Introduction
Background
The ‘Harry Potter’ series is arguably one of the most popular book series in history, described by Hoover (2007) as will “having long life because (…) the original readers will share it with their children, a family favourite for a very long time”. Although the series concluded in 2007, Pottermore, the fan-based website which spills small details that Rowling still discusses, received over one billion page views within two weeks of release. (via news.microsoft.com). One aspect of the series that many find interesting is the portrayal of heroes and villains, and the fluidity that some characters exhibit between the two poles.
Objective
This report will focus on certain characters and will discuss their background and …show more content…
This opposite comes in Professor Quirrell. Quirrell, like Harry, had “a desire to make the world sit up and notice him” (Rowling, via Pottermore). However, unlike Harry, Quirrell’s grip came from Voldemort, who took over his body, creating another “Two-Face” personality, with actual Quirrell wanting to help Harry, while Voldemort wishes to destroy him. Quirrell appears to be helpful towards Harry until when it is revealed that he is also possessed by Voldemort – a “heroic” character who reveals his villainous intentions.
This can be compared closely to real-life social experiences – the common meeting of a ‘friend’ who only wants to use you for something you can provide, or the person who seems cold and unfriendly, but is actually just closed-off to strangers. These people are not “heroic” or “villainous” in their literal definitions, but display the same behaviours as Quirrell and the Dursleys.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although the heroic and villainous roles in Harry Potter are well established and clear to see for the most part, it is also obvious that just like in real life, the roles and motivations of people may change their actions. It can be clearly seen that “good” and “evil” are not black and white – there is an entire spectrum of variations and reasons that people can act the way they
Background
The ‘Harry Potter’ series is arguably one of the most popular book series in history, described by Hoover (2007) as will “having long life because (…) the original readers will share it with their children, a family favourite for a very long time”. Although the series concluded in 2007, Pottermore, the fan-based website which spills small details that Rowling still discusses, received over one billion page views within two weeks of release. (via news.microsoft.com). One aspect of the series that many find interesting is the portrayal of heroes and villains, and the fluidity that some characters exhibit between the two poles.
Objective
This report will focus on certain characters and will discuss their background and …show more content…
This opposite comes in Professor Quirrell. Quirrell, like Harry, had “a desire to make the world sit up and notice him” (Rowling, via Pottermore). However, unlike Harry, Quirrell’s grip came from Voldemort, who took over his body, creating another “Two-Face” personality, with actual Quirrell wanting to help Harry, while Voldemort wishes to destroy him. Quirrell appears to be helpful towards Harry until when it is revealed that he is also possessed by Voldemort – a “heroic” character who reveals his villainous intentions.
This can be compared closely to real-life social experiences – the common meeting of a ‘friend’ who only wants to use you for something you can provide, or the person who seems cold and unfriendly, but is actually just closed-off to strangers. These people are not “heroic” or “villainous” in their literal definitions, but display the same behaviours as Quirrell and the Dursleys.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although the heroic and villainous roles in Harry Potter are well established and clear to see for the most part, it is also obvious that just like in real life, the roles and motivations of people may change their actions. It can be clearly seen that “good” and “evil” are not black and white – there is an entire spectrum of variations and reasons that people can act the way they