Harry Potter and the classical world : Greek and Roman allusions in J. K. Rowling's modern epic / Richard A. Spencer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Spencer, Richard A. (Richard Albert), author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Rowling, J. K--Criticism and interpretation.

Rowling, J. K.

Rowling, J. K--Characters--Harry Potter.

Classical literature--Influence.

Classical literature.

Mythology, Greek, in literature.

Mythology, Roman, in literature.

Children's stories, English--History and criticism.

Children's stories, English.

Fantasy fiction, English--History and criticism.

Fantasy fiction, English.

Civilization, Classical--Influence.

Civilization, Classical.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (325 p.)

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, 2015.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

J.K. Rowling has drawn deeply from classical sources to inform and color her Harry Potter novels, with allusions ranging from the obvious to the obscure. ""Fluffy,"" the vicious three-headed dog in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, is clearly a repackaging of Cerberus, the hellhound of Greek and Roman mythology. But the significance of Rowling's quotation from Aeschylus at the front of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a matter of speculation. Her use of classical material is often presented with irony and humor. This extensive analysis of the Harry Potter series examines Rowling's

Contents:

Cover; Table of Contents; Acknowledgments; Abbreviations; Preface; Introduction; I. Harry Potter as Seeker; II. Harry Potter as Savior; III. Harry Potter and Narcissus: "Know Thyself "; IV. Albus Dumbledore: A Warlock of Many Aspects; V. Lord Voldemort: Evil, Even on His Best Behavior; VI. Other Major Characters with Classical Kin; VII. Cast of Supporting Characters; VIII. The Two Worlds of Magic: Beings, Materials and Resources; IX. Classical Languages in Harry Potter; Conclusion; Appendix: "Ring Composition" in Classical Sources and in Harry Potter; Chapter Notes; Bibliography; Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-4766-2141-1