Set in an imagined pre-colonial/ medieval southern African kingdom, A Smoke that Thunders or Godtouched is an epic fantasy novel that tracks the lives of three magical Black girls taking on the gods and the patriarchy.

The aim of this thesis is to argue that using the novel The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson to explore the concepts of gender roles, with masculinity and its hegemonic aspect at the forefront, through the fields of gender studies and gender pedagogy, will provide grounds for meaningful classroom discussions and activities in the Swedish upper secondary school by drawing parallels between the fictional society presented in the novel and our own.  Three main traits of hegemonic masculinity are analyzed and applied to the characters Kaladin, Dalinar and Jasnah, namely physical assertiveness, egocentric individualism, and domination. The novel’s potential for use within the Swedish upper secondary school, specifically in the course English 7, is analyzed. The domination trait of hegemonic masculinity was found noticeably absent in the three protagonists, while this trait could be found amongst the novel’s antagonists. Potential was found in using the novel to lessen the effects of the boy crisis in the Swedish school system.

This thesis is a development of the theories presented by Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and Bruno Bettelheim concerning archetypes, the anima/animus concept, the Hero Cycle, and identity development through fairy tales. I argue that there are vital rites of passage missing in Anglo-Saxon culture, and while bibliotherapy cannot replace them, it can help adolescents synthesize their experiences. The theories of Jung, Campbell, and Bettelheim demonstrate this concept by defining segments of the story and how they apply to the reader. Because of the applicability, readers, despite their age, can use the examples in the book to help reconcile their own experiences and understand life as it relates to them. The works I examine include J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Orson Scott Card's Alvin Maker series, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea trilogy, and David Eddings' Belgariad. Though it is impossible to test the effects of reading such works on readers, the possibility of those effects exists. Bettelheim's work, The Uses of Enchantment, discusses similar themes and he provides scientific support through his use of anecdotal evidence. Following his example, I have tried to include evidence from my own life that exemplifies the effect reading epic fantasy has had on me. The aspects of epic fantasy in relation to going through adolescence I examine include the concept of responsibility and its relation to progress and maturity; gaining a social identity; and reconciling oneself to the dark side within and without, in society. These aspects are found within the superstructure of the Hero Cycle and the actions and motivations of the characters—archetypes—within the cycle. They are also present in real life and necessary concepts to understand to be accepted into society as a mature contributor.