Question about The Stand

[Mr. Rainey]

I just finished reading this book (uncut edition, mailed by a King fan from Wisconsin) and am currently deep into The Tommyknockers.

Now obviously only Mr. King has the answer but while i'd love to ask him, I don't think i'll get that opportunity soon, so... Why did Mother Abagail send Glen, Stu, Larry, and Ralph to Vegas? They weren't really needed there, were they? After all, they had no part in ol' Trashy's nuke-fetching incident or the freak miracle that blew the whole thing to pieces. Just seems unnecessary...


Also, is it strange that I find myself absentmindedly reciting the numerous Tommyknocker-related rhymes from King's story while i'm in Algebra class?

[md10pc]

This is just my take on your question, but I think it ties into the title, The Stand. Someone had to take a "stand" against evil. Possibly if the three you mentioned weren't there, the Hand of God might not have appeared when Trashy showed up with the nuclear weapon . It's a great question, I'd love to know what others think.

Not surprised the Tommyknocker rhyme is staying with you. When I saw "Storm of the Century", the "I'm a Little Teapot" song kind of stuck for a while.

[Haunted]

Good men needed to confront evil men on their own turf or be destroyed along with their loved ones at home?

[Matticus]

If they had not gone, everyone in Vegas would not have been gathered in the same place for Trashy to show up.

Public execution tends to bring people out.

[CorbinKale]

This is my personal opinion, and probably has no basis in reality.

The act of love and loyalty, serving at a level above 'self' was a necessary plot point. Willingly confronting and countering evil at the cost of their lives was possibly a requirement for 'the hand of God' to take action. Requiring a sacrifice says 'god-like' to me.

[Mr. Rainey]

If they had not gone, everyone in Vegas would not have been gathered in the same place for Trashy to show up.

Public execution tends to bring people out.

...Of course! I should've thought of that! Ah well...Back to the rhyme...Late last night and the night before, Tommyknockers, Tommyknockers, knocking at my door...

[Terry B]

It's your classic good verses evil thing.

[Mr. Rainey]

It's your classic good verses evil thing.

That doesn't really answer the question...And good and evil are petty, why bother with either one?

[scratchesass]

Mother Abagail din't send em..... God did....

[garykingfan]

...Of course! I should've thought of that! Ah well...Back to the rhyme...Late last night and the night before, Tommyknockers, Tommyknockers, knocking at my door...

oh great now its stuck in my head..... good thing i am considered mad anyway!