Dr. Eeek’s Laboratory and Language Learning: Interactive Horror Fiction and Motivation for Learning in EFL Classrooms

Abstract

This thesis explores the pedagogical potential of interactive horror fiction, specifically focusing on the novel The Deadly Experiments of Dr. Eeek (Stine, 1996), as a valuable tool for English as a Foreign Language pupils. The research is rooted in established theories of motivation in language learning, emphasising that learner engagement is paramount for effective acquisition. It draws on insights from narrative theory to understand how stories function and how interactive elements, such as branching narratives and reader agency, shape the reader’s experience. Key to the argument is the immersive quality of interactive fiction, particularly the Choose Your Own Adventure format, which allow readers to directly influence the narrative, fostering a unique sense of participation and empathy. The thesis posits that the combination of the horror genre’s inherent appeal (which promotes engagement and reading enjoyment) and the interactive format’s motivational power creates a particularly compelling learning environment. By casting the reader as the protagonist through a second-person point of view, The Deadly Experiments of Dr. Eeek (Stine, 1996) blurs the lines between observer and participant, leading to heightened immersion and repeated exposure to vocabulary within meaningful, suspenseful contexts. While acknowledging the importance of carefully bridging popular interactive narratives with more complex literary forms, this literary analysis of The Deadly Experiments of Dr. Eeek (Stine, 1996) aims to demonstrate how interactive horror fiction can align with modern language curricula (such as the current Norwegian curricula; LK20) to enhance vocabulary acquisition, reading fluency, critical thinking, and overall language proficiency for English as a Foreign Language pupils. The thesis argues that this unique blend of form and genre offers a highly motivating and effective avenue for language learning in the classroom