The Dirty Birdie Review: Misery Review

Dirty Birdie!

One thing that was most present, though subtle, was how Annie and Paul became reflections of each other, with Annie being the darker reflection. Both are academically inclined, but that is where the comparison ends.

Annie, visibly displays bipolar disorder. Perhaps this garners her some sympathy, perhaps not. Her instability and obsession with Paul makes her more dangerous. Her personality seems to be trifold: she has this caring side to her, a vindictive, wrathful side, and a side that seems to be a mix of both. In a strange and dangerous way, Annie has childish tendencies which is coupled with her callous side.

Annie is more complex than what most would view her. If taken from the context of the story, Annie has a child-like spirit to her, one that enjoys stories, but not how they are made. She gives herself to a story, and given the way she laments Misery’s passing giver Annie this innocent sparkle to her character. However, shadows have a way of not letting go.

Paul on the one hand is more simple and straightforward of a character, who at time mirrors Annie with his intent to do harm, but this is for self-preservation. He even contemplates it, which in and of itself is psychopathic behavior. His reason and fear are at constant ends, adding to his frail condition. He lapses into episodes where he teeters on the edge of insanity.

I could not help but draw a connection between Misery and Jane Eyre. I see Annie and Paul in a similar light to Jane as they are victims of circumstances beyond their control. For Paul, his circumstance is his car accident, for Annie it is a bit obscure but societal pressure is a strong reason for Annie’s mental state as it may have been for Jane Eyre. In Jane Eyre, Jane is more of a prize to be had, it’s very much the same in Misery.

For the part that did the most damage: the writing. King has this method where he delves into the minds of his characters and moves on; he says what needs to be said and moves on. King’s use of language reflects his characters: he only speaks when his characters cannot do so for themselves.

Going further into the writing, King maintains his focus on Paul as if Paul is retelling the story in Third-Person. This adds a certain air to it, as if as the story is progressing, the line between Paul’s psyche and the narration merge and become nearly indistinguishable from each other.

Overall, Misery is certainly aptly titled. King weaves a menacing story that does not relent. Anne may be the more complex character in this novel, but I think my bias for antagonists is showing. Or maybe I’m just imagining Kathy Bates as Annie as I read this?