The Ledge

“He looked just like what he was: an A-number-one, 500 carat, dyed-in-the-wool son of a bitch.”

King’s use of rich, varied descriptors in this line paints a vivid picture of the character’s formidable and unyielding nature. The colloquialisms “A-number-one” and “dyed-in-the-wool” emphasize a deeply ingrained, unchangeable quality, while “500 carat” likens the intensity of his personality to a precious gemstone.

“Cressner sighed, removed the smouldering cigarette holder, and dropped it into a chromium ashtray with a sliding lid. No fuss, no muss. The used cigarette and Stan Norris had been taken care of with equal ease.”

In this quote, King uses an everyday action—discarding a cigarette—as a metaphor for Cressner’s cold, methodical approach to handling problems, including Stan Norris. The casual phrasing “No fuss, no muss” underlines Cressner’s detached and ruthless nature, emphasizing his ability to dispose of challenges, whether they are inanimate objects or human beings.

“He looked genuinely pained. ‘Wager, Mr Norris, wager. Gentlemen make wagers. Vulgarians place bets.’”

In this quote, Cressner’s distinction between a “wager” and a “bet” unveils a facade of sophistication and moral superiority he cloaks himself in. The line reveals his need to elevate himself above common vulgarity, providing insights into his self-perception and delusion of grandeur. Cressner’s emphasis on terminology highlights the psychological manipulation he employs, masking the sinister nature of his actions under a veneer of civility and refinement.