Later by Stephen King: Chapter 43 Summary & Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Jamie Conklin remains afraid of the dead cop Therriault but no longer doubts he will act when the moment comes. He remembers Professor Burkett’s teaching: the Ritual of Chüd does not require sticking out one’s tongue—only grabbing the enemy and holding on. On a Saturday in October, Jamie heads to Grover Park to play touch football. His mother leaves a note reminding him to be careful and return by two. As he takes the elevator from his apartment, Therriault is waiting in the hallway, grinning. Instead of freezing, Jamie rushes forward and embraces Therriault in a fierce hug. The world begins to vibrate violently. Jamie senses a horrible “deadlight” inside Therriault—an entity using the ghost as a vessel. The entity tries to bargain, but Jamie insists on harsher terms: he will haunt the entity forever. After a timeless struggle, the entity admits it is afraid and agrees. Jamie releases it, and Therriault disappears, leaving the front door open. Jamie feels exhausted but triumphant.

Key Events

Jamie decides he will not hesitate if Therriault gets close.
On a Saturday, Jamie leaves his apartment to play touch football.
Therriault appears in the hallway; Jamie grabs him instead of retreating.
Jamie and Therriault engage in a shaking, vibrating embrace—the Ritual of Chüd.
Jamie sees a dark light inside Therriault, which he later calls a “deadlight.”
The entity inside Therriault tries to bargain, but Jamie refuses.
Jamie declares he will haunt the entity unless it submits.
The entity admits fear and agrees to Jamie’s terms.
Jamie releases the ghost; Therriault flees and the entity grows stronger.
Jamie feels refreshed and victorious.

Character Development

Jamie Conklin – Transforms from a scared boy into a warrior. He acts on Burkett’s advice, using courage and determination rather than ritual tricks. He experiences “warrior’s pleasure” and gains confidence in his ability to confront supernatural evil.

Therriault – Revealed as a hollow vessel for the deadlight. His ghostly form becomes transparent during the struggle. The entity inside him is the true antagonist, now bound to Jamie.

Professor Burkett – Though absent, his teachings directly enable Jamie’s victory. His explanation of the Ritual of Chüd and warning against bargaining prove essential.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Ritual of Chüd – Borrowed from Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series, this ritual represents direct, physical confrontation with evil. Jamie adapts it by simply holding on, stripping away ceremony.
The Deadlight – A symbol of parasitic evil that uses ghosts as hosts. It is described as “bright and dark at the same time,” suggesting something beyond human understanding.
Bargaining vs. Dominance – The entity tries to negotiate, but Jamie demands total submission: his haunting the entity, not vice versa.
Time Distortion – The struggle seems to exist outside normal time; elevator doors remain open, and the world vibrates, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the encounter.

Why This Chapter Matters

This is the climax of the Therriault storyline. Jamie successfully performs the Ritual of Chüd, defeating the entity that had haunted him since childhood. The victory changes the balance of power: Jamie now has the ability to “haunt” the deadlight, giving him a new tool against supernatural threats. It also marks his transition from passive observer to active combatant. The chapter reinforces Burkett’s wisdom and sets up Jamie’s growing authority over the dead.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Jamie not stick out his tongue when he confronts Therriault?
Professor Burkett explained that the tongue-biting is only one ritual; the essential part is meeting the enemy in combat. Jamie simplifies it to grabbing Therriault and holding on.

2. What does the entity threaten to do if Jamie does not let go?
The entity threatens to strangle the breath out of Jamie, but Jamie realizes it cannot truly kill him—only weaken him through the embrace.

3. What is the final agreement between Jamie and the entity?
Jamie agrees to let the entity go, but only if it submits to being haunted by him whenever he calls. The entity admits it is afraid of Jamie and accepts the terms.