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ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Constructing the child in The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter

Main, Meredith Ann
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=muhonors1114566717

Abstract Details

2005, Bachelor of Arts, Miami University, College of Arts and Sciences - English.
This project examined two series of children’s fantasy literature: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The process of maturation in each series, and especially the structure of character growth in children, is similar enough to warrant exploration and research. Different elements that contribute to maturation are discussed in this paper, including the expectations our society places on children, reward and punishment, the relationship between children and adults, the importance of role models, and the influence of the external power structure. Despite the decades that separate Lewis and Rowling, each writer seems to be communicating similar values to young readers. Because each series is so widely read, it is worth our time to discover what those values are, and what each author might be communicating to young people. The starting point for character growth in every child is the choice between good and evil. Every subsequent choice or action by the child stems from this basic allegiance. The children who ally themselves with the good side possess similar characteristics in both series, including humility, imagination, loyalty and selflessness. These children accept the fact that bad things happen and admit to making mistakes. Children who choose evil also possess a common set of traits that include arrogance, pride and selfishness.
Anita Wilson (Advisor)
64 p.
Narnia; Harry Potter; C.S. Lewis; J.K. Rowling; fantasy; maturation; character development in children; role models; good and evil

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Main, M. A. (2005). Constructing the child in The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter [Undergraduate thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=muhonors1114566717

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Main, Meredith. Constructing the child in The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter. 2005. Miami University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=muhonors1114566717.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Main, Meredith. "Constructing the child in The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter." Undergraduate thesis, Miami University, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=muhonors1114566717

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

muhonors1114566717
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© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University Honors Theses and OhioLINK.