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[wenclexa4ever]

I would like to examine Jenna Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday Addams. The character may be interpreted as being on the autism spectrum, according to certain analyses.

Although the script does not make this characterization explicit, many of the protagonist's behavioral traits and peculiarities correspond with criteria recognized in the autism literature.

I want to look closely at these links in this long study.

PREMISES MUST BE MADE ON THIS TOPIC

1)Interpretation as a possibility rather than a definitive fact

Crucially, interpretation is a vital process grounded in observations and correlations with behavioral characteristics linked to the autism spectrum in the scholarly literature. The purpose of reading Wednesday in this key is to investigate the ways in which neurodivergence may be subtly represented in television fiction.

This viewpoint does not limit how the work is read; rather, it enhances the conversation about its meanings since, like any complex literature, the series can be interpreted in a variety of ways. The neurodivergent interpretation is just one of many possible interpretations, but it is legitimate provided it is backed up by reasoned arguments and supporting data.

Since a work becomes a part of a wider cultural conversation after it is published, many works in critical literature are examined in ways that go beyond the author's original goal.

2) The nature of open narratives

In order to allow audiences to assign many meanings to them, narrative works—particularly those that delve into intricate subjects—are frequently purposefully ambiguous. Although the protagonist of the Wednesday series never identifies herself as autistic, she does display several behavioral symptoms that are typically linked to neurodivergence. This ambiguity is common in works that allow for the subjectivity of the audience. In his book Opera aperta, Umberto Eco describes how stories are created by the interplay of the author, text, and audience rather than being fixed into a single meaning.

Wednesday is a multifaceted, nuanced figure who lends itself to numerous interpretations.

Her inability to fit in with society's expectations could be interpreted as both a neurodivergent characteristic and an act of personal revolt. This complexity makes it possible for various individuals with various backgrounds to reflect themselves in the persona. The narrative's open-ended structure not only validates but also promotes a variety of interpretations, such as Wednesday's potential neurodiversity example.

3) Support from academic research

There is strong scientific evidence to support the idea that Wednesday reflects characteristics of the autistic spectrum. According to Simon Baron-Cohen's research on autism, Wednesday's challenges with reading and following social norms, for instance, can be examined in the context of theory of mind. According to this view, persons on the spectrum could find it difficult to comprehend the feelings and intentions of others, which frequently leads to direct and unfiltered conversations like Wednesday's.

Additionally, Wednesday's compulsive devotion to her particular hobbies, like writing mystery books and solving mysteries, can be explained by Dinah Murray's theory of monotropism.

The tendency of autistic people to concentrate on a small number of subjects with greater intensity than that of most neurotypical people is known as monotropism. In addition to being a behavioral trait, this quality is a resource that can foster innovation and excellence in particular fields.

Studies on sensory sensitivity, such those conducted by Tavassoli et al. (2014), offer a foundation for comprehending Wednesday's distinct aesthetic preferences. It is possible to interpret his rejection of vivid colors and exciting surroundings as a reaction to sensory overload, which is a regular occurrence in autistic individuals.

Because of the strong theoretical foundation these research offer, the interpretation of Wednesday as neurodivergent is not only tenable but also supported by empirical evidence.

This viewpoint is in line with Roland Barthes' theory of the "death of the author," which holds that a work's meaning is established by the relationship between the text and its readers rather than by the author's intention.

As a result, my analysis is a valid addition to a larger conversation rather than an over-reading.

4) Implicit representation and diversity

Not all depictions of psychiatric or neurological disorders are overt.

Narratives frequently favor implicit representations, letting the audience make their own judgments.

Because it avoids simplifying a complicated feature to a single name or diagnostic, this technique can be especially effective. Wednesday serves as an illustration of how neurodivergence can be portrayed in the media without succumbing to simplicity or stereotypes.

The implicit representation of autistic characteristics in Wednesday allows the audience to reflect on neurodivergence without bias. It also normalizes these characteristics as part of the personality of a strong and independent character, avoiding pathologization.

This type of storytelling is important in a society that seeks to promote greater inclusion and understanding of individual differences.

5) Interpretation does not diminish other readings.

Other interpretations are not excluded by one interpretation.

Wednesday is a symbol of independence and self-determination, a gothic heroine who rejects conformity, or a rebellious young lady who violates conventional standards. These interpretations are enhanced by reading Wednesday as an autistic character, which presents a fresh viewpoint without discounting the others.

6) The importance of debate

Promoting a more inclusive society requires conversations on topics like how neurodivergence is portrayed in the media, the discourse that results is worthwhile, even if some people think this reading is excessive.

Thoughts on how neurodivergence is portrayed and understood in popular culture are sparked by critical conversations.

Furthermore, the debate raises awareness about the challenges and opportunities linked with neurodiversity.

Characters like Wednesday, who represent identifiable elements of the autistic spectrum, can be portrayed in a way that normalizes these traits and lessens the stigma attached to them.

Whether or whether the authors' intention was to specifically depict autism, this is an important finding.

Background before we begin, what is autism?

According to the DSM-5, autism is a neurodevelopmental disease that is typified by sensory abnormalities, repetitive behaviors, limited interests, and challenges with social interaction and communication.

The term "autism spectrum," which acknowledges a range of unique presentations, was created in response to the heterogeneity of manifestations.

According to recent studies, individuals on the spectrum may display extreme narrow interests, brutal honesty, and trouble understanding social norms, in fact, these characteristics are linked to resilience, divergent thinking, and authenticity, even though they are frequently problematic in social situations.

Setting the atmosphere for a more in-depth reading, Wednesday Addams, as she is portrayed in the Netflix series, seems to be the ideal representation of many of these characteristics.

Wednesday appears to have trouble fitting in with society's standards. She frequently responds to conversations with straightforward, uncensored language, ignoring emotional conventions.

This conduct might be connected to the social "readability" issues that Baron-Cohen attributes to autistic people's defective theory of mind.

The protagonist, in particular, favors an approach that puts substance above form and deviates from the implicit rules of social relations.

The difficulty some individuals on the spectrum may have in modifying their language to meet the expectations of their interlocutors are reminiscent of her stark honesty and lack of superficial empathy.

But as Grandin said, this kind of engagement may also be seen as an expression of genuineness, which Wednesday is a prime example of.

Her intense devotion to particular hobbies, like writing mystery novels and solving mysteries, is another pertinent aspect of the character's characteristics.

People on the autistic spectrum typically devote time and energy to activities they find significant, and this intensity is typical of them.

According to Murray et al.'s theory of monotropism, Wednesday's attention is concentrated on a small number of subjects with a level of engagement that is above average.

In addition to being a characteristic of her personality, the enthusiasm with which she pursues her hobbies is a strength that helps her succeed in her undertakings.

This feature emphasizes one of autism's best traits: the capacity to concentrate intently on a subject and acquire highly specialized abilities.

Wednesday's preference for austere settings and her unfavorable response to bright colors point to an unusual level of sensory sensitivity. People with autism frequently have distinct aesthetic preferences and may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to stimuli in their environment.

Wednesday's rejection of Enid's vibrant dorm, where she clearly suffers from sensory overload, is a reflection of this tendency.

Her decision to only wear black clothing and stay away from stimulating situations highlights her need to regulate her environment to feel at ease. Research has shown that autism is associated with enhanced sensory perception, which can have a significant impact on a person's lifestyle and personal choices.

Wednesday develops close relationships with a small number of individuals, including Eugene and Enid, despite his seeming emotional distance.

This pattern of selective relationships is consistent with the behavior of many people on the spectrum, who often prefer meaningful interactions to superficial relationships.

Moreover, her ability to empathize indirectly with others emerges in her protective actions toward the few friends she considers important. Her friendship with Enid, in particular, shows how Wednesday is able to build a meaningful relationship despite personality differences.

This kind of bonding is emblematic of the relationships that many autistic people form: deep, authentic, and based on mutual respect.

Continuing with the analysis, it is useful to expand the consideration of Wednesday Addams and her possible coding as an autistic character by delving into the social and cultural context in which the representation of neurodivergence is placed.

For a long time, neurodivergence has been portrayed in a simplistic way, frequently linked to stereotypes that highlight exceptional but socially isolated intelligence, as exemplified by Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory or Raymond in Rain Man.

However, these portrayals fall short of capturing the richness and diversity of the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum.

On the other hand, characters like Wednesday Addams, who exhibit distinguishable characteristics without making a clear declaration, add to a more complex and approachable story, again from my very personal viewpoint.

Wednesday is an illustration of implicit representation, which enables viewers to examine neurodivergence dynamics without labels or assumptions.

This method is especially effective since it encourages introspection without imposing any particular meaning. Characters that are not specifically identified as autistic might work as cultural mirrors, providing insights to better comprehend neurodivergence in the context of human diversity, according to psychologist Stuart Murray, author of Autism and Representation.

Wednesday, with her behavioral rigidity, sensory sensitivity, and stark honesty, reflects several characteristics associated with the autistic experience without reducing the character to a single dimension.

The narrative setting in which Wednesday takes place is an important factor to take into account.

Nevermore Academy is an outcast school that accepts students who have unusual features.

Because of this atmosphere, which values diversity and inclusivity, Wednesday's uniqueness is not only accepted but also cherished.

As a reflection of the expanding cultural interest in neurodiversity, the school becomes a metaphor for a society that values and acknowledges difference.

Wednesday's portrayal in the series reinforces the need of fostering environments that accept and encourage neurodivergent individuals, as highlighted by studies like Silberman's in Neurotribes.

The character's capacity for self-determination is another intriguing feature. Wednesday defies others' expectations and relentlessly pursues her own objectives.

In the context of neurodivergence, where autonomy and the freedom to establish one's own identity are major concerns, this quality is especially pertinent. Allowing people on the spectrum to express their uniqueness without outside pressure is essential, according to psychologist Michelle Dawson. Wednesday serves as an example of this autonomy by demonstrating that variety is a strength rather than a barrier.

It's fascinating to see how the public responds to figures like Wednesday from a sociological standpoint. Her widespread appeal indicates that audiences nowadays are becoming more receptive to role models who defy expectations.

The media is vital in influencing the public's imagination at a time when autism awareness is growing.

The idea that neurological variation should not be "cured" or "corrected," but rather accepted, is normalized by Wednesday's portrayal as a strong, independent young woman who could be seen as neurodivergent.

Wednesday's interactions with other characters and her relationship with her vivacious roommate, Enid Sinclair, further strengthen this interpretation by highlighting a contrast that enables the issue of complementarity between contrasts to be addressed.

Wednesday is challenged by Enid's emotional and open attitude to overcome her inflexibility and embrace various emotional expressions.

According to Milton (On the ontological status of autism), this type of relationship exemplifies the idea of "mutual involvement," which is crucial for fostering understanding between neurotypicals and neurodivergents.

Lastly, Jenna Ortega's contribution to the character's interpretation cannot be overlooked.

The character's interpretation as autistic is deepened by her performance, which places an emphasis on exact motions, a monotone speaking tone, and calibrated eye contact.

[wenclexa4ever]

👆👆👆

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😭

[wenclexa4ever]

#i was writing something #then mentioned the character wrote a book #and described it #then I thought #holy shit #that'd be a bombass power move #write this fic and then write a fic abt #the exact premise of the story mentioned in the story

Holy crap, that is such a power move. Do it! It’s such a good idea. Wait… Stop. You’re making me have more ideas!

Why is it impossible for me to stick to one writing project at a time? Like, I just want to finish chapter 2 and 3 of ‘What Tangled Web We Weave’, right now. But, no, I have to have ✨Ideas✨ for other projects!

[wenclexa4ever]

Why is it impossible for me to stick to one writing project at a time? Like, I just want to finish chapter 2 and 3 of ‘What Tangled Web We Weave’, right now. But, no, I have to have ✨Ideas✨ for other projects!

[wenclexa4ever]

To do later

Yet another fanfic writer ask game!

Compliment your writing!

How do you react to positive comments?

How do you react to negative comments?

Post a screenshot of one of your favorite comments

Quote one of your fics out of context

Vaguely spoil one of your fics without telling us which one it is

Share the first line of your five most recently published fics

Share the last line that you wrote

Tell us your favorite thing to drink when you write

Tell us your favorite thing to snack on when you write

What fandom do you write for most often?

What fandom do you want to write for more often?

Do you ever write crossovers?

What two fandoms would you write a crossover for?

What fic of yours would you most like to rewrite?

What is one of your favorite words or phrases to use in writing?

What trope is your favorite to write?

What trope have you not written yet, but want to?

What headcanon do you always include in your stories?

What was the last thing you researched for a story?

What do you do when you get writer's block?

When do you usually write? (day of the week or time of day)

Where do you usually write?

Which fic do you think is your funniest?

Which fic do you think is your saddest?

Which fic do you think is your scariest?

Which fic do you think is your most adventurous?

Which fic is closest to your heart?

Which fic would you most like to have fan art done for?

Which fic would you most like to have its own fanfic written for?

Which fic would you most like to see made into a movie?

Which fic would you most like to write a sequel to?

Which of your fic titles is your favorite?

What title do you want to use, but can't figure out a story to fit?

Have you ever written a fic because you were inspired by a title?

Have you ever written a fic because you were inspired by a song?

Pick one of your fics and share three songs to go with it

Pick three of your fics and share a song to go with each

Pick one of your fics and share an image to go with it. (Unsplash is a good source)

Pick one of your fics and share a quote to go with it (not a quote from the fic, but an outside quote that fits)

[wenclexa4ever]

I know right?!?

seirously pissed off that to get better at writing i have to write

[wenclexa4ever]

Writing Tips

Punctuating Dialogue

✧

➸ “This is a sentence.”

➸ “This is a sentence with a dialogue tag at the end,” she said.

➸ “This,” he said, “is a sentence split by a dialogue tag.”

➸ “This is a sentence,” she said. “This is a new sentence. New sentences are capitalized.”

➸ “This is a sentence followed by an action.” He stood. “They are separate sentences because he did not speak by standing.”

➸ She said, “Use a comma to introduce dialogue. The quote is capitalized when the dialogue tag is at the beginning.”

➸ “Use a comma when a dialogue tag follows a quote,” he said.

“Unless there is a question mark?” she asked.

“Or an exclamation point!” he answered. “The dialogue tag still remains uncapitalized because it’s not truly the end of the sentence.”

➸ “Periods and commas should be inside closing quotations.”

➸ “Hey!” she shouted, “Sometimes exclamation points are inside quotations.”

However, if it’s not dialogue exclamation points can also be “outside”!

➸ “Does this apply to question marks too?” he asked.

If it’s not dialogue, can question marks be “outside”? (Yes, they can.)

➸ “This applies to dashes too. Inside quotations dashes typically express—“

“Interruption” — but there are situations dashes may be outside.

➸ “You’ll notice that exclamation marks, question marks, and dashes do not have a comma after them. Ellipses don’t have a comma after them either…” she said.

➸ “My teacher said, ‘Use single quotation marks when quoting within dialogue.’”

➸ “Use paragraph breaks to indicate a new speaker,” he said.

“The readers will know it’s someone else speaking.”

➸ “If it’s the same speaker but different paragraph, keep the closing quotation off.

“This shows it’s the same character continuing to speak.”

[wenclexa4ever]

I am ALL THREE! At once.

[wenclexa4ever]

How did you know?

the real reason we write is because nobody else will validate our overly specific ideas about how the apocalypse should go down.

[wenclexa4ever]

Reblog if you want one of these in your ask box:

•A compliment

•A story

•Why you follow me

•A cute message

•One thing you want to tell me

•One thing you want to know about me

[wenclexa4ever]

Aphrodite curse

Enid : Oh look, a mistletoe know the tradition right ? We don't want to be cursed forever

Wednesday : What a wonderful idea, let's take this curse

Enid : Oh well I'm okay for this one

Wednesday : ... why ?

Enid : Deny a kiss and Aphrodite curse is after you, a life full of romantic and cute moment. Some even claim to only see in pink afterward

Wednessay : The only tolerable vision impairment is black and white. I will not see in pink, not if I can help it, come here

[wenclexa4ever]

From Chapter 4 of my Wenclair fic raven in the den, wolf in the nest

[wenclexa4ever]

One of the worst things about coming back to a writing project is reading through it, enjoying it, then hitting the point where you stopped.

"What do you mean you didn't finish it?"

"What do you mean there's only half a paragraph of notes at the end?"

"And I'm the one that has to sit down and spend multiple hours on writing an ending to this thing? I have to answer these open questions and resolve these themes and make sense of what you were trying to build to?"

[wenclexa4ever]

few things more humbling than the realization that you really do write the same fic(s) over and over again

[wenclexa4ever]

But, but, fantasizing is better. 😢

[wenclexa4ever]

No joke, this is exactly what I did for Wednesday’s panic attacks in the fanfic I’m writing. I paid attention to how/what I was feeling during a really bad panic attack (after the fact), and I incorporated it into the fic.

being a writer leads to a genuinely helpful but also very stupid kind of mindfulness where you'll be having a sobbing breakdown or the worst anxiety attack of your life and think "okay, I really need to pay attention to how this feels. so I can incorporate it into my fanfiction."