Christine

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, addiction, and death.

During World War II, the US stopped producing consumer cars so that factories could focus on making vehicles to help the country and its allies defeat Nazi Germany, Japan, and Italy. When the war ended, Americans wanted cars, and production resumed in earnest. Cars became an accessible item and symbolized socioeconomic status. In the novel, Ronald LeBay fought in World War II and later contributed to the post–World War II consumer demand for cars when he purchased Christine. George explains, “[T]he one thing that Rollie really wanted was a brand-new car. Not a Cadillac or a Lincoln; he didn’t want to join the upper class, the officers, the shitters. He wanted a new Plymouth or maybe a Ford or a Dodge” (218). Reflecting his working-class, anti-elitist characterization and his apparent rage against the world, LeBay picked a Plymouth Fury.

Then and now, cars symbolize freedom and independence, making them a popular topic for rock music. Before most chapters of Christine, Stephen King quotes rock songs that reference cars. Some are upbeat; others connect to sorrow. The diverse lyrics show that cars don’t necessarily bring happiness.