1408

King has cited Shirley Jackson, the American author behind The Haunting of Hill House, as one of his biggest influences as a writer. Compare and contrast the settings of these two works—King’s room 1408 and Jackson’s Hill House.

The story opens on the second meeting between Mike Enslin and Hotel Dolphin manager Olin. Discuss why King might have chosen to do this, rather than to begin the story with their first meeting.

Mike claims that the cigarette behind his ear is intended for emergencies, despite the fact that he is repelled by the sight of it at the end of every day. What does this say about his character, and how might the cigarette connect to the ominous nature of Mike’s experience in room 1408?

Olin accuses Mike of not believing in any of his past writing, which Mike admits. Discuss the reasons for Mike’s skepticism. How does his skepticism endanger him in 1408?

Mike Enslin is adamant that Olin has orchestrated the haunting at 1408 to make a fool of him. At what point does Enslin change his mind about Olin and 1408, and why?

The third section of the story shifts to the perspective of a bystander, Rufus Dearborn. Why does King introduce a new character this far into the story? How is his perspective important to the events of “1408”?

After his escape from 1408, Mike declares that he is retiring from writing. Use the text to discuss why he makes this decision.

Discuss Olin’s motivations at the end of the story. Why does he ask Mike’s literary agent to let him listen to the contents of the minicorder tape? If the beginning of the story establishes his expertise with 1408, what could he stand to gain from making this request?