The role and importance of female characters in Harry Potter

Potter

Harry Potter

female characters in Harry Potter

The role and importance of female characters in Harry Potter

There has been much debate and contention about the social influence and effects of the Harry Potter novels on children and on the youth. One of the most debated issues that have arisen from both a literary and psycho-social perspective is the question of how women are presented in the novels. Many critics take an extreme feminist view and see the novels as inculcating a stereotypical and negative view of the women in society. On the other hand there are numerous studies that contest this view and show that women in the novels are as important and dynamic as the male characters. Taking these theories as background and a basis for discussion, the central thesis that is explored in the dissertation takes the latter view and shows that women play an important and vital role in terms of the themes as well as the central trajectory of meaning and intention in the Harry Potter novels. This is achieved through an analysis of the importance of care, community and love in the women, and in the context of the novels as a whole.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 4

2. Overview and theoretical perspectives 7

2.1. Theoretical trajectories 8

2.2. A sense of care and community 18

2.3. Integrative Theoretical Approaches 21

3. Themes 23

4. Hermione 26

5. Prejudice 37

6. Community and family 38

7. The ethics of caring 42

8. The mother figure 45

9. Conclusion 51

10. Biography 54

1. Introduction

When the first edition of Rowling's first novel in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published in 1997, the novel was limited to an edition of 500 copies.

The novel gradually attracted a growing readership and eventually reached the top of the Bestseller's list. The initial groundswell of attention to the novel was to grow into what eventually became a publishing phenomenon with the publication of a further six novels the Harry Potter series. This was accompanied by film and media coverage of the books which reached unprecedented heights.

The influence that these novels has had on popular culture and on issues pertaining to child development and perceptions is one that has created a great deal of discussion and debate. There are many areas of contention and discussion that surround these books; including the influence that they have had had on the perceptions of reality and life among younger children and even adults. However, the central area of concerns that will be the focus of the present study is the importance, or otherwise, of the female characters in the novels.

From one perspective, the view of the influence of the books on issues relating to feminism and the way that women are presented or portrayed in the novels are extremely positive. As one commentator notes;

….the most popular children's series in history offers readers a variety of things; interesting characters, fantastic settings and events, humor, drama, action, and an overall memorable and effective story. With the prominence of strong, courageous female characters, J.K. Rowling has essentially laid down groundwork for parents wishing to teach their children about the importance of feminism and equality.

There are many critics and studies in the literature that note the importance of the female characters, such as Hermione Granger in the structure, development and overall meaning and intention of the novels. This also includes other pivotal female characters, such as Minerva McGonagall, Sybill Trelawney, and Pomona Sprout. More peripheral characters, such as Molly Weasley also add depth and texture to the development and meaning of the novels.

It should be emphasized at the outset that the themes that dominate the book are considered to be the most important formative structural aspect in any analysis of these texts. Themes such as good vs. evil, love and death, the fight against prejudice and bigotry, the importance of the family and the search for friendship and community, among many others, are central to the understanding of the way in which the characters develop in the text. Therefore, an understanding of the thematic discourses that inform the books is fundamental to the assessment of the women characters and their relationships to the thematic strands that link the novels.

In this regard, one could refer to the development of Hermione as a central character in relation to the themes of compassion, love and the fight against prejudice and bigotry. Another central thematic will be explored is the image and symbol of the mother in the novels. This refers primarily to Harry Potter's mother Lily, who was killed by Voldemort while she was defending her child. As will be discussed in detail, this incident which occurs before the events of the first novel in the series resonates throughout the books and serves to highlight the importance of the mother figure as well as many of the female character in the books. Other characters that relate to this theme will also be discussed.

The literature on this topic has also raised a degree of criticism about the portrayal of women in stereotypical roles. For example,

Natasha Whitton wrote a study on these portrayals and noted that Harry's yearning for a closeness to his long-deceased mother, which is an understandable desire for any child in that circumstance, but she notes "that his idealization becomes one based on solipsistic yearning for her to be like him" after he sees that they have the same eyes.

It will be suggested in the following chapters that the female characters in the Harry Potter books are as dynamic and integral part of the structure and the contribute to the essential meaning of the works. This refers to the central quotation that serves as a springboard to the discussion of the female characters in this dissertation.

She gave you a lingering protection he never expected, a protection that flows in your veins to this day. I put my trust, therefore, in your mother's blood. I delivered you to her sister, her only remaining relative." ( Dumbledore)

The above quotation refers to a number of important aspects that will serve as thematic constructs for the following discussion. This includes the symbolic value of the "mothers blood" and the significance that this sacrifice of love has in the context of the books as a whole and with regard to the central theme of fight of good against evil.

The central thesis that will be explored in that dissertation can be stated as follows. The female characters in the Harry Potter books are vital to the progressive development of the themes in the novels and for the essential meaning of the works. This view id in contradistinction to many more radical feminist interpretations of the books, which suggest that the female characters are merely supportive and that they are in fact stereotypical and not rounded or dynamic.

The central contention of the importance of the women and the mother figure in the books will therefore be discussed against the theoretical backdrop of feminist readings of the texts. The central aim of the dissertation will therefore be to show that central characters like Hermione are as important as the main male protagonists in terms of the overall intention and meaning of the books.

2. Overview and theoretical perspectives

From one point-of-view women in the novel are not particularly significant. This refers to the view that women are portrayed as one-dimensional stereotypes. Engstrom (2006) states that, 'Many critics categorize the actions of the women in the Harry Potter novels as maternal or stereotypical in nature. They pose the theory that the only role these women play is to aid and to comfort the men'.

However, it will be suggested in this paper that this is not the case with regard to the central as well as many of the peripheral female characters in the novels. An opposing point-of-view that will be strongly suggested in this dissertation is that the female characters from an essential part of the thematic development as well as to the fundamental meaning or intention of the novels.

2.1. Theoretical trajectories

As Mikulan ( 2009) states, the Harry Potter novels have attracted the attention of radical as well as conservative or more moderate feminist literary criticism from a number of perspectives. A general feminist reading of the texts refers to a theoretical perspective that, […] can direct its attention to the examination of the ways women are portrayed, search for archetypes from a feminist perspective, examine female values and the sense of community, or focus its attention to the patriarchal way of subject construction and possible points of resistance.

The more extreme feminist viewpoint on the other hand is one which views literature solely as a "[...] political expression of the relationship between sexes."

From this theoretical perspective,

The author's context and intentions are completely irrelevant and are considered only to the extent to which they confirm the negative position of women within the patriarchal structure of power. Instead of the author's context it is the reader's context that is examined from the feminist perspective […]

It is not the intention of this paper to enter into an extensive discussion on the theoretical validity of these different viewpoints. Suffice to say that it is the less extreme and more open -- ended and integrative form of feminist critique that is considered to be the most appropriate theoretical trajectory to this analysis and which best informs a comprehensive reading of the works of J.K. Rowling. Taking this viewpoint into consideration, the following is a brief overview of the central theoretical facets of an interpretation of the women characters in the novels, leading to an assessment of their importance in the novels as a whole.

On the one hand we have the fairly common critique that, "Many people have complained that there is a serious lack of quality feminist role models in the Harry Potter Series."

One could refer to critics such as Elizabeth Heilman in this regard. Briefly, from this point-of-view the novels are to be interpreted and critiqued in terms of their portrayals of women as stereotypes; thereby reinforcing the view that women are essentially inferior and less capable than men.

This type of critique has serious ramifications in view of the popularity and influence that these works have on young minds. However, as this dissertation will attempt to show, an extreme view of the female characters as serotypes does not conform to an in-depth analysis of the women in the novels. One could once again refer to the informing quotation of this dissertation in this light.

She gave you a lingering protection he never expected, a protection that flows in your veins to this day. I put my trust, therefore, in your mother's blood. I delivered you to her sister, her only remaining relative." ( Dumbledore)

From the very first pages of the first novel in the series, it is clear that women, and particularly the mother figure, play an important if not crucial role in the themes and meaning of the works. Women are not seen as symbolic adjuncts to the other characters but should rather be interpreted a dynamic and active part of the moral and ethical intentionality of the novels.

Those who critique the novels from a radical feminist perspective claim that in essence this series of novels reinforces positive male role models and emphasizes weaker, negative female role models. This perspective will form a central locus of discussion in the analysis of the central female characters, especially the figure of Hermione.

Female stereotypes tend to portray women in terms of conventional gender roles, which "[…] cast men as rational, strong, protective, and decisive […] cast women as emotional (irrational), weak, nurturing, and submissive […]."

Engstrom ( 2006) refers to feminist critic Shoshana Felman, who writes that, 'From her initial family upbringing throughout her subsequent development, the social role assigned to the women is that of serving an image, authoritative and central, of man: a woman is first and foremost a daughter/a mother/a wife'.

These views form the basis of the more extreme forms of feminist criticism, and this theoretical stance has been directed at the female characters in the Harry Potter books. Many critics claim that from a gender perspective, the books tend to diminish the importance of women and that their identity and value are not acknowledged in the books. From this point-of-view the books therefore generate an increase in the negative stereotyping of women. These critics view the novels as projecting a view of women as weak and defenseless and secondary to the male characters.

This theoretical trajectory is one that has been noted by many critics in the history of literature and in numerous literary genres. 'Throughout literary history, authors have portrayed women in a negative light showing them as trophy wives in search of a man to set their fortunes'.

This view of the works of J.K. Rowling can be understood in literary criticism as being based on the critiques by De Beauvior, who sees women as being 'defined exclusively in her relation to man ...she is an idol, a servant, the source of life, a power of darkness; '

A typical feminist reading of the female character in the Harry Potter books is as follows.

Harry's fictional realm of magic and wizardry perfectly mirrors the conventional assumption that men do and should run the world. From the beginning of the first Potter book, it is boys and men, wizards and sorcerers, who catch our attention by dominating the scenes and determining the action. Harry, of course, plays the lead. In his epic struggle with the forces of darkness -- the evil wizard Voldemort and his male supporters -- Harry is supported by the dignified wizard Dumbledore and a colorful cast of male characters. Girls, when they are not downright silly or unlikable, are helpers, enablers and instruments. No girl is brilliantly heroic the way Harry is, no woman is experienced and wise like Professor Dumbledore. In fact, the range of female personalities is so limited that neither women nor girls play on the side of evil.

There are many examples given of this critique ion terms of the way that the female characters are presented in the books. A trenchant example is as follows.

Halfway through the first book, when Harry rescues her with Ron's assistance, the hierarchy of power is established. We learn that Hermione's bookish knowledge only goes so far. At the sight of a horrible troll, she "sinks to the floor in fright ... her mouth open with terror." Like every Hollywood damsel in distress, Hermione depends on the resourcefulness of boys and repays them with her complicity. By lying to cover up for them, she earns the boys' reluctant appreciation.

And,

The only female authority figure is beady-eyed, thin-lipped Minerva McGonagall, professor of transfiguration and deputy headmistress of Hogwart's. Stern instead of charismatic, she is described as eyeing her students like "a wrathful eagle." McGonagall is Dumbledore's right hand and she defers to him in every respect. Whereas he has the wisdom to see beyond rules and the power to disregard them, McGonagall is bound by them and enforces them strictly. Although she makes a great effort to keep her feelings under control, in a situation of crisis she loses herself in emotions because she lacks Dumbledore's vision of the bigger picture.

This type of critique has led to strong sentiments being expressed about the possible negative effects that these stereotypical female characters could have on young minds and especially on female self-esteem. As one critic remarks;

'But I remain perplexed that a woman (the mother of a daughter, no less) would, at the turn of the 20th century, write a book so full of stereotypes'.

However, as the discussion in the following sections will show, these views do not conform to a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the female characters in the context of all the works as a whole

On the other hand there are many studies and commentaries on the novels that strongly disagree with this theoretical stance. Many claim that if we analyze the female characters in the Harry Potter series we find that they are by no means subservient or stereotypical in any sense. As one commentator notes;

I believe JKR to be different in her approach. In the Harry Potter series, she pens strong female characters such as Minerva McGonnagall who stands up to her male counterparts and proves to be formidable and intelligent addition to the series.

This is a view that is much more in line with a rationale and comprehensive in-depth analysis of the central female characters. As will be discussed, characters like Hermione cannot be adequately understood or interpreted as one-dimensional stereotypical figures without ignoring most of the books content, as well as ignoring the important aspect of the developmental growth of the female characters as the works progress.

It is often the case that the female characters grow and change in response to their environment and the demands of the community in which they live. While in some instances one might with a degree of validity isolate some stereotypical aspect of a character, this aspect often morphs and changes as the character develops and as the novels progress in complexity and depth.

On the one hand feminist critics refer to female characters such as Sybil Trelawney as depicting a weak and incompetent image of women. She is portrayed as a "[…] willowy, drunken coot who goes about the castle making false predictions. She is the punchline of many jokes and is often seen as a fraud."

However, this ignores the compassion and insight that the character brings to the novel and, I would suggest, tends to ignore the deeper moral dimensions of the works.

To counter the more negative appraisal of the female characters in the novels we can refer to numerous references of the centrality and influence of Hermione in the books. She is not only the most intellectual individual at the Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry but she is often effectively instrumental in helping and assisting Harry and the others and in promoting the battle against the evil Voldemort.

Despite these negative critiques of the female characters, a recent study by Engstrom ( 2006), entitled, The Women of Harry Potter: Feminism and Women's Psychological Development Theory, reflects a very different view and interpretation of these characters. As the author states,

Current critics of the series, however, dismiss the female characters of the novels as stereotypical. By using traditional gender roles as a model for evaluating the female characters, these critics have missed the mark in terms of defining the role of women in Harry Potter. Contrary to current critics' perceptions regarding the inferiority of the female characters in Harry Potter. The female characters, actually, are fully developed characters who challenge the typical female stereotypes.

This view is the very opposite of the extreme feminist critiques of the novels referred to above. In fact Engstrom states that the female characters like Hermione 'challenge' common stereotypes of women; which means that they are positive and not negative role models for young women in a male -- dominated environment. This is a central point that will be emphasized in the analysis of Hermione.

Engstrom continues and makes the following important points.

The reality of women does not conform to the stereotypes categorized and criticized by De Beauvior and neither do the women of the Harry Potter novels […] the women of the first six novels are similar to the reality of women. They cannot be categorized into absolute binaries: they challenge traditional gender stereotypes by not remaining static characters but by continually developing, and rather than conforming to the maternal stereotypes so often prescribed to women. They, according to current Women's psychological development theory, create a sense of community around themselves.

The above deserves some unpacking as it contains some extremely important points that pertain to the central thesis of this dissertation. In the first instance the author refers to the fact that the female characters in the novels cannot be categorized in terms of binary opposites. This refers to the one -- dimensional type of character that is one thing or another -- in other words, a character that has no depth, complexity or progressive development in the work.

What Engstrom is suggesting, and which will become clear in the following chapters, is that a character like Hermione is complex and constantly in the process of learning and developing. As such, she is an integral and important figure in the overall texture and thematic intentionality of the books.

2.2. A sense of care and community

The above quotation also makes an extremely important reference to community and the building of community as part of the essence of the female characters and their functions in the novels. This is a theoretical facet that needs to be explicated before an analysis of the characters is undertaken

The sense of community and family is fundamental to the female characters in the books. In her work, Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women, Carol Gilligan states that; 'Women's sense of integrity appears to be entwined with an ethic of care, so that to see themselves as women is to see themselves in a relation of connection'.

Gilligan makes the important point that;

Unlike "the myth of woman' as defined by De Beauvior. this 'ethic of care' does not define women solely by the place they occupy in a man's world. But rather it explains that women see a world composed of relationships rather than people standing alone, a world that coheres through human connection rather than through systems of rules.

The above quotation takes the stance that the female characters should be understood in terms of an emphasis on human interconnections and emotion rather than on rules and logic alone. It is this sense of care and compassion on a very human level which defines the importance of many of the women in the books. This can be seen, for example, in Hermione's intense opposition to the rule-bound and very uncompassionate actions of Professor Umbridge; as well as in the ethos of the mother figure who promotes emotional connection and love. The women in the novels try to create and maintain these connections at all costs.

In other words, the creation of community and the care and love that is necessary to do so, is an important element in understanding and analyzing of the female characters in the novels. According to Gilligan it is this sense of community facilitated by care and compassion that is central to the sense of female identity. A woman's identity is '[…] defined in a context of relationships and judged by a standard of responsibility and care'.

If we apply this view to the characters in the Harry Potter books we find that the sense of community and relationships is echoed in many of the female characters. A good example of this is Mrs. Weasley, who is continuously aware of the needs of her family. However, her sense of care goes much further and encompasses the larger community that surrounds her in a holistic sense. The following is a typical example of what Gilligan refers to as the female sense of community. Mrs. Weasley shows care and concern for others as well as a holistic sense of community.

Late for the Hogwarts Express, Mrs. Weasley rushes to get her children through the barrier at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. But she is not so rushed that she does not help a lonely boy who does not know where to go; .., Hello dear: ... "First time at Hogwarts? Ron's ( Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone, p. 72)

Mrs Weasley is not only concerned for her own family bur also cares for the lonely boy who seems lost as well. It is this sense of care that extends beyond immediate needs and selfishness and that manifests itself in a larger concern for others and community, which is such an important feature of many of the female characters in the novels. And, more importantly in terms of the thesis of this dissertation, it is this sense of care and concern for others that is exemplified in the symbol of the mother figure that extends her protection beyond death of those in the community. This understanding of care and community is the underling driving force that unites the individuals in a feeling of unity and which enables them to fight the forces of evil. This is as central facet of the books that is indicative of the value and importance of the female characters in the novels.

This same sense of community can especially be seen in Hermione who is quick to create a spirit of community around her when she first arrives at Hogwarts, which is to become part of her identity. One can cite a small incident from the first book to illustrate this aspect. When Neville loses his toad during the first trip to Hogwarts, Hermione '[…] helps him look for the toad and in doing so extends her community when she meets Harry and Ron.'

2.3. Integrative Theoretical Approaches

As Engstrom ( 2006) states

Given the extent to which these female stereotypes have been perpetuated throughout our culture, it may be difficult for these critics to see beyond these prescribed and fabricated roles. However, this feminist framework is not sufficient to recognize the richness of the characters in the Harry Potter text.

The above quotation would tend to suggest a more expansive and integrative theoretical approach to the novels in question. In other words, a one-dimensional and selective or biased approach to the understanding of the female characters in the novels is not adequate. It does not measure up to the "richness' of character development and progression in the books.

This in turn suggests a theoretical approach that incorporates many ways of viewing and interpreting the novels, rather than a single and selective method. This is also an approach that allows for the more perceptive and broader understanding of the characters in the context of their development in each of the books and in the series of books as a whole. In this regard the following comments are enlightening and provide a model for the analysis of the female characters.

It is concluded that the novels analyzed can be read from multiple perspectives and that Rowling succeeds in making the reader aware of the problems of male-female relations by positioning the characters on opposite sides with regard to emotional relations, relations towards different people and the family and towards society in general, as well as through convincing and impressionable characterization.

This also refers to the 'androgynous approach to feminism'. Dresang ( 2002) states the following:

Instead of simply dismissing women as stereotypes, the mother, the daughter, the helpmate, etc., a larger understanding of women's psychological development gives critics a new model for evaluating female characters. Using this model the female characters in the Harry Potter novels are not stereotypical in nature; they are dynamic women who value community.

It is this model that will inform the following analysis of the female characters in the Harry Potter books.

3. Themes

The themes in the novels are of paramount importance in understanding and assessing the roles and developmental aspects of the female characters in the novels. In essence and somewhat simplistically put, the following short citation sums up the philosophy that underlies the thematic trajectory and meaning of the books: "community, friendship, trust, without sexual, racial, national or religious differences."

In other words, this refers to the ethos of good vs. evil and the moral underpinnings that motivate Harry Potter and his friends to combat and attempt to overcome the amoral and immoral forces of Voldemort and his allies, the Death Eaters.

The most basic and central theme therefore that runs throughout the books is the morals value of good over evil. It is in this sense that the importance of the female characters becomes evident. The women supply much of the moral backing and the moral awareness that enables the fight against evil.

As has been briefly referred to, this refers to the central facet of the way that women function dynamically in the structure of the novel and in the development of plot and intention. For example, a central facet of the novels, and the moral progression of the characters, is the sense of community, friendship and unity that characters like Hermione and Minerva McGonagall, the Hogwarts Transfiguration professor, project and encourage. This in turn forms a bulwark against the intrusion and invasion of evil into the world. This perception can also be applied to many other female characters, such as Molly and Ginny Weasley.

Another central facet that Rowling stresses in many of her female characters is the ethos of caring. Care and compassion are certainly not uniquely female attributes. At one point Harry is accused of being too caring and compassionate towards his enemies in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Generally in the novels many of the women characters project a sense of caring and compassion that sets the tone and, to as great extent, constitutes the underlying moral order of the books. This aspect therefore emphasizes the importance of the women characters in terms of both structure and meaning in the novels.

As will be discussed in more detail, as we follow the development of Hermione, for example, in each successive book, so we gain an understanding of a number of factors. We encounter not only her own personal development as a character but also of the integrative moral structure that is an amalgam of community, caring, friendship and the fight against all forms of bigotry and prejudice. As Dresang (2002) states, "The moral development of women, particularly in regard with the ethics of caring is another characteristic of a feminist text."

In a similar vein, Muklan also states that, "Hermione's attitude towards racism and exploitation […] addresses the problems of injustice (everyone should be treated equally), and it speaks of the notion of caring (no one should be hurt) & #8230;

The last mentioned theme- the moral fight against all forms of bigotry and prejudice -- is a central thematic strand in the novels and is clearly evident in the actions and thoughts of many of the female characters. Hermione stands out in this regard and is from the very beginning a strong opponent both emotionally and intellectually of all forms of prejudice. This will therefore form an important point of reference in the discussion of the characters in the following sections.

Linked to all of the above is the centrality of the mother figure, the importance of motherhood in the essence of caring and community. This is a theme that is explored not only through the ever-present image of Harry's mother, but also in the form of the other mother figures in the novels. In this regard one immediately thinks of Mrs. Weasley as the mother and home-maker -- but also as someone who acts for the good beyond the parameters of her family. However, this them is so strong and dominant in the novels that we find the same essential mother figure on both sides of the good-evil divide. A good example is Draco Malfoy's mother, Narcissa.

There are of course many other themes that could be mentioned; such as the theme of light and dark that is evident in the relationship between Harry and Sirius Black. Another theme that tends to dominate as the novels progress is the theme of love and death. An awareness of the reality of death tends to grow in the central characters as the plot unfolds in the successive books. This is linked to a deeper and progressive understanding of love and its meaning.

Encounters with death are seen in many instances as a process of growth and maturation. This is in essence an awareness of the underlying complexity and reality of life that Harry and many of the other characters become cognizant of as the books progress. One could refer to Dumbledore's obituary in the final book of the series in this regard.

Furthermore, she uses her knowledge to solve the potion's riddle

She states that, 'This isn't magic -it's logic -a puzzle. A lot of the greatest wizards haven't got an ounce oflogic, they'd be stuck here forever'.

It is her knowledge which protects Harry and leads to the defeat of Quirrell and Lord Voldemort. Dresang (2002) sums up her development and her sense of character as follows; 'She is capable of subduing childish hysteria and transforms it into determination based on knowledge and skill'.

Dresang goes on to state that;

Rowling has succeeded in developing the character of a child who transforms herself into a young woman and who is able to resist the traps connected with her sex: she does not retreat into passivity and silence, she is not scared of the world dominated by men, she does not "lose her voice."

5. Prejudice

Hermione's advocacy against all forms of prejudice is clear in many of the books. For example, she also becomes an advocate for house elves in the final book of the series. House elves are treated as slaves and held in low regard by the society.

In order to understand the foundations of her strong reaction to all forms of bias and prejudice one has to take into account her own history of being born of two Muggle parents. Throughout the novels there is a strong sense of bias against those born of Muggle parents. They are viewed as being inferior, especially by those on the side of Voldemort. This is ironic is that both Voldemort and Harry have Muggle parents. The issue of being of 'true' blood is obviously germane to the issue of class prejudice and can even be interpreted as a form of racism. As one critic notes;

Hermione's insecurity is that she does not belong to the wizarding world because she's a Muggle-born. This insecurity becomes stronger when people like Draco call her mudblood. Before she starts Hogwarts she reads her textbooks from cover to cover. She wants to make sure she shows everyone she can be a great witch despite not being born in that world. Add this to her bookworm nature and you've got the girl striving to be the best to show everyone including herself that she belongs.

6. Community and family

The idea of the female character as a promoter of the concept and ideal of community through friendships and caring has been referred to in the above sections. . This is a theme that runs throughout the books. The above analysis of the importance of Hermione's character is indicative of this central theme in the books. It is also a theme that is particularly linked to the female characters. Once again we can turn to the example of Hermione in this regard.

As one commentator notes; "Hermione…realizes the significance of study in the maintenance of her community. It is because of her tireless hours of study that she is able to protect her society."

This refers to the view that Hermione in fact uses her knowledge and expertise in order to build her community and to strengthen her friendships and relationships. This can be seen in The Chamber of Secrets, when the Heir of Slytherin is endangering the lives of the students of the school. While Harry and Ron are confused about the danger that is facing them, Hermione goes directly to the library to research for possible answers.

'Harry I think l've just understood something! I've got to go to the library'

And she sprinted away, up the stairs.

'What does she understand' said Harry distractedly; still looking around, trying to tell where the voice had come from.

'Loads more than I do' said Ron, shaking his head.

'But why's she got to go to the library?

'Because that's what Hermione does' said Ron, shrugging. When in doubt, go to the library'.

The importance of education and learning for Hermione is however is not only for her own self-advancement. As one critic notes, this learning is aimed at the furtherance of a central theme in the novels - the sense of family and community.

'The boys are beginning to understand the importance of learning to Hermione as she attempts to protect those within her community. The knowledge she gains from her countless trips to the library arms her friends'.

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when they discover Hermione frozen or petrified the two boys, Harry and Ron, realize that Hermione has discovered the nature of the threat. She has also discovered that the basilisk has been travelling around the school using the ducts or pipes. Furthermore, her knowledge also succeeds in protecting her from being killed by the basilisk.

Harry is also becoming more aware of the compassion and insight that Hermione exhibits. He states that, '[…] bet you anything she warned the first person she met to look around comers with a mirror first'.

Therefore, this is further evidence of the way that she uses her knowledge to protect those around and her community.

As noted in the theory section, the issue of community is an important concept in feminist theory. As a theorist in this field comments: 'women try to change the rules in order to preserve relationships'.

There are many instances when Hermione attempted to change the rules, as it were, and to alter the course of events to coincide with her sense of community. One example is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

In this book Hermione becomes aware of the fact that Professor Lupin is a werewolf. This is largely due to her research and studies. She also realizes this when the bogut changes into a moon when it appears before Lupin, signifying his fear of being changed into a werewolf. However, the more important aspect that reveals a great deal about her sense of community is that she does not reveal Lupin's secret. She does this '[…] because he is member of her community and her loyalty requires it'.

However, when the actions of Professor Lupin threatens her friends and the community that she holds dear, she reveals her knowledge about the professor.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is an enlightening novel in terms of the theme of women characters and the sense of community. In the novel we also see how Hermione daringly changes the rules of time itself in order to save others in her community. This refers to her use of a 'time-turner', which she has used previously to meet her very heavy lecturing and class schedules. This again also emphasizes her extreme diligence and her belief in learning and knowledge.

She makes use of the time -- turner to go back in time to save her friends from doom. She and Harry go back three hours in time in order to save Sirius Black and Buckbeak, the Hippogriff, from being executed. In essence, we can relate her brave and often audacious actions in the novel to the need to preserve and protect what she considers to be her community and her family. Note as well the extended concept of community which includes not only human beings but also creatures and other species such as the Hippogriff. This reveals a holistic and overarching sense of care and concern for all creatures that is intrinsic to the concept of community care. This has also been referred to in connection with a mother figure in the books, such as Mrs. Weasley. This sense of care and protection will be explored further in a discussion of the mother figure that dominates the novels in both a symbolic and real sense

There are many other examples of the sense of community and care that the female characters like Hermione project. Hermione however is a character in the forefront of the protection of the rights of others and in the fostering of a sense of community. When the insidious Malfoy laughs at Hagrid for crying in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and remarks, "Have you ever seen anything quite as pathetic?"

, Hermione comes immediately to Hagrid's defense.

7. The ethics of caring

The issue of care and compassion has already been addressed to some extent in the above discussion. This topic however requires a more intensive exploration as it constitutes a central thematic in the works, which is strongly linked to the female characters. As will also be discussed, the theme of care is also strongly linked to the mother symbol and image that resonates throughout the books.

As feminist theory states of the concept of community; '[…] the stress is not on the dependence on someone, but on interdependence'.

In other words, the essence of community depends on the aspect of sharing and building healthy system of interdependence; rather than on one-way dependences. In this context care and compassion are means of creating healthy interconnections and opportunities for life and freedom. This is very different to care as a one-way process. It is this sort of caring that informs much of the Harry Potter series.

This refers not only to the importance and relevance of the female characters in the building of community through the process of caring and sharing with one another, but also to the fact that in the interaction between the main characters 'Rowling has created a community that is not based on sex, but on the affiliation with the school (in a narrower sense) and with the fight of the good against evil (in a broader sense). '

The above is an extremely important insight into the book in terms of the significance of the female characters. The limited or narrower view of caring and community suggested above is valid and important but it is the extended or broader view of caring that constitutes the real heart and soul of the books. The fight of good against evil that is waged from the first to the last book is one which is heavily dependent on this broader sense of caring and concern for others. In this light caring does not refer to a maudlin or overly sentimental form of care. It is rather an understanding of care and compassion that relates to providing assistance to others in order for them to develop in a healthy and moral environment and world.

An example of this sense of community through caring can be seen towards the end of the fourth novel in the series. This refers to the speech that Professor Dumbledore gives at the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This is worth quoting as length as it succinctly summarizes the theme under discussion.

"Every guest in this Hall," said Dumbledore, and his eyes lingered upon the Durmstrang students, "will be welcomed back here, at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again - in the light of Lord Voldemort's return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.

"Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.

As Mikulan states, 'This short excerpt sums up Rowling's philosophy; community, friendship, trust, without sexual, racial, national or religious differences'.

This understanding of care and community will be explored in the following section on the mother figure in the Harry Potter books.

It should also be noted that Hermione is by no means the only female character who shows these qualities of caring, compassion and community. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix even subsidiary characters like Harry's Aunt Petunia is reminded of her sense of family and community when she hears of the return of Lord Voldemort. This also brings Harry to the realization of the larger family and community to which he belongs.

All of a sudden, for the very first time in his life, Harry fully appreciated that Aunt Petunia was his mother's sister. He could not have said why this hit him so very powerfully at this moment. All he knew what that he was not the only person in the room who had an inkling of what Lord Voldemort being back might mean.

8. The mother figure

A more peripheral but nevertheless extremely important character in the novels is Molly Weasley. She is the quintessential mother figure in the novel. She is hard- working and continuously aware of the needs and requirements of her family. In terms of the thematic structure of the novel she provides the solid foundation of care and compassion that underpins the central ethos of the book; which is the fight against evil. Engstrom describes this central figure as follows.

[…] the hardworking Molly Weasley, who keeps house for five children (out of seven) and a forgetful if easygoing husband, who makes at least as much trouble as the teenage boys. A formidable woman feared by all the males in her family. She strives to keep them on the good path, reinforcing the image of women as the civilizers of men.

Mrs Weasley accepts Harry as part of her family and community. She does everything in her power to alleviate his often dismal situation, including sending him Christmas gifts.

However, Mrs. Weasley is not the only mother figure who is concerned with her family and community. On the other side of the moral fence Narcissa Malfoy provides an interesting contrast to Mrs. Weasley. Like Mrs. Weasly, Narcissa Malfoy is equally concerned with her community and the care of family. She is also a 'woman trying to save her community'.

This can be seen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Her husband is jailed in Azkaban and her son is danger from a task that has been given to him by Lord Voldemort. She does everything in her power to protect her son from danger. In order to protect Draco she visits Severus Snape, who she begs to protect Draco. He agrees and takes the 'Unbreakable Vow'.

However, the most important mother-figure in the books is Harry's dead mother, Lily Potter, who was killed by Voldemort when Harry was a baby. The crucial aspect of this character is that she sacrificed her life for her child. It is this sacrifice that in essence provides Harry with the protection from being killed by Voldemort. Therefore, the power and ability that Harry has should be seen on the context of his mother's love and sacrifice for him.

Consequently, it is extremely important to note that that, in terms of the thesis of this dissertation, Harry's powers and defenses against evil are directly related to the theme of love, care and community -- which in turn emphasizes the importance of the female characters in the novels; as it is the women who are the chief instigators and motivators of these qualities.

In order or comprehend the significance the mother figure in relation to the concepts of care, compassion and community in the books we should return once again to the quotation that initiated this dissertation.

She gave you a lingering protection he never expected, a protection that flows in your veins to this day. I put my trust, therefore, in your mother's blood. I delivered you to her sister, her only remaining relative." ( Dumbledore)

The protection that his mother gave Harry still remains 'in his veins'. The image of Harry's mother and father are constantly with him. He sees their image in the Mirror of Erised, which reflects the deepest needs and desires of the viewer. He carries the image of his mother with him throughout the novels and she inspires and protects him even from beyond the grave by her original sacrifice. His dead parents are his only link to his identity and his destiny as the 'chosen one' who defied death at the hands of the Lord Voldemort.

However, as has being intimated above, the power and the protection that Harry had as a baby and which remained with him until his seventeenth year is not something mysterious and occult. The love of his mother and the willingness to sacrifice her life to protect him is the cause of the protective spell and the power that he has, which is also the only power that can defeat Lord Voldemort.

In other words, the power that defeats death and evil originates in the kind of intense love and care that is prepared to sacrifice itself for others; and this love is embodied in the ever-present image of the mother that Harry carries with him that that permeates the book. One could therefore argue that the care and love of the mother figure, and by extension the sense of community, is the most significant element in the thematic structure of the books.

The power of the love of the mother is clearly described by Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Voldemordt states that he was defeated not by Harry Potter but by the intense magic of the mother's sacrifice of her life in the defense of her child.

"You know, of course, that they have called this boy my downfall?" Voldemort

said softly, his red eyes upon Harry, whose scar began to burn so fiercely that he almost screamed in agony. "You all know that on the night I lost my powers and my body, I tried to kill him. His mother died in the attempt to save him - and unwittingly provided him with a protection I admit I had not foreseen. ... I could not touch the boy."

Voldemort admits that despite his great power as the most significant dark wizard of all time, he could not defeat the love and care of the mother. He goes on to state that; 'His mother left upon him the traces of the sacrifice. . . . This is old magic, I

should have remembered it, I was foolish to overlook it'.

Even though she is physically dead, Lily Potter therefore encompasses within her character the formative ethos that pervades the books and which is the only true potion or defense against evil -- and this is nothing less than the power of love and care, trust and friendship that resides largely in the female characters of the books.

If we go further in the analysis of her character find that this ethos of care is referred to in many instances of her life before Harry was born. For example, we find that her sense of care, compassion and community is evident long before her encounter with Voldemort.

When Harry experiences Professor Snape's earlier and most disturbing memories in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, he encounters a memory that Snape has of Lily Potter. Harry discovers that that when at school at Hogwarts, Servius Snape was tormented and teased by both James Potter and Sirius Black. It was Lily who opposes this, and who comes to aid of Snape as she reprimands the tormentors. 'You think you're funny ...But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone."

Two aspects are of importance her. The first is that it a female and not a male character that brings about balance and a reduction of conflict in the community of Hogwarts. Another aspect is the possible implication that Harry Potter's father may not have been as perfect as Harry would like to believe.

The actions and beliefs of Lily Potter are similar to the type of actions that we might expect from Hermione. As Engstrom ( 2006) emphasis of the seminal mother figure in the novels; 'She attempts to protect all the members of her community. But it is Lily's last demonstration of her 'ethic of care' that permeates every aspect of these novels'.

Engstrom also makes the point that is fundamental to this dissertation that; 'It is Lily's sacrifice that provides the lesson for these novels, which is the importance of community and relationships. It is her protection of him on the night she died that still protects'.

9. Conclusion

The above discussion of the Works of J.K. Rowling has attempted to show the importance of the female characters in the novels. What has been established from an analysis of the texts is that the central female characters are by no means secondary or subsidiary to the male characters. In fact the opposite seems to be the case. Female characters such as Hermione, Lily Potter and others tend to be at the centre of certain thematic strands that are fundamental to the structure and meaning of the novels.

Various thematic aspects tend to knit the novels together. Some of these theoretical aspects in the books that have been identified are, care, love, friendship and the sense of community. These themes are closely linked to the female characters and their development in the novels. Many of the women characters tend to promote and motivate the friendships and the interrelationships that build a sense of unity, and as a defense against the forces of anarchy and evil.

This is also clearly linked to the image of the mother figure and to the fact that it is a mother's care and love displayed through the act of sacrificing her life to protect her child that is the ultimate defense against evil is to be found

The above discussion has also taken into account certain theoretical trends in the analysis of these books. This refers to the feminist and deconstructivist critiques of the presentation or re-presentation of women and the way that the female characters are presented in the novels. This has led to the assertion that the Harry Potter series of novels tend to promote and maintain certain stereotypical images of women, which in turn helps to reinforce male hegemony and female subservience in society.

However, these points-of-view and do not accord with an in-depth analysis of the central female characters in the novels. This is especially the case if we take a more developmental view of the characters and observe how they grow and change over the course of the seven books.

What was discovered in this analysis is that in fact the central female characters are extremely important in terms of plot, structure as well as meaning. In an analysis of the mother image in the book it become apparent that this is in fact an originating and seminal image and symbol that informs the entire ethos of the books.

The importance of the female characters also becomes clear in an analysis of Hermione. She not only develops as an individual but also demonstrates the importance of the concepts of care and community in the novels. Lily Potter and Hermione, among others, affect and even determine to a great degree the trajectory of events and outcomes in the novels. What is even more important is that they represent the central ethos of compassion and understanding in the novels, as well as the need to create a sense of unity and community in the face of evil and destruction.