Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Honors Paper

Degree Name

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies - BA

Department

English

Advisor

Suzanne Ashworth

First Committee Member

Suzanne Ashworth

Second Committee Member

Karen Steigman

Third Committee Member

Carrigan Hayes

Keywords

Video game studies, media studies, incest, fandom studies, cultural analysis, The Coffin of Andy and Leyley

Subject Categories

Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Film and Media Studies | Higher Education

Abstract

In studying fandom and fan media, we can often compile a picture of societal views, restrictions, and forms of expression – in horror media, it opens pathways to discussing societal fears that influenced the making of a film, game, or book, and the reactions to media only add to that. Arguments in fandoms are often exacerbated by encountering taboo topics and regularly cross the line into political debates and conversations about real world ramifications. These arguments center around misunderstandings or lack of knowledge about certain topics and get blown out of proportion and immortalized in fandom history. Using the game The Coffin of Andy and Leyley as a base for discussion, this project aims to analyze and deconstruct fandom and audience reactions to taboo topics and sexual or graphic themes, as well as observe the real-life reflections of the in-game dynamics and ramifications of our reactions. It compiles various internet posts and reactions, and relies on research into incestuous dynamics, previous fandom history and political conflicts, and human reactions to uncomfortable and complicated topics. In discussing these themes, the goal is to inspect how fandom discussions can reflect or influence personal and societal politics and take note of how we react and interact with horror media that discusses uncomfortable subjects.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

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Acknowledgement 2

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