In this thesis I want to show that the social injustices present in the magical world of Harry Potter mirror our own society’s problems. Furthermore, it will be shown that these injustices are not only part of the wizarding world, but that Rowling uses her books to suggest how to overcome these problems. This hypothesis will be discussed with the help of two examples of oppression: the oppression of women and the subjugation of magical creatures.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Social Justice
- 3 Gender in Harry Potter
- 3.1 Definition of Gender (Sex vs. Gender)
- 3.2 Feminist Criticism of the Harry Potter Novels
- 3.3 Hermione Granger
- 3.3.1 "Books! And Cleverness! There are more important things."
- 3.3.2 Hermione's love for rules
- 3.3.3 Hermione's fearfulness
- 3.3.4 Hermione as a sexual object
- 3.3.5 Hermione's sense for social justice
- 3.4 Mrs. Weasley
- 3.4.1 The concept of Family
- 3.4.2 "Not my daughter, you bitch!": Mrs. Weasley's change from a housewife to a political person
- 4 Society for the Promotion for Elfish Welfare
- 4.1 Definition and historical outline
- 4.2 Slavery in Harry Potter and its parallels to "our" world
- 4.2 The Enslavement of the House-Elves Exemplified through Dobby, Winky and Kreacher
- 4.3 The Wizarding World's Attitude towards House-Elves
- 5 Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to demonstrate how social injustices within the Harry Potter magical world reflect real-world societal problems and how the novels suggest methods for overcoming them. The analysis focuses on two primary forms of oppression: the oppression of women and the subjugation of house-elves. * Gender roles and stereotypes in the Harry Potter series. * Feminist interpretations of key female characters, such as Hermione Granger and Molly Weasley. * The portrayal of slavery and oppression through the treatment of house-elves. * Parallels between the wizarding world's social injustices and contemporary societal issues. * The potential of children's literature to shape children's understanding of social justice.Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the thesis, highlighting the immense popularity and influence of the Harry Potter series. It emphasizes the importance of analyzing children's literature, especially works as widely read as Rowling's novels, to understand their potential impact on young readers' perceptions of social issues. The chapter underscores the thesis's core argument: that the social injustices depicted in the magical world mirror real-world problems and provide insights into potential solutions. The introduction also briefly outlines the two primary examples of oppression that will be examined: the oppression of women and the subjugation of house-elves. The significant length of the books is discussed, contextualizing the depth of themes explored within the series. 2 Social Justice: This chapter (presumably) provides a definition and framework for understanding "social justice" within the context of the Harry Potter series. This lays the groundwork for the subsequent chapters' analysis of gender inequality and the treatment of house-elves. While the exact content isn't provided, it's crucial in establishing the parameters for evaluating the social dynamics within Rowling's fictional world. It likely explores various theoretical viewpoints on social justice, making connections to the literary themes that will be dissected later. 3 Gender in Harry Potter: This chapter delves into the representation of gender in the Harry Potter novels. It examines how Rowling both perpetuates and subverts gender stereotypes through the portrayal of major female characters. The chapter uses feminist criticism to analyze the complexities of Hermione Granger and Molly Weasley, showcasing their contrasting roles within the narrative. Hermione's intelligence and activism are explored alongside potential criticisms of her characterization, and Molly Weasley's transition from traditional housewife to a politically active figure is meticulously examined, considering both the constraints and agency she exhibits. The chapter likely analyzes how these characters contribute to the larger discussion of gender representation in children's literature and their impact on young readers' perceptions of gender roles. 4 Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare: This chapter focuses on the issue of house-elf slavery in the Harry Potter universe and draws parallels to real-world slavery and human trafficking. It critically analyzes the wizarding world's attitudes toward house-elves, specifically examining the experiences of Dobby, Winky, and Kreacher to illustrate the depth and nature of their oppression. The chapter explores the ethical and social implications of this treatment, considering whether Rowling's portrayal serves as a critique of real-world injustices or merely reflects existing prejudices. The analysis might incorporate postcolonial perspectives on the house-elf situation, relating it to historical forms of exploitation and oppression. The chapter's inclusion of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" suggests a broader exploration of the wizarding world's treatment of magical creatures.Keywords
Social justice, gender, feminism, Hermione Granger, Molly Weasley, house-elves, slavery, oppression, children's literature, Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, gender stereotypes, feminist criticism, postcolonialism.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Social Justice in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series
What is the main focus of this academic analysis?
This analysis examines social injustices within the Harry Potter series, comparing them to real-world issues. It specifically focuses on the oppression of women and the subjugation of house-elves, exploring how these issues are represented and potentially addressed within the novels.
What are the key themes explored in this analysis?
Key themes include gender roles and stereotypes, feminist interpretations of key female characters (Hermione Granger and Molly Weasley), the portrayal of slavery and oppression through the treatment of house-elves, parallels between the wizarding world's injustices and contemporary societal problems, and the potential impact of children's literature on shaping children's understanding of social justice.
Which characters are analyzed in detail, and why?
Hermione Granger and Molly Weasley are analyzed as examples of female characters who both embody and challenge gender stereotypes. Their actions, motivations, and relationships are examined through a feminist lens. Dobby, Winky, and Kreacher are analyzed as examples of house-elves who experience oppression, highlighting the parallels to real-world slavery and exploitation.
How does the analysis approach the topic of house-elf slavery?
The analysis critically examines the treatment of house-elves, drawing parallels to real-world slavery and human trafficking. It investigates the wizarding world's attitudes towards house-elves and explores the ethical and social implications of their subjugation. The analysis may incorporate postcolonial perspectives.
What is the significance of the "Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare"?
The Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.) serves as a key element in the analysis, representing the attempt to address the issue of house-elf slavery within the Harry Potter universe. Its role and effectiveness are likely examined to understand the effectiveness of social activism within the narrative.
What is the overall argument of this academic work?
The overarching argument is that the social injustices depicted in the Harry Potter series reflect real-world problems and offer insights into potential solutions. The analysis uses the novels as a case study to explore how children's literature can influence children's understanding of complex social issues.
What is the structure of the analysis?
The analysis is structured with an introduction, chapters dedicated to social justice, gender in Harry Potter (including detailed examinations of Hermione Granger and Molly Weasley), and the treatment of house-elves. It concludes with a summary of the findings.
What are some of the key keywords associated with this analysis?
Key words include: Social justice, gender, feminism, Hermione Granger, Molly Weasley, house-elves, slavery, oppression, children's literature, Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, gender stereotypes, feminist criticism, postcolonialism.
- Quote paper
- Lucia Vitzthum (Author), 2017, Harry Potter and the stereotypes of gender. Social justice in the Harry Potter novels, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/452226
