Does Stranger Things Pass the Bechdel Test?

Author Dominic Townsend

Posted Jul 14, 2022

Reads 122

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Since its release in 2016, the Netflix original series Stranger Things has become a pop culture phenomenon. The show has been praised for its throwback to 80s Spielberg and horror movies, as well as its strong female characters. However, some have criticized the show for its lack of diversity, particularly in its treatment of women of color. One area that has been of particular concern is the "Bechdel test."

The Bechdel test, named after cartoonist Alison Bechdel, is a simple but important measure of gender equality in fiction. To pass the test, a work of fiction must meet the following criteria: 1) it must have at least two female characters, 2) who talk to each other, 3) about something other than a man.

While the Bechdel test is not a perfect measure of gender equality, it is a useful way to see if a work of fiction is making an effort to portray women as fully-formed human beings with their own concerns and interests. So, does Stranger Things pass the Bechdel test?

The answer is yes... and no. There are certainly scenes in Stranger Things that feature two or more female characters talking to each other about something other than a man. However, there are also many scenes in which the only focus is on the male characters and their story arc.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. The male characters in Stranger Things are well-developed and interesting, and the show would not be the same without them. However, it would be nice to see the female characters given the same level of attention.

The good news is that Stranger Things is created by two women, The Duffer Brothers, and the female characters are played by a number of talented actresses. This suggests that the show has the potential to pass the Bechdel test in future seasons. Here's hoping that the Duffers Brothers and the cast of Stranger Things continue to make an effort to create a more balanced and inclusive show.

What is the Bechdel test?

The Bechdel Test, also known as the Mo Movie Measure or Bechdel Rule is a simple test which is used to evaluate the representation of women in a film. The test is named after American cartoonist Alison Bechdel, who came up with the idea in her comic strip "Dykes to Watch Out For".

The Bechdel Test has three requirements: 1. There must be at least two women in the film 2. who talk to each other 3. about something other than a man

If a film meets all three of these requirements, it is said to have "passed" the Bechdel Test.

Although the Bechdel Test is a very simple tool, it can be quite revealing. A surprisingly large number of films fail to pass, even though you might think that it wouldn't be that difficult to meet all three requirements. This often happens because women are often sideline d in films and are not given much to do other than talk about men.

The Bechdel Test is not a perfect measure of gender representation in films, but it is a good place to start. It is a helpful way to start looking at how women are represented in films and to begin thinking about how we can improve things.

What is the plot of Stranger Things?

Stranger Things is a science fiction horror web television series created, written, and directed by the Duffer Brothers. The Duffer Brothers, Shawn Levy, and Dan Cohen serve as executive producers. The first season stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Matthew Modine, with Natalia Dyer, Joe Keery, and Cara Buono recurring. The series is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1980s. The first season focuses on the investigation into the disappearance of a young boy amid supernatural events occurring around the town, including the appearance of a girl with psychokinetic abilities who helps the boy's friends in their search. The second season is set a year later, and deals with attempts of the characters to return to normal and consequences that linger from the first season.

The first season of Stranger Things premiered on Netflix on July 15, 2016. The series was renewed for a second season of nine episodes, which was released on October 27, 2017. A third season of eight episodes is set to premiere on July 4, 2019.

Do the female characters in Stranger Things talk to each other about something other than a man?

The female characters in Stranger Things are

If the answer to question 3 is yes, does this mean that Stranger Things passes the Bechdel test?

There is no one answer to this question. The Bechdel test is a feminist tool for measuring the representation of women in fiction, but it is not a perfect measure. Stranger Things is a complex show with many characters, and it is possible to read it as passing the Bechdel test in some ways and failing it in others.

That said, if we look at the Bechdel test criteria specifically, it seems that Stranger Things passes in two out of three cases. The show features two female characters, Joyce and Eleven, who have a conversation about something other than a man. Furthermore, there are multiple episodes in which women are the focus and their conversations do not revolve around men.

Interestingly, the Bechdel test does not require that the women characters like or even know each other. In Stranger Things, Joyce and Eleven are not friends, but they do form a bond over their shared experience. In this way, the show actually subverts the Bechdel test by showing that women can connect with each other even when they have little in common.

Ultimately, the Bechdel test is a useful tool for evaluating the representation of women in fiction, but it is not perfect. Stranger Things is a complex show that does not fit neatly into any one category.

Who are the main female characters in Stranger Things?

The Netflix original series Stranger Things has quickly become a fan favorite since its release in 2016. The show is set in the 1980s in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, and follows the disappearance of a young boy named Will Byers. The search for Will Byers brings together a unlikely group of middle schoolers, his mother Joyce, the town sheriff Jim Hopper, and a young girl with psychic powers named Eleven. While the series is full of memorable male characters, it is the female characters that truly stand out.

The first female character we meet is Joyce Byers, Will’s mother. Joyce is a single mother who is desperately trying to find her son. She is a strong and determined woman who will do whatever it takes to find her son. While she is grieving and worried, she never gives up hope. She is also a great mother, always putting her son first.

The second female character is Nancy Wheeler, one of Will’s best friends. Nancy is a smart and popular girl, but she is also kind and caring. She is brave and stands up for what she believes in. Nancy is also a great friend, always being there for her friends when they need her.

The third female character is Eleven, a young girl with psychic powers. Eleven is a strange and mysterious character. She is often scared and alone, but she is also brave and courageous. She is a great friend, always being there for her friends.

These are just a few of the many great female characters in Stranger Things. Each of these women is strong, brave, and determined. They are all great friends and great mothers. They are the kind of women that we all should aspire to be.

What are some of the things that the female characters in Stranger Things talk to each other about?

The female characters in Stranger Things have a lot to talk about. For starters, they discuss the events of the show and what they think is going on. They also talk about their relationships and how they feel about the people in their lives. Additionally, the female characters in Stranger Things often discuss the topics of friendship and sisterhood. They discuss how to be a good friend and how to support one another through thick and thin. Lastly, the female characters in Stranger Things also talk about the importance of staying positive and being there for each other.

Do the female characters in Stranger Things have their own storylines that are not focused on a man?

The Netflix original series Stranger Things has been praised for its strong female characters. While the primary focus of the show is the young boys and their supernatural adventure, the girls are given their own storylines that are not solely focused on a man. This is refreshing and empowering to see, especially in a show that takes place in the 1980s when women were not always given the same opportunities or represented in the same way as they are today.

The girls in Stranger Things are portrayed as strong, independent, and competent. They are not damsels in distress waiting to be saved by the boys; rather, they are often the ones doing the rescuing. For example, in the first season, when Will goes missing, it is his mother Joyce and his friend Eleven who are shown searching for him and ultimately finding him. In the second season, it is Eleven who rescue her friends from the Upside Down, and in the third season, it is Eleven and Max who rescue Billy from the Russian laboratory.

The girls are also shown to have their own friendships and relationships independent of the boys. In the first season, we see Eleven developing a close bond with Mike, Lucas, and Dustin. Later, in the second and third seasons, we see Eleven and Max forming a strong friendship, and in the fourth season, we see Eleven and Robin developing a romantic relationship.

The girls in Stranger Things are complex, fully-formed characters with their own arcs and storylines. They are not simply there to support the boys; they are active participants in the story. This is a refreshing change from many other television shows and movies, which often relegate women to the sidelines. The girls of Stranger Things are a reminder that women can be strong, independent, and capable, and they deserve to be treated as such.

How does Stranger Things compare to other popular television shows in terms of the Bechdel test?

Stranger Things has been one of the most popular television shows in recent years. There are many reasons for its popularity, but one of the key things that sets it apart from other popular shows is its strong representation of women. In particular, the show passes the Bechdel test with flying colors.

The Bechdel test, for those who are not familiar, is a simple test for gender representation in fiction. To pass the test, a work must have at least two female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. While this may seem like a low bar, it is actually surprisingly difficult for many popular works of fiction to pass. Stranger Things, on the other hand, has no trouble passing the test.

There are many strong female characters in Stranger Things, such as Eleven, Nancy, and Joyce. These characters are often shown working together to solve the mysteries of the show. They also have strong relationships with each other, which is refreshing to see on television. Not only do the female characters in Stranger Things have agency and are shown as equals to the male characters, but they are also given complex backstory and character development.

This is in contrast to many other popular television shows, which often sideline their female characters or make them nothing more than love interests for the male characters. Stranger Things does have a romance plotline, but it is secondary to the main story. The focus is on the friendship between Mike and Eleven, and the girls are never objectified or treated as objects by the boys.

In summary, Stranger Things is a feminist television show that passes the Bechdel test with ease. It is refreshing to see a show that features strong and complex female characters who are shown as equals to the male characters.

What do critics say about Stranger Things in terms of the Bechdel test?

The Bechdel test, created by Alison Bechdel in her 1985 comic Dykes to Watch Out For, is a way to measure the representation of women in fiction. The test has three simple requirements: there must be at least two women in the story, they must talk to each other, and their conversation must be about something other than a man.

Applying the Bechdel test to Stranger Things, it's clear that the show fails. In the entire first season, there are only two named female characters: Eleven and Joyce Byers. Eleven is a little girl with a shaved head who doesn't speak, and Joyce is a grieving mother. The two women never talk to each other, and their only conversation is about Eleven's missing son, Will.

The Bechdel test is not a perfect measure of gender representation, but it's a helpful way to look at how women are portrayed in a work of fiction. And when it comes to Stranger Things, the Bechdel test shows that the show is sorely lacking in its representation of women.

Frequently Asked Questions

What movies pass the Bechdel test?

Some movies pass the Bechdel test while others don't. To pass the Bechdel test, a film must have at least two women in it who talk to each other about something other than a man.

Does children of men pass the Bechdel test?

Absolutely! Children of Men passes the Bechdel Test with flying colours, with Kee talking to revolutionary leader Julian and her midwife Miriam at many points throughout the movie.

Does ‘The Hunger Games’ pass the Bechdel test?

Yes, the opening scene of The Hunger Games passes the Bechdel test. Katniss comforts her sister Primrose, who has had a bad dream.

Do TV shows pass the Bechdel test?

Generally, the answer is yes, TV shows pass the Bechdel test. However, there are several shows that do not pass the test but nevertheless contain interesting and complex female relationships. In particular, the show Jane The Virgin passes the test with flying colours, thanks to the strong bond between protagonist Jane (Gina Rodriguez) and her best friend/co-worker Petra (Yael Grobglas). Furthermore, NCIS: Los Angeles also passes the test with flying colours, as contemporary spin-off series NCIS: New Orleans features an ensemble cast of strong, standalone female characters.

Does Sherlock fail the Bechdel test?

Yes, the early seasons of Sherlock fail the Bechdel Test. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson only discuss crime and their cases with one another. There is no discussion of any other topics.

Dominic Townsend

Dominic Townsend

Writer at CGAA

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Dominic Townsend is a successful article author based in New York City. He has written for many top publications, such as The New Yorker, Huffington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Dominic is passionate about writing stories that have the power to make a difference in people’s lives.

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