This seminar paper aims to display the conflict between Good and Evil, shown in the "Harry Potter" film series distributed by Warner Bros., which is based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. The conflict is focused on Harry Potter, as the good guy, and Lord Voldemort, as his evil opponent.
This paper essentially consists of two main parts, the theoretical and analytical section, and a conclusion at the end. The very start, however, gives the reader a raw notion of the typical interpretation of “Good” and “Evil”. Then, the paper gives a brief synopsis of the Harry Potter story, to figure out what the plot of Harry Potter is about. The theoretical part contains two significant subdivisions. It deals with structuralism and post-structuralism, as well as with three subsections of post-structuralism, which are deconstruction in literature and film studies and finally with binary oppositions.
The most important goal is to figure out what the deconstruction and binary oppositions are about and make it clear how they are applied in movies. Afterwards, the seminar paper goes firsthand into the analytical part, which is the second section and considers a deconstructive analysis if the representation of Good and Evil are either in their pure form or categories with flowing borders in the film series “Harry Potter”. The most significant thing in this part is to split up the movie into essential pieces, like the visual aspects and sound design. Another essential point is to figure out their equalities, differences and in certain circumstances the connections to each other.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding of “Good” and “Evil”
- Synopsis of the Harry Potter story
- Literature and Literary theory
- Structuralism
- Post-structuralism
- Deconstruction in literary theory
- Deconstruction in film study
- Binary oppositions
- Deconstructive Analysis
- Scene one: Possession in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
- Visual Aspects
- Sound Design
- Representation of Good and Evil
- Scene two: The Pensieve in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”
- Visual Aspects
- Sound Design
- Representation of Good and Evil
- Scene one: Possession in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar paper analyzes the portrayal of good versus evil in the Harry Potter film series, examining whether these concepts are presented in pure form or as categories with fluid boundaries. The paper utilizes a deconstructive approach to explore the visual and sound design of selected scenes, focusing on how these elements contribute to the representation of good and evil. The primary objective is to demonstrate how the films challenge traditional binary oppositions through a close textual analysis.
- The representation of good and evil in the Harry Potter films.
- Deconstruction as a method of analyzing film.
- The role of visual and sound design in shaping the viewer's understanding of characters and themes.
- The exploration of binary oppositions and their limitations in interpreting complex narratives.
- The differences and similarities between J.K. Rowling's literary portrayal and the film adaptations.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis by discussing the author's personal connection to the Harry Potter series and the broader cultural impact of multimedia on young people. It highlights the inherent ambiguity of the "good vs. evil" dichotomy, establishing the paper's central argument that the Harry Potter films present a nuanced and fluid interpretation of this classic conflict. The introduction also provides a roadmap for the paper's structure, outlining the theoretical framework and the methodology employed.
Understanding of “Good” and “Evil”: This chapter explores the definitions of "good" and "evil," contrasting conventional interpretations with J.K. Rowling's perspective. It analyzes Rowling's statement, "There is no good and evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it," demonstrating how this concept is reflected in the complex portrayal of characters within the Harry Potter universe. The chapter lays the groundwork for a deconstructive reading of the film series, highlighting the fluidity of moral boundaries.
Synopsis of the Harry Potter story: This chapter provides a concise overview of the Harry Potter narrative, essential for understanding the context of the subsequent analysis. It summarizes the key plot points, introduces the main characters, and establishes the central conflict between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. The chapter briefly touches upon the transition from the novels to the films and sets the groundwork for examining the visual and aural elements of the films. This brief summary prepares the reader for the detailed analysis to follow. The importance of the Sorting Hat and the implications of Harry's house are mentioned.
Literature and Literary theory: This chapter provides the theoretical framework for the deconstructive analysis of the films. It introduces structuralism and post-structuralism, with a particular focus on deconstruction as a critical tool. The chapter explains the concept of binary oppositions and demonstrates how they are utilized in literature and film studies, setting the foundation for the application of these concepts to the Harry Potter film series.
Harry Potter Film Series Deconstruction: FAQ
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a seminar paper analyzing the portrayal of good versus evil in the Harry Potter film series using a deconstructive approach. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What is the central argument of the seminar paper?
The central argument is that the Harry Potter films present a nuanced and fluid interpretation of the classic "good vs. evil" dichotomy, challenging traditional binary oppositions.
What methodology is used in the analysis?
The paper employs a deconstructive approach, focusing on the visual and sound design of selected scenes to explore how these elements contribute to the representation of good and evil.
Which scenes are analyzed in detail?
The analysis focuses on two specific scenes: Scene one: Possession in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," and Scene two: The Pensieve in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2." Both are analyzed through visual aspects and sound design, examining how they represent good and evil.
What theoretical framework is used?
The analysis draws on structuralism and post-structuralism, particularly deconstruction, to understand the complexities of representing good and evil in film.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the representation of good and evil in the Harry Potter films, deconstruction as a method of film analysis, the role of visual and sound design, the exploration of binary oppositions, and the differences and similarities between the books and films.
What is covered in the "Understanding of “Good” and “Evil”" chapter?
This chapter explores different definitions of "good" and "evil," comparing conventional interpretations with J.K. Rowling's perspective, particularly her statement about power and weakness. It sets the stage for a deconstructive reading of the films, highlighting the fluidity of moral boundaries.
What is the purpose of the "Synopsis of the Harry Potter story" chapter?
This chapter provides a concise overview of the Harry Potter narrative, summarizing key plot points, introducing main characters, and establishing the central conflict. It prepares the reader for the detailed analysis by providing essential background information.
What is discussed in the "Literature and Literary theory" chapter?
This chapter provides the theoretical foundation, introducing structuralism and post-structuralism, focusing on deconstruction and binary oppositions as critical tools for analyzing literature and film.
What does the introduction cover?
The introduction sets the stage by discussing the author's personal connection to Harry Potter, its cultural impact, and the inherent ambiguity of the "good vs. evil" dichotomy. It outlines the paper's structure and methodology.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The primary objective is to demonstrate how the Harry Potter films challenge traditional binary oppositions through a close textual analysis of visual and sound design elements.
- Citar trabajo
- Marco Ring (Autor), 2017, Good vs Evil. Binary oppositions in pure form or categories with flowing borders? A deconstructive analysis of the "Harry Potter" movies, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/373498
