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Juan Gomez
Professor Brooks
English 101
14 October 2015
Making Life Worthwhile
All men and women are guided by the choices they make, so it is no surprise to think as
human beings that we uncontrollably hold onto the toughest choices we make in our lives. In the
short story Afterlife by Stephen King, the power of choice is symbolized through the story’s
protagonist, William Andrews and also a character by the name of, Isaac Harris. By reflecting on
Andrews’ afterlife situation, King effectively elaborates the power of choice we as human beings
possess when he specifies how Andrew will make the same choices in his life, if he chooses to
live again. Therefore, realistically speaking, we are given one opportunity to make our lives
worthwhile. King’s focus is to have an effect on the reader’s perspective of life in order to make
ourselves question, “If I were to live the same life again, will I be making the best choices and
would I feel regretful of any choice?” Throughout this short story, readers can identify the
freedom we have with our choices in life and how they can possibly affect people in our society
or communities.
When William Andrews arrives in the hallway, he is puzzled about his location and
begins to feel unease. On one side of the hall, Andrews reads a quote that lies on top of a fire
extinguisher, “Better late than never.” (p.15) This quote foreshadows a connection to King’s
theory of making life valuable. By connecting this quote to the character, Isaac Harris, we learn
about the meaning behind its appearance in the hallway. According to Isaac Harris, there was a
tragic accident that occurred while he was at work. By using imagery, King takes this
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opportunity to hint to the readers the options that the character Harris had. If Harris would have
chosen to make the working conditions at the factory safer for the employees, no lives would
have been lost in the accident. However, by dealing with his employees with his poor choices he
holds onto the guilt of their deaths. This accident affects the reader’s value system. By sharing
this story, the reader can begin to question the choices he has made. Has his choices made him a
better person in society? The use of imagery in such an early section of the story sets the readers
on a path to question their personal role in society.