Ghostly Goings On. Can Ghost Stories Provide the Perfect Allegory for Loneliness and Neglect in Children’s Writing?

Is it possible that ghosts provide the perfect personification of parental neglect (real or perceived) in a way that is accessible to young readers? Nell Griffin considers the question. 

Abstract

It could be argued that the popularity of ghost stories for young readers (seen most clearly in the Middle Grade age bracket) is due to a demand for ‘age appropriate’ horror novels for a younger readership, eager to lap up spooky tales. However, could there be more going on than meets the ‘pale blue eye’?

When studying recent titles within this category, it is possible to interpret these novels as extended allegories in which the ghost, an ‘invisible’ character by all accounts, represents the protagonist and their feelings of loneliness and at times, neglect. Is it possible that ghosts provide the perfect personification of parental neglect (real or perceived) in a way that is accessible to young readers? It is perhaps no coincidence that often the parents or guardians in these stories either don’t notice the aforementioned ghost, or they choose to ignore it completely. By contrast, the young protagonists who understand what it feels like to be overlooked or feel invisible, are in no doubt of the ghosts' presence.

If this allegorical trend is to continue into the future of children’s writing, how can we utilise it to improve the representation of the complex emotional needs of children in a way that is accessible, entertaining, and still excitingly spooky?