At its core, “The Ledge” is a foray into the psyche of an individual pushed to his physical and psychological limits. King’s suspenseful thriller can be situated within the subgenre of psychological realism, where the external environment often mirrors the internal psyche of characters. King’s diction crafts an atmosphere thick with tension. Descriptive passages not only illustrate the perilous setting but also encapsulate Stan’s disorienting fear. This atmospheric creation, through sensory details and internal monologues, sets a palpable tone of dread and suspense, immersing readers into Stan’s psyche with a dual conflict in the internal and external.

As Stan embarks on his treacherous journey around the building, he confronts not only the physical challenges of the ledge but also combats the natural elements. This highlights the Fate and the Unpredictability of Life. Not only does Stan find himself in an extreme, nearly-fatal agreement with his lover’s husband, but the task itself is fraught with additional obstacles. King delves deep into a man’s will to survive, highlighting the extreme lengths one might go to when trapped in dire circumstances.