moral-restraint

This chapter presents Shakespeare's Sonnet 94, which meditates on the nature of power, restraint, and integrity. It contrasts those who possess the ability to harm but choose not to, with those who succumb to base corruption, illustrating how true nobility lies in self-control and moral steadfastness.

In this chapter, Mike Hanlon confronts Henry Bowers in a violent encounter fueled by their traumatic pasts and the malevolent influence of 'It.' Despite the opportunity to kill Henry, Mike exercises moral restraint, recognizing that such an act would serve 'It's' destructive purpose. Meanwhile, Beverly Marsh narrowly escapes Henry's assault by fiercely resisting and fleeing, highlighting themes of survival and resistance amid supernatural manipulation and racial hostility.