American Horror Story: Coven, the third season of the popular anthology series, presents a universe full of dark, twisted, and provocative plotlines that deal with themes such as sisterhood, prejudice, and power dynamics. Although it may seem unconventional, this show can be a compelling teaching tool for high school and college students. It can serve as a basis for analyzing narrative elements while also offering opportunities for discussions on representation and symbolism in the media.
Engaging Students in Narrative Analysis:
1. Plot and Structure: The complex and non-linear storyline of American Horror Story: Coven provides a fantastic opportunity for analyzing narrative structure. Instructors can encourage students to dissect the plot’s pacing and arrangement, determining how it creates tension and drives character development.
2. Characterization: Filled with dynamic characters plagued by conflicting motivations, students can gain valuable insight into characterization techniques. Highlights include exploring the use of antiheroes, archetypes, and allusions to historical figures.
3. Themes and Imagery: Students can practice identifying recurring themes within the story by examining its treatment of race, gender dynamics, loyalty, and religion. They will learn to recognize visual motifs such as symbols or recurring imagery that support these themes.
4. Comparison to other works
American Horror Story: Coven’s genre-flavored storytelling makes for an excellent comparison piece when examining other horror novels or television shows. For example, students can study similarities or differences between this show’s content and Edgar Allan Poe’s works or classic horror films like Rosemary’s Baby.
Addressing Representation in Media:
1. Race and Gender Relations: One of the central conflicts in American Horror Story: Coven concerns a rivalry between two magical factions, one largely African-American descendant-based (the voodoos) and another predominantly Caucasian (the witches). These opposing groups provide a foundation for exploring the historical context of race relations in the United States and the intersection with gender dynamics.
2. Diverse Portrayals of Female Characters: Students can analyze how the show challenges or reinforces traditional gender roles by examining its portrayal of women in positions of power, as well as their relationships with one another.
3. The Ethics of Storytelling: Instructors can provoke critical thinking and discussion by asking students to consider the ethical implications of their media consumption. For instance, whether they think sensitive content within shows like American Horror Story should have limits or if this show is an accurate reflection of reality.
Conclusion:
Incorporating American Horror Story: Coven into a curriculum is a stimulating method to engage students in narrative analysis and spark meaningful conversations about representation in media. By breaking down its rich storytelling elements, characterizations, and themes, students will not only improve their analytical skills but also develop a critical eye towards the content they consume.
