1. Introduction: Contemporary Research and Thesis Statement
In most literature discussing fantasy for children and adults, we are informed about the central position of the fight of good and evil, which is the case within the Harry Potter series of author J.K. Rowling as well. It has been argued by academics that good and evil can be separated from each other because of a strong polarity (cf. Cohen 352) and that the description of scenery, architecture and presented figures are also included to
represent the fight between both sides. Imagery that is described in relation to the evil side is always assigned to concepts from similar semantic fields, such as for example "chillness" and "blankness". Dark colours serve for the creation of evil figures by which these can be accurately distinguished from figures of the good side (cf. Meißner, "Phantastik der Gegenwart" 127-133; "Phantasie der Kinder" 34).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Contemporary Research and Thesis Statement
2. Definitions of the Terms 'Good' and 'Evil'
2.1 Philosophical Concepts of Good and Evil
2.2 Religious and Sociological Concepts of Good and Evil
2.3 Concepts of Good and Evil as Presented in Epic Fantasy
2.4 The Importance of the Theme of Good and Evil in the Harry Potter Series
3. Severus Snape in the World of Harry Potter
3.1 Outlining Harry Potter
3.2 Severus Snape meets Harry Potter's world
3.3 The Unpleasant Character of Severus Snape
3.4 Severus Snape and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore
3.5 Severus Snape and Tom Riddle Alias Lord Voldemort
3.6 Severus Snape and Protagonist Harry Potter
3.7 Severus Snape and the Concept of Love
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This thesis examines the ambiguity of morality in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, with a specific focus on the complex character of Professor Severus Snape. The primary research goal is to move beyond a simplistic "black-and-white" view of good and evil by analyzing how Snape’s choices, motivations, and relationships challenge traditional notions of heroism and villainy in literature.
- The intersection of philosophical and religious concepts of good and evil with fantasy literature.
- The evolution of Severus Snape as a character who defies binary categorization.
- The role of interpersonal relationships (Snape with Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Harry) in defining moral ambiguity.
- The transformative power of love as a central theme in establishing moral alignment.
- An analysis of how Rowling uses character perception and perspective to complicate reader judgments.
Excerpt from the Book
3.3 The Unpleasant Character of Severus Snape
The Snape figure has led to various conclusions about his true character. After the publication of the first three books, to form an image of "distrust" (cf. Heilman and Gregory 246), he was called a one-sided character or even a "greater enem[y] than Voldemort" (Chevalier 401). Critics of the first books also put traditional fairy tale characters into focus who serve to support the main hero and whose work is typically accredited to the hero. In other words, even though it has been stated that Snape is on the good or bad side due to showing rather good or bad qualities, these qualities have at least until the penultimate novel been associated with a "helper status" (Mendlesohn 164).
In later books, Snape is depicted increasingly complex which mirrors the prospering focus on his figure: he has now been claimed to serve an important function on his own and not only in relation to Harry (cf. Schanoes 142), which is another aspect supported by this essay. Appelbaum implies that Snape's ambiguity mirrors changes due to growth and education (cf. 91). As the plot and Harry himself evolve, the issue of separating good from evil wizards becomes increasingly difficult to manage, thus suggesting an important theme of the novels (cf. Behr 267). However, before comparing Snape to the other characters, we need to look more closely at himself, focusing on his youth and his position in the novels.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Contemporary Research and Thesis Statement: Sets the stage by reviewing academic perspectives on good and evil in fantasy and outlining the focus on Snape's moral complexity.
2. Definitions of the Terms 'Good' and 'Evil': Explores philosophical, religious, and literary definitions to provide a theoretical framework for analyzing the Harry Potter series.
3. Severus Snape in the World of Harry Potter: Provides a comprehensive character study of Snape, including his personal history and his critical interactions with other major figures like Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Harry.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the thesis findings, reinforcing that Snape represents an "indistinct shade of grey" rather than a purely binary figure of good or evil.
Keywords
Severus Snape, Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, Good and Evil, Moral Ambiguity, Fantasy Literature, Albus Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort, Heroism, Villainy, Character Development, Literary Criticism, Ethics, Love, Dichotomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic work?
This thesis explores the nuanced moral landscape of the Harry Potter series, specifically investigating why the character of Severus Snape cannot be classified simply as "good" or "evil."
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The research covers the philosophy of morality, the subgenre of epic fantasy, the construction of "hero" and "villain" archetypes, and the impact of personal choices on character identity.
What is the central research question?
The work seeks to determine how J.K. Rowling uses Snape's character to challenge binary perceptions of good and evil and what his development reveals about the nature of morality in the series.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The thesis utilizes qualitative literary analysis, examining both the text of the novels and supporting secondary academic sources to deconstruct character motivations and narrative structure.
What topics are addressed in the main body?
The main body examines the definitions of good and evil, details Snape’s biography and his relationships with Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Harry, and analyzes the role of "love" as a moral compass.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Key terms include Moral Ambiguity, Severus Snape, Binary Opposition, Fantasy Literature, and Ethical Complexity.
How does Snape’s relationship with Dumbledore complicate his moral status?
Snape’s role as a double agent under Dumbledore’s guidance forces the reader to constantly shift their judgment of his allegiances, highlighting the difficulty of knowing a character’s true intentions until the end.
Why does the author argue that Snape is an "outsider"?
Snape is described as an outsider due to his lonely childhood, his lack of friends, his appearance, and his social standing, which ultimately separates him from both the typical "good" heroes and "evil" death eaters.
Does the thesis conclude that Snape is a "good" or "evil" character?
No, the thesis concludes that Snape is neither; he is an "indistinct shade of grey" whose complexity is essential to the moral lessons of the series.
- Quote paper
- BA Englisch (teacher's degree) Sonja Wendel (Author), 2010, Snape and the Question of Good and Evil in Rowlings Harry Potter Series, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/202387
