Autopsy Room Four
Stephen King is renowned for his ability to terrify readers, and "Autopsy Room Four" is a perfect example of his mastery in creating a claustrophobic and nerve-wracking atmosphere.
The story follows Howard Cottrell, an ordinary man who is bitten by a snake during a golf game, is mistakenly pronounced dead, and is transported to the autopsy room at a local hospital. Trapped inside a corpse bag, completely paralyzed but fully conscious, he can only listen as doctors and nurses discuss his impending autopsy.
King's storytelling shines as he places readers in Howard's unimaginable predicament. The level of detail in describing the sights, sounds, and smells of the autopsy room is chillingly vivid, making the reader feel every moment of Howard's anguish and desperation. What sets "Autopsy Room Four" apart is its combination of suspense and black humor. Howard's internal monologue, filled with darkly comic observations, adds depth to his character and provides moments of levity amid the terror.
In conclusion, "Autopsy Room Four" is a gripping and unsettling tale of a man's fight for survival in the most nightmarish of circumstances. Stephen King's ability to blend horror with dark humor makes this short story a standout in his body of work, showcasing his talent for inducing fear and anxiety in readers like few others can.
Author: Stephen King
Published: March 2002
Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31281039-autopsy-room-four?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Rv6GfRmgBH&rank=1
