The Dead Zone

“He hated these ugly farm dogs that ran their half-acre of dooryard like arrogant little Caesars: they told you something about their masters as well.”

Stillson’s aggressive stance toward farm dogs is an ironic reflection of his own status in society. He resents their attitudes, perceiving them to be “arrogant little Caesars” (15) who are products of their environment. In the same way, Stillson will become an arrogant, vicious ruler of a small kingdom, as well as a product of his abusive and difficult environment. Stillson hates the dogs because he recognizes so much of himself in them. He kicks to death as a way of dealing with his own subconscious desire to punish himself.

“Time. We’ve got that, I guess.”

Sarah and Johnny’s relationship is defined by the time that they do not have together. Sarah will lose years worrying about Johnny and Johnny will lose years in a coma. While they assure one another that they have all the time they need, the time they have left together can be measured in hours, making this quote a moment of dramatic irony. 

“The thing he disliked the most was being on hold.”

Herb resents being placed on hold while using the telephone. The sentiment is an ironic foreshadowing for the next four years of his life, when his family’s life will be put on hold while Johnny is in a coma.