"The Reach"

In “The Reach” written by the author, Stephen King, the main character of the story is Stella Flanders who is celebrating her 95th birthday with her family. She has never been on the mainland because she has felt that she never had to go there. This is why she never has crossed the reach to go from the island to the mainland. In the beginning of the story, the author sets the story by saying that it takes place in the Autumn season where the weather is cold, and the tree leaves were colorless.

The dark and depressing Autumn setting is what makes this story of the gothic genre. The story takes place in Maine which is in the New England area which is where the author Stephen King grew up, and that he tries to bring those elements of his life into the story. This setting also sets up the main theme of the story, death. Stella is very ill, and is near the end of her life as she sees ghosts of people who were in her life. When she finally accepts her death, Stella finally crosses the Reach to meet her loved ones that are already deceased.