Fear, goosebumps, and sleepless nights have often been linked to horror fiction. But have you ever thought about how these scary stories can teach you something? Yes, scary books can get students interested in learning in a way that regular books just can’t. Stephen Jones believes that horror stories can fulfill an academic role in the students’ education. Let’s dive into the world of horror literature and look at how it can help students learn.

Getting people to think critically

One of the best things about reading scary books is that they can help you think more critically. As students read scary stories, they have to think about and figure out what the plots, characters, and themes mean. They need to learn to pay close attention to small details and hints that are dropped throughout the story. This helps them understand what they’re reading better and get better at analyzing things.

For example, when students read a scary book, they might come across unclear situations or narrators they can’t trust. They learn to question the characters’ goals and points of view as they go through these complicated plot twists. This encourages students to think critically by asking them to see beyond what is given at face value and think about other possible meanings.

Building empathy

Another interesting thing about horror writing is that it can help students understand how others feel. Fear may seem like a feeling that keeps people apart, but it can bring people together in strange ways. When readers relate to characters who are in scary or dangerous situations, they put themselves in those characters’ places and feel their fears.

Students learn to care about others by being able to relate to the feelings of different figures. It helps them understand and value different points of view and situations. Through these fictional characters, students learn more about how people feel and act by feeling fear through them.

Getting people to understand complicated themes better

Horror literature often deals with deep issues like death, morals, loneliness, and societal fears. By exploring these dark corners of storytelling, students are exposed to stories that make them think, and question what they think they know, and that help them understand the world around them better.

One example of a horror book that deals with the theme of being alone is one where the main character is locked up in a spooky house. As students follow the character’s trip, they start to think about their own times of being alone and how that can affect people. This makes them more likely to think deeply about bigger problems in society and how they affect their own lives.

So, to sum up, horror writing is a lot more than meets the eye. Beyond the jump scares and adrenaline rushes, horror books can keep students interested in learning and make their school years better. By teaching students how to think critically, show respect, and get a better grasp on complicated ideas, these exciting stories provide a unique learning experience that isn’t always found in traditional textbooks. That being said, why not accept the scary side of literature and find out what it can do? Who knows what scary adventures and helpful lessons are in store for you?