Harry Potter's heroics: crossing the thresholds of home, away, and the spaces in-between
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The Department of English seeks to provide all university students with the skills of effective communication and critical thinking, as well as imparting knowledge of literature, creative writing, linguistics, speech and technical communication to students within and outside of the department.
History
The Department of English and Speech was formed in 1939 from the merger of the Department of English and the Department of Public Speaking. In 1971 its name changed to the Department of English.
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1939-present
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- Department of English and Speech (1939-1971)
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- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (parent college)
- Department of English (predecessor, 1898-1939)
- Department of Public Speaking (predecessor, 1898-1939)
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Abstract
This thesis seeks to identify and explore two mechanisms that combine to create a potential source of the widespread popularity and appeal of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter stories. The following pages will suggest that the application of literary space theory and heroic archetypal constructs to the series serves to illuminate the methods by which readers are initiated into the imaginary spaces of the Wizarding and Muggle worlds. By drawing connections between elements characteristic of mythographer Joseph Campbell’s hero cycle and literary theorist Gaston Bachelard’s concept of topophilia, this work ultimately concludes that Rowling’s progressive and complex use of liminal space within the series allows both Harry and his readers to become heroes and masters of both worlds.