The Harry Potter series display such a complex set of plots with so many references to
history, legend and literature, with so many playfully arranged puns according to the names of
characters, creatures, items or places that one cannot easily decide where to begin with an
examination that may befit the extent of a seminar paper. The finally chosen scope of this
paper refers to my general interest in mythology and legend as well as to Rowling’s admiring
aptitude to equip her characters from an extraordinary variety of backgrounds. Names are the
most obvious means of depicting literary characters and their intended personalities. Yet,
considering the multiplicity of those characters in the ever further developed seven novels,
further specification appears to be necessary to meet the demands of this paper. Therefore, its
focus is limited to character names and in that to several selected characters only, whose
names demonstrate mythological background most efficiently. To that effect, I am not
exclusively following a selective principle regarding the characters’ significance in the books.
Surely enough, there are several major characters bearing names grounded on mythology, yet
Rowling placed so many according hints and links on minor characters and on figures not
even acting in the story(ies) themselves that it would seem a squandering of her labour to
concentrate on particular ‘significant’ characters only.
[...]
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Concepts of Mythology
- 2.1 The Combat of Good and Evil
- 2.2 The Hero
- 2.2.1 The Mythical Child
- 3. Names
- 3.1 Names in Literature
- 3.2 Names in Harry Potter
- 3.2.1 Mythology behind Major Characters' Names
- 3.2.2 Mythology behind Minor Characters' Names
- 4. Conclusion
- 5. Sources
- 5.1 Primary Literature
- 5.2 Scientific Literature
- 5.3 Web Sources
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar paper examines the mythological underpinnings of character names in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. The objective is to explore how Rowling utilizes mythological elements and motifs to enrich character development and plotlines, focusing on both major and minor characters. The analysis will demonstrate Rowling's skillful incorporation of mythological themes and their impact on the overall narrative.
- Mythological Influences on Character Names
- The Archetypal Hero in Harry Potter
- The Theme of Good versus Evil
- The Significance of the Mythical Child
- Rowling's Use of Mythology to Enhance Narrative
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper, acknowledging the rich tapestry of historical, literary, and mythological references within the Harry Potter series. It highlights the author's decision to focus on the mythological aspects of character names, specifically chosen for their demonstrable mythological background, rather than solely on the characters' prominence in the novels. The author argues that Rowling's subtle hints and connections extend even to minor characters, making a broad analysis more fitting than a focus solely on major characters.
2. Concepts of Mythology: This chapter delves into the definition and scope of mythology. It establishes mythology as storytelling with religious-philosophical content, often explaining cultural origins allegorically. The chapter notes the widespread use of mythological motifs in literature and highlights Rowling's assimilation of these motifs in her novels. It particularly discusses the recurring theme of the "combat of good and evil" and the characteristics of the archetypal hero, drawing parallels between established mythological figures and the characters within the Harry Potter universe. The chapter also introduces the concept of the “mythical child” as a specific type of heroic figure, often possessing symbolic power despite physical vulnerability.
Keywords
Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, Mythology, Character Names, Archetypes, Hero, Mythical Child, Good vs. Evil, Literary Analysis, Symbolic Power.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Mythological Influences in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the mythological underpinnings of character names in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. It explores how Rowling uses mythological elements and motifs to enhance character development and plotlines, considering both major and minor characters.
What are the key objectives of this analysis?
The objective is to demonstrate Rowling's skillful incorporation of mythological themes and their impact on the overall narrative. The analysis examines the mythological influences on character names, the archetypal hero in Harry Potter, the theme of good versus evil, the significance of the "mythical child," and Rowling's overall use of mythology to enhance the narrative.
What topics are covered in the paper's chapters?
The paper includes an introduction, a chapter defining key concepts of mythology (including the "combat of good and evil" and the archetypal hero, specifically the "mythical child"), a chapter on names in literature with a specific focus on names in Harry Potter, and a conclusion. It also includes a section on sources.
How does the paper approach the analysis of character names?
The analysis considers both the names of major and minor characters, arguing that Rowling's use of mythological allusions extends beyond the most prominent characters. The paper focuses on names with demonstrable mythological backgrounds.
What mythological concepts are central to the analysis?
Central mythological concepts include the archetypal hero, the "mythical child" as a specific type of heroic figure, and the recurring theme of the "combat of good and evil." The paper explores how these concepts manifest in the Harry Potter series.
What is the scope of the mythological analysis within the Harry Potter context?
The paper examines how mythological motifs are woven into the narrative, enriching character development and plotlines. It demonstrates how Rowling uses subtle hints and connections to create a richer, more layered narrative experience.
What type of sources are used in this analysis?
The paper utilizes primary literature (the Harry Potter novels), scientific literature on mythology and literary analysis, and web sources to support its arguments.
What are the key words associated with this research paper?
Key words include: Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, Mythology, Character Names, Archetypes, Hero, Mythical Child, Good vs. Evil, Literary Analysis, Symbolic Power.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anne-Christin Hirsch (Autor:in), 2008, Names and their underlying mythology in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter-Novels, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/114910
