J.K. Rowling's "Invisibility Cloak"

Seven books of Harry Potter series have been published since 1997. Since the publication of its first book, Harry Potter series have appeared in numerous editions in different languages. With its mythic plot and appealing young characters, this novel remains one of the best-loved stories for children. The thesis will take the first four books as the objects of research and the thesis is a feminist interpretation of Harry Potter series, in which Rowling, the British writer, takes Celtic witchcraft culture as the carrier. It explores the underlying symbols of Celtic witchcraft culture on the gender issues in the light of Simone de Beauvoir's theory of female being the"Other"and Virginia Woolf's theory of androgyny.The paper is divided into five parts.Introduction presents a brief biography of the author J. K. Rowling and a brief introduction of Harry Potter series as well as the critical reviews. Lastly, it explores the possibilities of analyzing Harry Potter series in the light of Simone de Beauvoir's theory of female being the"Other"and Virginia Woolf's theory of androgyny.Chapter One"An Overview of Celtic Witchcraft Culture and Feminist Theory": This chapter discusses the definitions and characteristics of Celtic witchcraft culture as well as the relationship between its female tradition and the post-modern feminism. And Simone de Beauvoir's theory of female being the"Other"and Virginia Woolf's theory of androgyny will also be introduced.Chapter Two"Hermione– The Talented Witch, The Marginalized Other": This chapter gives a detailed description of Hermione's life and experience in the magical world. As a non-magical Muggle born witch, she is the minority in magical world that gives her certain sense of insecurity that in turn to enhance her learning. At the same time, as a witch with strong social responsibility and fighting spirits, she proves to be one of the most accomplished students in magical world. She is the woman warrior to represent the female tradition of Celtic witchcraft culture. However, Intelligent as she is, she is not accepted by Muggle world as a witch; Hermione is not born to lead and rescue and she becomes the marginalized"Other"in magical world as a female witch.Chapter Three"The Androgynous Harry Potter– Pursuit for Harmony": This chapter points out that J.K. Rowling's ideal image of gender is best exemplified through the portrayal of Harry Potter's androgynous quality. Harry is born to be the hero because he is the symbol to defeat Lord Voldemort. His masculine side makes him a daring and courageous boy, while his feminine power makes him a loving and caring wizard. The dual power in his body makes him unconquerable. Rowling creates a perfect image for the equality, balance and harmony of both genders.Conclusion summarizes the thesis by emphasizing the significance of the author J.K.Rowling's employing the Celtic witchcraft culture and using the feminist thought of Simone de Beauvoir's theory of being the"Other"and Virginia Woolf's theory of androgyny in the interpretation of the novels. J. K. Rowling's view of gender is best exemplified in the magical world through Harry Potter. In Rowling's magical world, witchcraft is not dark but an art that can be used for good or evil and symbolically represents our inner power. Rowling's books express her dissatisfaction with the gender inequality in the real word and she tries to write for the real equality, balance and harmony of the whole world.