Adolescents Learning from Marginalized Characters in Gothic Texts.

What is it about?

This case study explores the understandings seventh graders constructed with Gothic texts in a reading unit that I designed. The Gothic is a fictional genre defined by horror and mystery. The stories’ protagonists are often marginalized individuals. The genre was selected due to its popularity with adolescents. Qualitative data was collected and reviewed using thematic analysis. The results of the study reveal that as a result of grappling with the societal other, participants gleaned meaningful knowledge that enriched them personally and socially.

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Why is it important?

The United States’ current climate is categorized by sharp divides and the marginalization of numerous groups, coupled with a general distrust and distaste of individual differences. Adolescents, now more than ever, need a space for discussing provocative and controversial texts (such as those of the Gothic genre) that gives voice to marginalized people. Additionally, the findings illustrate that texts and related conversations can help individuals develop empathy for others and increase tolerance and appreciation for individual differences. This highlights the need for curriculum with a vast array of texts including traditionally more neglected genres such as the Gothic, fantasy, and science fiction that can allow for such vicarious contrasting experiences.

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