stephen king: Ghosts and monsters

Horror fiction writer Stephen King says that monsters are real, and ghosts are real, too. They live inside us, and sometimes they win. This is useful to remember, especially as the Halloween season is on – when spirits of the dead are believed to visit their homes – and one can spot ghoulish decorations outside homes and establishments, especially in the West. Since festivals and rituals have gone global, Halloween has a presence in India, too, with Halloween parties in cities and scary costumes and decorations displayed in stores.

This is a time for reflection, for Halloween is followed by All Souls’ Day, when the departed are remembered with reverence and affection. Prayers are offered, and family and friends share their recollections of those who have passed on. The life of the departed is celebrated with joy in Aztec tradition, rather than observing mourning.

What King alludes to is that it would be great if we could also revere the living by removing negative feelings that we harbour inside us, like grudges and misunderstandings that distance us from one another, the ghouls inside of us. An exorcism of inner demons needs to be undertaken periodically, to rid us of misery that results from keeping alive hatred. And ensure that the monsters inside of us are overcome by good thoughts and deeds. That would reflect the true spirit of Halloween and All Souls’ Day.