Description
Although rule breaking in Harry Potter is sometimes dismissed as a distraction from Harry’s fight against Lord Voldemort, Harry Potter and Resistance makes the case that it is central to the battle against evil. Far beyond youthful hijinks or adolescent defiance, Harry’s rebellion aims to overcome problems deeper and more widespread than a single malevolent wizard. Harry and his allies engage in a resistance movement against the corruption of the Ministry of Magic as well as against the racist social norms that gave rise to Voldemort in the first place. Dumbledore’s Army and the Order of the Phoenix employ methods echoing those utilized by World War II resistance fighters and by the U.S. Civil Rights movement. The aim of this book is to explore issues that speak to our era of heightened political awareness and resistance to intolerance. Its interdisciplinary approach draws on political science, psychology, philosophy, history, race studies, and women’s studies, as well as newer interdisciplinary fields such as resistance studies, disgust studies, and creativity studies.
Table of Contents
Preface--TERFs, Texts, and Thanks
Introduction--I Solemnly Swear I Am Up to No Good: Rule-Breaking as Resistance
Chapter 1--"Made to be Broken": The Laws, Rules, and Norms of the Magical World
Chapter Two--"Filth! Scum! By-products of dirt and vileness!":"Mudbloods," Dirt, Privilege, and Systemic Oppression in the Harry Potter Series
Chapter Three--"How dare you defy your masters?": Rules, Roles, and Resistance in the Potterverse’s Domestic Realm
Chapter Four--"Creative Maladjustment": "Creativity and Resistance in the Harry Potter Series
Chapter Five--"Do you really think this is about truth or lies?": Honesty and Resistance in the Harry Potter Series
Epilogue--"Mischief Managed"?
