Word Processor of the Gods

“This was a place he thought of as his own—a place where he could shut out the stranger he had married and the stranger she had given birth to.”

This quote refers to Richard’s study, which he treasures, as the one place of sanctuary from his family. His study provides an escape and an outlet where he can be himself. However, he is not completely free from his wife, as her portrait still hangs on the wall. The portrait symbolizes Richard’s meekness as he acquiesced when she demanded it hang in his study.

“He had dreamed and talked about owning a word processor for years, and when Lina’s laughter became too sarcastic to hear, he had talked about it to Jon.”

Richard’s inability to confide in his wife his hopes and aspirations leads him to communicate with Jon instead, deepening their bond and his desire to have him as a son instead of Seth.

“EXECUTE was a funny word to use when you thought of it. It wasn’t a word he associated with writing; it was a word he associated with gas chambers and electric chairs.”

The duality of the word “execute” is expressed and analyzed here. Execute can at once be used to carry out an action or sentence someone to death. King uses the word EXECUTE as a form of irony here, as Richard is not only pressing that button on the word processor to carry out his desires but to sentence his family to death in the real world. The references to capital punishment here help build the story’s dark tone.

“I got scared. I got scared and let her get away.”

Richard’s inability to stand up to his brother and win over Belinda stemmed from his cowardice, a major theme in this story. It’s also the motivation behind erasing his entire family, as he always wanted Belinda to be his wife instead.

“Roger had been jealous of that toy, and finally, after bullying Richard into giving it to him one day, Roger had thrown it into the sidewalk as hard as he could, breaking it. Then he laughed.”

This anecdote is another example of Richard’s cowardice. Roger took a toy of Richard’s and deliberately destroyed it. While it deeply upset Richard, he did not confront or tell on his brother because he was too afraid to do so. Richard’s fear here is replicated throughout his life. This scene also represents Richard’s loss of innocence, as destroying the Magic 8 Ball revealed that it wasn’t magic at all.

“He punched the DELETE button. The words vanished. Now there was nothing at all on the screen but the steadily pulsing cursor. He looked up at the wall and saw that his wife’s picture had also vanished.”

Richard realizes the power of the word processor here and its strange ability to warp reality. The portrait of his wife that he dislikes has disappeared, the first step toward Richard taking control of his life.

“When you smelled that you were supposed to turn the thing off so it could cool down.”

King foreshadows the word processor’s eventual demise by showing the beginning of its malfunctioning. It also serves as an ominous warning for those who continue to use technology with reckless abandon.

“But before he went, he scooped up the small drawstring sack and put it in his pants pocket.”

Once Richard realizes the power of the word processor, he wishes 12 gold coins into existence. This is another example of Richard’s self-interest, and human greed is a prominent theme in the story. While Richard wants to be wealthy and successful, this is the only wish that is not about his family members, indicating that his chief desire is a supportive and loving wife and son.

“He was a very bright boy and he loved you very much, Mr. Hagstrom. A boy is only a boy, bright or otherwise, and love can be misdirected. Do you take my meaning?”

Nordhoff is warning Richard about the consequences that may arise when he uses the word processor. Nordhoff is suggesting that while Jon was precocious and intelligent, he may not have known the repercussions of the word processor (or even its ability) as he was still a child. This statement also highlights the impulsivity of Richard’s later actions and the idea that as an adult, he should know better.

“No, I don’t think I want to do that, M. Hagstrom. I think this ought to stay between you and Jon.”

Nordhoff’s sharp instincts come into play when he declines to see the power of the word processor for himself. Nordhoff isn’t interested in its power, symbolizing those in society who reject technology or consider its ramifications seriously before adopting it.

“He had no idea…but in a way, that made the whole crazy thing easier to accept.”

Despite not knowing exactly how the word processor works, Richard uses it anyway because of its ability to grant his wishes and the power it bestows upon him. In contrast to Mr. Nordhoff, some don’t question the power of technology or even try to understand the consequences that might follow. Through Richard, King warns against the instant gratification offered by technology.

“I’m not going to murder him. I’m going to…to DELETE him.”

This is Richard’s justification for getting rid of his son. He reasons that he isn’t killing his son because he isn’t literally laying his hands on him or physically harming him, which means to him that it is technically not murder. This shows the inner conflict and ethical dilemma with which Richard grapples, which he later pushes aside. He does not hesitate in the same way when he deletes Lina.

“Seth’s DELETION had not affected Roger and the track Roger’s family had been on. “Oh. Oh no. It doesn’t do anything.”

This is the moment Richard realizes that deleting his son isn’t enough to obtain the life he wants; he has to go further and “delete” his wife too. While Richard initially believes he can have what he wants by living alone, he decides to revive Belinda and Jon just before the computer explodes. He believes he can find happiness with the right kind of family.