“The End of the Whole Mess,” a short story by Stephen King, is often celebrated for its masterful use of suspense, which is a hallmark of King’s writing style. However, beyond the suspense, the narrative’s most salient aspect is King’s profound message regarding the state of our planet. This story unfolds through the eyes of Howard, Bobby Fornoy’s elder brother, against the backdrop of a world teetering on the edge of nuclear war. Bobby, the protagonist, is convinced that he has discovered a chemical capable of diminishing humanity’s aggressive tendencies. Their plan involves releasing this substance into a volcano set to erupt catastrophically. Yet, the shocking revelation follows: the chemical fails to curb aggression and induces symptoms reminiscent of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, ultimately proving fatal. In crafting this narrative, King deftly employs suspense while delving into Bobby and Howard’s intricate character developments. His distinctive writing style serves as a conduit for delivering a profound message.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that King’s thematic exploration in “The End of the Whole Mess” echoes themes present in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” Both works have an undercurrent of warning against unchecked ambition and a poignant reminder of human limitations. While “Frankenstein” serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of scientific hubris, King’s narrative expands this caution to encompass the harrowing nature of war.
In “The End of the Whole Mess,” King expertly employs suspense and mystery from the very outset to ensnare his readers. Our narrator, Howard Fornoy, is compelled to write his account as swiftly as possible, driven by a limited timeframe, depending on his blood type, which ranges between forty-five minutes to two hours. Through his narrative, he intends to unveil the events that transpired and the dire situation he now finds himself in. This narrative strategy plunges readers into the midst of the catastrophe, employing the technique of in medias res, where the calamity has already occurred, immersing us in the painful aftermath.
King adeptly constructs the narrative by revealing just enough to incite curiosity but withholding the full picture. A subtle hint, such as blood type, encourages readers to speculate about the circumstances and formulate their interpretations of the plot’s trajectory. In moments when he begins to stray off-topic, Howard forcefully checks himself with an exclamation of “shit, I can’t afford these digressions.” These interruptions underscore the urgency of his storytelling and emphasize the limited time he has left, intensifying the significance of the tale he must convey.
The initial characterization of Bobby, as presented by the narrator, foreshadows his subsequent actions. He draws parallels between Bobby and iconic figures in history, like “Leonardo da Vinci” and “Einstein,” likening them to “huge compasses which swing aimlessly for a long time, searching for some true north and then homing on it with fearful force.” This simile effectively suggests Bobby’s pursuit of truth or meaning, hinting at his noble intentions, albeit accompanied by an obsessive drive that becomes dangerous to himself and others.
Furthermore, Howard shares a childhood anecdote that sheds light on Bobby’s character. In this recollection, Bobby claimed to have constructed an airplane and requested his brother’s assistance in launching it down a hill. Howard vividly remembers Bobby’s eyes, aglow with a frenzied enthusiasm he knew all too well, defining life with Bobby. The word “crazed” here is intriguing; it can be interpreted positively, highlighting the passion and youthful excitement, or more ominously, suggesting a manic, hazardous fervour. The image of the “mad scientist” springs to mind, emphasizing how the blend of obsession and ambition can have dire consequences for oneself and those in proximity.
In a memorable childhood moment, Howard had cautioned Bobby that he had put the “wings on backward” in one of his ventures, but he still let his younger brother carry on. Howard watched this daring endeavour unfold, his eyes wide with apprehension and astonishment. This episode reveals Howard’s deep admiration for Bobby. Even though he’s protective of his sibling, he shares the same yearning to test boundaries. Howard’s admiration for Bobby becomes evident as he recounts how he couldn’t help but wear a constant grin whenever Bobby embarked on a new idea.
While Bobby expresses resentment towards the prevailing human behaviour during those times, Howard initially remains blissfully ignorant. He attributes these issues to “original sin” and believes things are merely following their usual course. Howard’s perspective is marked by a certain acceptance of the state of humanity at that time, convinced that little can be done to change it. However, Howard’s sense of excitement and his willingness to support his brother stem directly from this acceptance rather than a grander altruistic purpose. This raises the question of who truly encourages whom to pursue their goals and whose desires are rooted in the thrill of the chase. From a non-scientific standpoint, it’s clear that Howard desires to push the boundaries of human potential through his brother, granting Bobby the freedom to pursue his ambitions.
Howard’s declaration that he cares not for the consequences of their actions is encapsulated in a metaphor that speaks volumes about his perception of humanity in relation to the planet. He explains they “killed the plants, but at least (they) saved the greenhouse.” This metaphor carries profound implications. On the one hand, it suggests that, despite eradicating the human race, they did so to preserve the planet itself, ensuring it can continue to support life, even if that life is not human. On the other hand, describing the planet as a “greenhouse” could imply that Howard views it as existing primarily for human use, with its sole purpose being to sustain human life. King employs this metaphor to underscore the planet’s fragility and humanity’s treatment of it, emphasizing that if the planet ever becomes incapable of sustaining life, it will be humanity’s own doing.
As the story nears its conclusion, Howard’s cognitive faculties deteriorate rapidly. His ability to remember, spell, and construct coherent sentences diminishes. His last words to Bobby are a poignant “Forgivyou” and “loveyou.” King uses this gradual deterioration of Howard’s words and thoughts to forge a connection between the character and the reader. Through this process, readers witness Howard’s final moments on paper, intensifying the impact of the catastrophic consequences of their actions. This narrative device introduces ambiguity regarding Bobby’s fate and Howard’s unfiltered perspective. While it’s stated what Howard forgives Bobby for, it underscores that, as his older brother, he forgives him for every mistake, never holding him truly accountable. The only one who punishes Bobby is himself, evident in his desire to die before the chemical’s effects take their toll.
In conclusion, it can be asserted that King adeptly employs the theme of ambition to convey a thought-provoking message about humanity’s relationship with our planet and the boundaries of our capabilities. The meticulous portrayal of Bobby’s character, Howard’s complex attitude towards him, and the pervasive suspense within King’s distinctive writing style reinforce these thematic ideas. Despite Bobby’s well-intentioned efforts, his plan unravels, primarily because the magnitude of the endeavour exceeded human capacity, and Howard’s encouragement only fueled his ambition for personal satisfaction. Ultimately, King posits that excessive ambition and obsession can transform virtues into vices, offering a cautionary perspective on the consequences of pushing our limits too far.