Christine Summary & Key Insights

Stephen King's Christine tells the story of Arnie Cunningham, a shy, bullied high school student in 1958 Maine, who finds solace and a newfound confidence in a seemingly dilapidated 1958 Plymouth Fury. This car, Christine, is more than just a vehicle; she's a malevolent entity, possessing a dark, almost supernatural power that manipulates and protects Arnie while simultaneously driving him to destructive acts.

Arnie’s transformation is central to the plot. Initially a timid and awkward teenager, he becomes aggressive, reckless, and increasingly detached from reality under Christine’s influence. His friends, particularly Dennis Guilder, initially celebrate Arnie's newfound bravado but become increasingly concerned as his behavior spirals out of control. Dennis, along with Arnie's girlfriend, Leigh Cabot, represents the forces of normalcy and reason trying to counter Christine's influence. They witness firsthand Christine's ability to self-repair from seemingly impossible damage, and the car's uncanny ability to cause accidents and harm to those who threaten Arnie or the car itself.

The narrative unfolds as a descent into horror, fueled by Christine's malevolent spirit. The car's influence over Arnie becomes progressively stronger, causing him to isolate himself from his friends and family, leading to violence and even murder. Christine's seemingly supernatural powers aren't fully explained, contributing to the unsettling atmosphere of the story. She exhibits a form of sentience, reacting to threats and actively seeking revenge against anyone who harms her or Arnie.

As Arnie becomes more consumed by Christine, the narrative shifts between Arnie's perspective and the objective observations of Dennis and Leigh, providing a dual narrative that highlights the unsettling power of the car. The climax sees several brutal attacks orchestrated (directly or indirectly) by Christine, culminating in a final, destructive confrontation that emphasizes the car's malevolent nature and its total control over Arnie.

The overarching themes in Christine revolve around obsession, the corrupting influence of power, and the dangers of unchecked aggression. The car acts as a symbol of repressed desires and destructive forces that can consume a person. The story explores how seemingly innocent objects can become imbued with malevolence and how easily human vulnerability can be exploited by such forces. Ultimately, Christine is a chilling exploration of the dark side of human nature and the insidious power of obsession, encapsulated in the form of a seemingly ordinary classic car.