Something old, something blue: bereavement and institutional ageism in The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil

Abstract The dystopian fiction genre within Western media has historically highlighted the flaws associated with societal attempts to achieve an unattainable ideal – or utopia. Through storytelling, these texts highlight present issues in society, and among them, readers find deeply concerning messages about dehumanisation oppression. Gigantic Beard That Was Evil by Stephen Collins is uniquely placed this larger due exceptional use of negative space; that is, text communicates multiple meanings through what includes does not include. following article engages a deep reading textual analysis interpret describe message highlighting institutional ageism bereavement. Consideration for both positive space narrative construction reveals story encourages social change better care mentally ill, geriatric population.