must do, the tension building for the reader. I have a feeling this tension will pay off soon.
Until next time, stay imaginary.
