Stranger Teens: Eleven Transforms the Monstrous Symbolism of Adolescence through a Contemporary Narrative Arc

Abstract

At first glance, the Netflix series Stranger Things places itself within the category of monstrous feminine narratives by introducing preteen Eleven as the series’ human monster. The show pits her against literal monsters which, like adolescents, exist in a physically transformative and liminal space. However, while the series initially appears to reinforce the stereotype of young females as borderland monsters who defy categorization, the show ultimately undermines this same convention. Instead, it presents Eleven as a complete person who exhibits intelligence, individuality, and power in a manner more complex and modern than earlier filmic embodiments of monstrous adolescence and femininity. Eleven represents a new generation; while the monsters can still be viewed as illustrative of adolescence, Eleven rises above the characterizations of previous horror texts, successfully defying the containment often placed on girls. Viewers are shown that rather than letting society dictate their actions, girls can perform with agency and ability. Instead of serving only as objects of desire (or angst) for boys, girls can be the ones to save the day.