They Never Learn

Layne Fargo’s They Never Learn was published in 2020. A psychological thriller with feminist undertones, it reflects Fargo’s interest in strong, “unlikeable” female characters and engages with Power Dynamics and Sex Crimes in Academia, Misogyny and Sexism in Academia, and Vigilante Justice and Morality. The novel consists of alternating chapters, narrated by college freshman Carly Schiller and English professor Dr. Scarlett Clark. Midway through the novel, Carly and Scarlett are revealed to be the same character. Carly/Scarlett becomes a serial killer after realizing that men on campus are rarely punished for sexual harassment and assault of women.

This guide refers to the paperback edition first published by Scout Press in 2021.

Content Warning: The text and this guide describe sexual harassment and assault, as well as murder.

Plot Summary

They Never Learn is told in alternating chapters between narrators Carly Schiller and Dr. Scarlett Clark. Carly is a freshman at Gorman University where Scarlett is an English professor, but they are ultimately revealed to be the same person: Carly returns to campus 16 years later as Scarlett.

Carly initially escapes to Gorman University from an emotionally abusive home. Her father is a controlling, cruel presence in both Carly’s and her mother’s life.