MODERN MANIPULATION AND VIOLATION OF AUTONMY IN QUITTERS, INC, BY STEPHEN KING

Abstract

Stephen King is considered one of the most prolific and influential writers of modern horror. What distinguishes him is that his stories transcend superficial narratives of fear, instead deeply reflecting the darker aspects of human psychology, societal anxieties, and the pressures of modern life. The story of Quitters, Inc., from his 1978 book Night Shift, stands out as a striking allegory of the corporate manipulation that threatens individual freedom. The pressure Dick Morrison faces during his attempt to quit smoking is linked to Michel Foucault’s concept of “surveillance society” and B. F. Skinner's principles of “operant conditioning”. Morrison’s psychological transformation, the ethical dilemmas he faces, and the challenges he experienced in the name of individual freedom are analyzed within the context of Kant’s deontological ethics and the limits of utilitarianism. Furthermore, the elements of fear, anxiety, and dark humor in the story reflect the fundamental themes of dystopian literature and draw parallels with today’s systems of algorithmic control and media manipulation. King’s simple language, psychological analyses, and escalating tension powerfully reflect the effects of manipulation on the individual. Ultimately, Quitters, Inc. is a warning about the dangers of surrendering one’s free will in the hope of recovery.