Running head: THE POSITIVE EFFECT OF HARRY POTTER

The Positive Effect of Harry Potter

Kayla J. Reagan
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

THE POSITIVE EFFECT OF HARRY POTTER

The Positive Effect of Harry Potter

Since the first Harry Potter book was published in 1997, the series has sold over 4
million copies (Kennedy, 2011, para. 3). J.K. Rowling created seven literary masterpieces that
not only evoke her readers imaginations, but also speak directly to a number of problems we
face in the non-magical world (Heilman, 2009, p. 47). Rowling uses the problems that
characters face to teach important life lessons. Lessons found throughout the series include the
importance of love, perseverance, and friendship. Rowling also illustrates the significance of
deciding your own destiny and not judging others based on their background or outwards
appearance. Since reading is a powerful influence on the moral development of children and
adolescents, it is evident that this immensely popular series has undoubtedly made quite an
impact (Whited, 2002, p. 183). One such impact that the series has is its positive effect on young
adolescents and their development. The life lessons presented throughout the series help children
become aware of the impact of their relationships with others and themselves.

An important life lesson for young adolescents in Harry Potter is the power of love.

Throughout the series, Rowling defines love as a selfless act and a willingness to sacrifice

yourself for the protection of others. The most evident example of the power of love appears in
the first novel. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone (Rowling, 1998), Harry learns that he
escaped from near death because of his mother's adoration for him (p. 241). Lilys sacrifice of
her own life to protect Harry from Voldemort proves her unconditional love for her son. In this
case, love not only changed Harrys life, but saved it. Lilys self-less love appears beneficial
when Harry finds himself in his mother's position, his own love saved his friends from being
killed. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Rowling, 2007), during his last encounter with

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Voldemort, Harry states that I was ready to die to stop you from hurting these people...I've done
what my mother did. They're protected from you. Haven't you noticed how none of the spells
you put on them aren't binding? You can't torture them. You can't touch them" (p. 623).
Throughout the series, Lilys love for Harry and the love that Harry possesses because of her,
prove that the love that abides in us can also flow through us to combat evil in the world
(Myers, 2015, p. 159). This lesson teaches adolescents the impact of the bond you share with
your loved ones.
The power of love is also demonstrated when Harry is able to defeat Voldemort. In Harry
Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore reveals to Harry that there is a room which
contains a force that he possesses in great quantities. Dumbledore tells Harry that this force also
saved [him] from possession by Voldemort It was [his] heart that saved [him] (Rowling,
2003, p. 843). In this quote, Dumbledore alludes to the fact that Harrys love is what protects
him from Voldemort, and this love will help him defeat Voldemort. Bassham (2010) argues that
Voldemorts fatal weakness is that he never understood that love is the most powerful magic of
all (p. 54). Voldemorts lack of concern for others leads to his ultimate demise which teaches
young adolescents the results of having a lack of love in your life. With love, comes protection
and support from others which are necessary to a happy and healthy existence.
Furthermore, love is what saves countless other characters throughout the Harry Potter
series. One example would be Harry saving Ginny Weasley from the Basilisk, a giant serpent, in
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling, 1998, p. 322). Harrys courage is marked
by loving concern for his best friends sister (Myers, 2015, p. 160). Not only does love create
courage within Harry but also creates a willingness in him to sacrifice his own life. Additionally,

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In Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone (Rowling, 1997) Harrys friend Ron risks his life by
staying behind to embark in a dangerous game of life size wizards chess (p. 228). Rons
willingness to potentially sacrifice his life proves his love for Harry. Like Harry, Rons love for
his best friend creates courage and bravery within him. Harry and Rons selfless acts explain the
power that love has over your actions, teaching children that love can transform you into the best
version of yourself.
Lastly, the power of love is illustrated in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when
love unites the students of Hogwarts. According to Myers (2015), we see the Hogwarts
community rally around Harry. They are willing to fight and die for Harry, which is the greatest
display of love (p. 159). The Hogwartss community is willing to stand up to Voldemort to save
each other. The students dedication to their fellow classmates shows the bond that can be
created and the difference that can be made through love. Throughout the series, we can see that
love can radically transform a life (Bassham, 2010, p. 63). Not only was Harrys life changed,
but the lives of the entire wizarding world, teaching children that acts of love and selflessness
can make an everlasting impact.
Another life lesson Rowling emphasizes is perseverance. Throughout the series, Harry
must persist in battling Voldemort. It took seven books and seven corresponding years for
Harry to finally stop Voldemorts diabolical actions (Whited, 2015, p. 134). The battle finally
ceases in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Rowling, 2007), when Harrys willingness to
sacrifice himself saves him and defeats his enemy (p. 704). Casares (2004) states that Harry is
naturally fearful of Voldemort, but handles his fear with strength and perseverance (para. 27).
Throughout, Harry is able to defeat his enemy by persisting in saving his own life and the lives

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of the people he loves. His perseverance demonstrates the importance of staying committed to
your goals and dreams.
Additionally, the importance of perseverance is illustrated through the character of
Neville Longbottom. Though Neville was an accident-prone boy with the worst memory, he
stayed true to himself and proved to be courageous and capable (Rowling, 1998, p. 227).
Throughout most of the series, Neville is seen as someone who is not suitable to be performing
magic, however because of his perseverance he is able to improve his magical abilities. One
instance that proves Nevilles perseverance is when he is able to perform the Expelliarmus
charm. After successfully executing the charm Neville says, Expelliarmus!... I DID IT Ive
never done it before- I DID IT! (Rowling, 2003, p. 393). Nevilles perseverance is also
illustrated through Harrys explanation of Nevilles work. Harry states that in nobody was this
improvement more pronounced than in Neville [he] worked relentlessly on every new jinx and
countercurse working harder than anyone else in the room (Rowling, 2003, p. 553). The
character of Neville teaches readers that with hard work and persistence you can improve your
weaknesses.
Furthermore, an additional example is Dumbledores Army, a secret organization created
by Harry, Ron, and Hermione to teach Hogwarts students Defense Against the Dark Arts. The
groups perseverance proves vital to the success of Harry. For example, In Harry Potter and the
Order of the Phoenix (Rowling, 2003), D.A. members rose as one to rush to Harrys aid in
the Battle of the Department of Ministries (p. 864). Though Dumbledores Army does not keep
all of its members, the loyal members persevere to improve their magical abilities. This
perseverance pays off when they help Harry in numerous other battles including the Battle of the

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Astronomy Tower, Battle of Hogwarts, and the Second Wizarding War. Dumbledores Army
teaches students what you can achieve when you work together to improve your weaknesses.
Finally, Rons improvement in Quidditch is a lesson in perseverance in the series.
Though Ron performed poorly at Quidditch at first, he continued to pursue his goals and
eventually became good at the sport. At first, Slytherins chanted Weasley cannot save a thing,
He cannot block a single ring, Thats why Slytherins all sing; Weasley is our King (Rowling,
2003, p. 407). After improvement though, the song changes to Weasley can save anything, He
never leaves a single ring, Thats why Gryffindors all sing; Weasley is our King (Rowling,
2003, p. 701). Rons improvement is evident by his houses encouraging song for him. Ron
shows adolescents that perseverance is vital to achieving your goals in life.
The Harry Potter series also shows adolescents the importance of taking control of your
own fate. Throughout the series, Harry is told that he cannot do certain things, or that he belongs
in certain places. The example that truly starts the whole series is Harry deciding to go to
Hogwarts. Though Harrys Uncle Dursley tells him that hes not going Hes going to
Stonewall High and hell be grateful for it, Harry makes his own decision and goes to Hogwarts
(Rowling, 1997, p. 45). Harrys decision allows him to escape from an environment of
loneliness, maltreatment, and neglect and find true happiness (Whited, 2015, p. 134). Also,
Harry is able to learn about his parents, gain close friendships, and grow as an individual because
of his decision. Harrys decision to attend Hogwarts teaches adolescents the positive effect of
choosing the path that is right for you.
Moreover, when Harry arrives at Hogwarts he decides what house he belongs in. In
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone (Rowling, 1997), when Harry puts the sorting hat on his

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head he recites to himself Not Slytherin, not Slytherin, the hat then replies Are you sure? You
could be great, you know, its all here in your head Well, if youre sure, better be
GRYFFINDOR! (p. 98). Harrys decision to join Gryffindor teaches adolescents the importance
of not letting others decide what is best for you.
Also, Harry becoming an Auror even though he did not fulfill the academic requirements
is an additional example. To become an Auror, They ask for a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s, and
nothing under Exceeds Expectations grade (Rowling, 2003, p. 662). Though Harry did not
accomplish getting five N.E.W.T.s, he still became an Auror. Harry knew that being an Auror
was what he was meant to do, and he made it happen. As a character, Harry teaches readers that
if you are dedicated and motivated you can create the future you want for yourself.
Additionally, the Harry Potter series illustrates the value of friendship and how it impacts
your life. Friendship is a theme that underlies many of the events in the [novels] and is a
concern for most students in classroom settings (Beaton, 2006, p. 102). Throughout the Potter
books, friends frequently play a vital role in enhancing one another's self-understanding
(Bassham, 2010, p. 169). In contrast, characters who apparently lack close and supportive
friendships, such as the Dursleys, Lockhart, and Professor Slughorn, tend not to progress in
self-understanding (Bassham, 2010, p. 169). The most prominent example of friendship in the
series is the strong bond between Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Their friendship is evident by the
sacrifices they are willing to make for each other. The portrayal of friendship teaches young
adolescents the importance of the friends they currently have and the ones they will gain in the
future. Harry allows his friends to make him a better person of integrity and wholeness, which
shows childrens what their friends can help them achieve (Bassham, 2010, p. 56).

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The value of friendship is also illustrated by Harrys friendship with Neville. Though
Neville is treated poorly by others throughout the series, Harry befriends him. As mentioned
above, Neville is someone seen as clumsy and forgetful, two qualities most view as negative.
However, Harry did not let Nevilles negative qualities stop him from becoming friends with
Neville. Harrys decision is proven to be a positive one through Nevilles dedication to his
friends. Neville not only persists in becoming a talented wizard, but also fights alongside Harry
in numerous battles. Harrys friendship with Neville teaches adolescents you should not avoid
friendships because of what others may think.
Additionally, Harrys friendship with Dobby enables him to complete tasks and helps to
free Dobby from being a prisoner to Lucius Malfoy. Harrys friendship with Dobby also
illustrates the issue of inequality that is found not only in the wizarding world but in reality.
Hallett (2012) states that the inequalities portrayed by Rowling help to reinforce the realism of
[the] magical universe (p. 15). Though Dobby is treated as an inferior because he is a house elf,
Harry treats him as an equal. Anatol (2003) states that from their first encounter, Harry is polite
and respectful [and] addressed Dobby as an equal (p. 104). Dobby assists Harry many times
throughout the series, including warning Harry that the Chamber of Secrets had been reopened.
Dobby informs Harry that, Harry Potter must NOT go back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft
and Wizardry this year (Rowling, 1998, p. 16). In return for Dobbys dedication to Harrys
safety, Harry helps to free him. Dobby states that Master has presented Dobby with clothes!
Dobby is free (Rowling, 1998, p. 350). In the final book of the series, Dobby saves Harrys life
from Death Eaters, and Dobbys last words are Harry... Potter (Rowling, 2007, p. 407).
Harrys friendship with Dobby teaches adolescents the importance of befriending those who are

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in need of help. Their friendship also illustrates the impact of loyalty and the positive effects it
has on your life.
The last life lesson presented in J.K. Rowlings series is that you should not judge others
based on their outwards appearance or background. Harrys friendships proved that he was an
open-minded individual, however there were times where he made false judgements. Throughout
Harrys time at Hogwarts, he assumed that Professor Snape was solely evil since he used to be a
Death Eater. However, what Harry did not realize is that Snape was working diligently to keep
him safe while he was at Hogwarts. Examples of Snape protecting Harry include in the first
novel, when Snape tries to use a counter curse to stop Quirrell from jinxing Harry. Also, in
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry assumes that Snape is still working for
Voldemort when he kills Dumbledore. However, what Harry did not know was that Dumbledore
had asked Snape to kill him. As a result of Harrys assumptions, he attempts to kill Snape.
Snape, instead of retaliating deflects Harrys curses in order not to harm him. The character of
Snape teaches adolescents that people are not always what they seem to be.
An additional example that illustrates the positive effect of being non-judgemental exists
through the character of Ron. Throughout the series, The question of economic inequality [is]
triggered by the descriptions of Rons family and the verbal abuse he suffered at the hand of his
enemies (Beaton, 2006, p. 102). Ron is frequently made fun of by Slytherins such as Draco
Malfoy because of his financial situation. For example, Draco says then there's the Weasleys,
who've got no money (Rowling, 1997, p. 178). However, though Ron is from a lower
socioeconomic background than Harry, Harry does not judge him because of it. On the contrary,
despite [his] newly acquired money and status, Harry is never catapulted into the highest

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echelons of society (Anatol, 2003, p. 180). Harrys friendship with Ron ends up being his
closest bond throughout the series, and teaches that socioeconomic status does not define who
you are as a person.
Furthermore, Harry also forms a close friendship with Hermione. Though Harry has
magical parents, he does not judge Hermione for being born to non-magical parents (Hallett,
2012, p. 13). Throughout the series, Hermione is judged by Slytherins, especially Malfoy,
because neither of her parents possess magical abilities. Malfoy often refers to Hermione as a
mud-blood, which is a derogatory term. For example, Malfoy says that No one asked your
opinion, you filthy little Mudblood in reference to Hermione (Rowling, 1998, p. 112). Malfoy
even tells Harry that Youll find out some wizarding families are much better than others,
Potter. You dont want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there (Rowling,
1997, p. 86). However, Harry does not listen to Malfoy and befriends Hermione even though she
was viewed negatively by Slytherins. In this example, Rowling uses the grand theme of fairy
tales, the battle between good and evil, to combat two evils of our time, which include racism
(Anatol, 2003. p. 89). Rowling illustrates the issues surrounding racism, and includes children
from a variety of cultural and racial backgrounds in the wizarding world she created (Hallett,
2012, p. 12).
Though the Harry Potter series has gained mass popularity over the past 19 years, it has
also gained mass criticism. The series has been the subject of challenge and controversy from
the publication of the first book through the last (Heilman, 2009, p. 13). Critics view the series
as unsuitable for young children because of certain aspects of the books. In South Carolina, in
one of the most highly publicized cases, parents convinced the Board of Education to reconsider

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letting the Harry Potter books be allowed in schools. In this example, Parents complained that
the books had a serious tone of death, hate, lack of respect and sheer evil (Casares, 2004, para.
21). Overall, the main complaints about the series is that it promotes sin, promotes disobedience
and disrespect to authority, and that it is too scary for children (Anatol, 2009, p. 15).
One of the main issues parents voice with the Harry Potter series is that it promotes sin.
The challenges seem to be objecting to occult or supernatural content in the books and are being
made largely by traditional Christians who believe the Bible is a literal document (Ross, n.d.
para. 5). Some Christian parents believe that by reading Harry Potter their children will question
their religious beliefs or want to engage in witchcraft which is seen as a sin. St. Marys Island
Church of England in Chatham Kent banned the series because they believed it was sinful (Ross,
n.d. para. 3). Carol Rockwood, the Head Teacher at St. Marys stated that The Bible is very
clear and consistent in its teachings that wizards, devils, and demons exist and are very real,
powerful and I believe it is confusing to children when something wicked is being made to look
fun (Ross, n.d., para. 3). Another issue is that parents believe that the Harry Potter series
teaches children that it is acceptable to disobey authority. Some Note that Harry lies, breaks
rules, and disobeys authority figures, including the professors at Hogwarts, and that he ends up
being rewarded and praised for his cations (Ross, n.d., para. 6). These readers feel as though
protagonists should be completely good. Lastly, the series is widely criticized for being too
scary (Casares, 2004, para. 25). There are parents who believe that the series tone of death and
violence is too much for children to handle.
As for the above mentioned criticisms of the book, they are all highly subjective.
Regarding the criticism that the novels promote sin, Casares (2004) argues that, Not all

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[parents] consider witchcraft as a true practice; therefore, [they] have no problem including it in
children's fantasy (para. 24). Furthermore, no evidence has been found to prove that the Harry
Potter series will affect a child's ability to distinguish fantasy from reality (Casares, 2004, para.
24).
Additionally, those who believe that the novels promote disobeying authority fail to
realize that the disobedience is not a negative thing. Harry disobeys authority in order to protect
himself and others. Furthermore, all of the most influential figures of our past and our present are
known for their stands against evil in the world. Harry teaches children that sometimes you have
to break rules in order to do the right thing and protect the ones you love. Regarding the claim
that the books are too scary, according to Deborah Stevenson (as cited in Casares, 2004) scary
books can help a reader master the control of fear and give him/her the opportunity to confront
some real issues while reading a book (para. 26). Moreover, what adults think may be
frightening to kids, is not always frightening to them. The idea that the Harry Potter series is too
scary is strictly based on the confines of an adult understanding of what is frightening to
children (Casares, 2004, para. 25). Also, Stojilkov (2015) argues that Harry Potter is a
convenient growing-up story, or a catalyst which adults could use to explain more easily the
normality and inevitability of death to children (p. 134).
Overall, it is clear that J.K. Rowling has created impactful pieces of literature that
continue to inspire people of all ages. The series illustrates examples of moral and ethical
decision-making that Rowling provides for young readers (Whited, 2002, p. 183). Rowlings
books not only challenge children intellectually, but also their own attitudes and behaviors are
influenced by the experiences of the characters (Whited, 2002, p. 183). Harry Potter teaches

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children the importance of love, perseverance and friendship. Also illustrated, is the value in
creating your own future and being accepting to everyone along the way. Though some believe
that the series is not suitable for children, it is evident by the series mass popularity that it has
impacted millions of people in a positive way.

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