The Stand part 4

They’re choosing sides. When a group finds another group they simply ask ‘Dark Man or Old Woman?’ It seems that every character has dreamed of both of them. I don’t think it’s really a conscience choice about what side they’re on. When the people who are searching for the Old Woman (Mother Abigail) dream of the Dark Man, it is a terrifying experience and when they dream of Abigail it feels like refuge. However a man who calls himself Trash is looking for the Dark Man and when he dreams of the Dark Man he feels guided to where he belongs but once when he dreamt of Abigail, it felt like a nightmare. I guess it all has to do with how you feel about humanity. The characters that have chosen the Dark Man don’t seem to care much about other lives. Lloyd was a serial killer and Trash is an obsessed arsonist. His followers are very dedicated. “My Life for you,” is what Trash always tells him. I guess anyone who has a good soul is looking or has already joined Mother Abigail.

So what is so special about Abigail and the Dark Man? King gave a brief summary of their pasts and as far as I can tell they’re both just regular humans. I think it’s just that Abigail is as good as it gets and the Dark Man is as evil as it gets.