Preview

Altruism in Contemporary Young Adult Literature

Best Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1875 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Altruism in Contemporary Young Adult Literature
The Harry Potter series is an international literature phenomenon that is both criticised and cherished. Penned by renowned author J.K. Rowling the story of the boy wizard seems to break the barriers of age, race, religion and gender with the range of its fans. This investigation focuses on the Harry Potter series and intends to answer the question of Harry Potter: Selfish or Selfless under the topic of Altruism in Contemporary Young Adult Literature. This investigation is a literature review; unlike a science experiment this report requires are more in-depth analysis of literature on the chosen topic. The intentions of the research are to investigate the topic of Altruism within the Harry Potter series, specifically the choices and sacrifices that the protagonist, Harry Potter, and the antagonist, Tom Riddle or Lord Voldemort. The key findings of this report are the close relationship between the choices and sacrifice both the protagonist and the antagonist and the defining difference between a hero and a villain within the Harry Potter series; this report also focuses on the ‘final’ sacrifice of the protagonist within in the final Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. One very important key finding that this report will discuss is that Harry Potter is a teenage boy who just so happens to be a wizard; he is not a wizard who happens to be a teenage boy. The define line between the two statements is what influences many of the choices and sacrifices, and also provide the essence of the story being a journey of a hero that symbolizes the efforts of youth, offering some insights into the inconstancies within humanity.

Altruism is defined as the unselfish concern for the welfare of others or the act of sacrificing one’s own interest for the greater good. The term altruism was coined by Auguste Comte, a 19th century philosopher of science and sociologist. Altruism, or being altruistic, is a key point in many religions, such as Christianity,


Bibliography: • Altruism International. 2010. What Is Altruism? [Online] http://www.altruists.org/about/altruism/ [Accessed on August 20, 2010] • Anelli, M • Avogadro. 2007. Choice or Change? The Ambiguous Ending of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows [Online] http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/features/essays/issue19/choice%20 [Accessed on August 20, 2010] • Brown, Jen • Campbell, Joseph. 1993. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. London, Fontana Press. • Emma • Faria, P. 2008, The Journey of the Villain in the Harry Potter series: An Archetypal Study of Fantasy Villains. PhD Thesis. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. • Hilaire • Kern, Edmund M. 2003. The Wisdom Of Harry Potter; What our favourite hero teaches us about Moral Choices. New York, Prometheus Books. • Princeton University • Rowling, Joanne K. 1998. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. London: Bloomsbury. • Rowling, Joanne K • Rowling, Joanne K. 2002. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York: Scholastic. • Rowling, Joanne K. 2003. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. London: Bloomsbury. • Rowling, Joanne K. 2004. Harry Potter and the Philosopher 's Stone. London: Bloomsbury • Rowling, Joanne K • Rowling, Joanne K. 2007. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. London: Bloomsbury. • Rowling, Joanne K. 2007. What exactly happened when Voldemort used the Avada Kadavra curse on Harry in the forest? [Online] http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/faq_view.cfm?id=122 [Accessed on September 27, 2010] • Scribbulus, 2006 • Viera, M. “Harry Potter: The final chapter.” [Online] Dateline (NBC), 29 July, 2007. Transcript by AccioQuote! http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/0729-dateline-vieira.html. [Accessed on September 8, 2010] • Wikipedia • Woeste, Victoria. S. 2009. Moral Choices in the Harry Potter Novels. [Online] http://www.mugglenet.com/editorials/editorials/edit-vwoeste01.stml [Accessed on August 23, 2010]
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Compare And Contrast Magic Flawk And Dhowli
    • 137 Words
    • 1 Page

    Compare And Contrast Magic Flawk And Dhowli

    In any work of literature, there is always an antagonist to a protagonist but it isn't often that a protagonist will be their own antagonist in a piece; acting their own source of conflict as well as possible downfall. However, in both Magic Chalk and Dhowli it can be seen that the protagonist goes through a series of events that leads to their inevitable downfall, many of which are actually dealt not by fate, but consequences of the choices they make. Argon and Dhowli, though of different cultures and circumstances, both struggle to deal with misfortune after misfortune, most seemingly by their own hands, essentially reaping what they sow. In this paper, the focus will be on how these two seemingly different characters can be tied together…

    • 137 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Harry And Voldemort Analysis
    • 861 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Harry And Voldemort Analysis

    This essay will explore how Harry and Voldemort’s wand in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, and subsequent novels, are the epitome of a dyadic pair. It will explore how Rowling uses the reader’s presuppositions of good and evil and how these human traits are represented within the wands that ‘choose’ (p. 63) Harry and Voldemort.…

    • 861 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Harry Potter and the Consumerism of Azkaban
    • 1405 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Harry Potter and the Consumerism of Azkaban

    It gets interesting when you examine the Harry Potter series through the aspect of commodity culture within the franchise. In her article, Harry Potter and the Technology of Magic, Elizabeth Teare aims to illustrate to her readers that while J.K. Rowling tends to poke fun at consumer culture in her novels, she takes equal measures in real life encouraging children to participate as consumers. Numerous examples from the books, contrast, and comparison to other works are techniques Teare skillfully uses to create a strong and convincing article.…

    • 1405 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Gcse English Film Review – Harry Potty Deathly Part 2
    • 643 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Gcse English Film Review – Harry Potty Deathly Part 2

    The movie begins where part one left off, with Voldemort stealing the ‘elder wand’ from Dumbledore’s coffin. For those who have watched part one, the beginning is a smooth transition to part two, however for those interesting individuals who have watched the movie as a stand-alone may be left quite confused. Never-the-less in this episode Harry Potter (Danielle Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasely (Rupert Grint) continue their strides to destroying Voldemort’s ‘Horecruxes’ which are the vital objects that are keeping him alive and living for eternity. Harry and his companions find most of the Horecruxes, however the last two, one of which Harry later finds to be himself and the second being Voldemort’s snake Nagini become very tricky.…

    • 643 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Purpose of Children's Liturature
    • 1050 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Purpose of Children's Liturature

    In the children’s novels, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe written by C.S. Lewis, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, and Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White we see that the purpose of children’s literature to teach selflessness. This quality will initially develop others’ loyalty if it is continuously given to one another. Once loyalty is established, then a sense of responsibility for protecting each other becomes natural. These traits demonstrate that the purpose of children’s literature is to teach children to be selfless through showing them that unselfish acts are necessary so that others will respond to another person’s needs with urgency.…

    • 1050 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Psy 490 Altruism And Psychology Paper
    • 624 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Psy 490 Altruism And Psychology Paper

    Now, let’s look at a definition of altruism: Altruism involves the unselfish concern for other people. It involves doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or religious reasons. (psychology.about.com)…

    • 624 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Research
    • 1751 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Research

    Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine, 2007. Print.…

    • 1751 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Theories Of Altruism
    • 422 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Theories Of Altruism

    Egoism is the act of behaving self-interestedly, and is perceived as a negative trait even though it can be seen as a tool of survival (Rosenstand, 2003: 131). However, there is an opposing theory, which is altruism. Altruism is defined as a concern for the welfare of others and is considered virtuous (Rosenstand, 2003: 150). We are often made aware of heroes who risk their lives for others and these heroes inspire many. We are encouraged to be altruistic, early in our lives. Nonetheless, one notices how altruist acts usually include rewards, even if it’s just a simple thank you. This leads to questions such as, does true altruism exist, or do people always have a motive as to why they perform altruistically?…

    • 422 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Defense Mechanisms in Pop Culture
    • 1465 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Defense Mechanisms in Pop Culture

    Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer 's Stone Harry Potter. NY: Listening Library, 1999. Print.…

    • 1465 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Philosopher's Stone Thesis
    • 413 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Philosopher's Stone Thesis

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling, offers readers a glimpse into the life of a neglected eleven-year-old orphan; discovering his magical capabilities and coming to terms with his surreptitious life. Harry Potter, the boy who lived, is nothing short of extraordinary in most wizards’ eyes; however, throughout the novel Harry struggles to accept his notoriety. The narrative presented is both a quest, an action-packed journey retrieving the Philosopher’s stone and facing Voldemort, and a rite of passage narrative, in which Harry questions his place in the wizarding world while dealing with expectations set out for him. Rowling uses such narratives to present Harry as a humble, brave, and caring protagonist who overcomes great adversity with the choices he makes.…

    • 413 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Harry Potter Banned?
    • 1723 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Harry Potter Banned?

    Everyone loves to sit down and read a good book that really makes you get into it. What about a type of literature that really makes you wonder and is not realistic but fun to read about because it is different. Then maybe you should read the book called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which was written by a talented writer named J.K. Rowling. This is an amazing book that is very popular, but then at the same time very disliked by some also. Witchcraft and other mythical actions happen upon this novel and can capture your mind in the first chapter. It can capture children and adults alike; this is not just a book for children. Some adults think otherwise though because many of them have been trying to ban Harry Potter books from public schools. Many adults that think this have caused a great amount of arguments between the school districts and community. A vast amount of parents say it is evil and inappropriate to read to students accounting that they may believe in bad beliefs from now on. Harry Potter should not be banned from public schools because you have your own rights, it is your belief with different views, and you can’t control the whole public school.…

    • 1723 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Harry Potter Stereotypes
    • 941 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Harry Potter Stereotypes

    In “Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secret” by J.K Rowling, the development of a gender, race and the other brought in realistic vision of today and how today may be without the closely examine prejudiced and judgemental views people…

    • 941 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Feminist Criticism Theory in the Novel “Harry Potter�? by J.K. Rowling Essay Example
    • 1028 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Feminist Criticism Theory in the Novel “Harry Potter�? by J.K. Rowling Essay Example

    As we all know, Joanne Kathleen Rowling a.k.a J.K. Rowling is a female British novelist. These Harry Potter and his adventures novels have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, sold more than 400 million copies to become the best-selling book series in history and been the basis for a popular series of films, in which Rowling had overall approval on the scripts as well as maintaining creative control by serving as a producer on the final installment. Rowling conceived the idea for the series on a train trip from Manchester to London in 1990. I’m lucky to have an incredible female writer for this analysis, but I won’t analysis this paper on the writer’s point of view or experience. I will challenge the representation of women as ‘Other’, as ‘lack’, and as part of ‘nature’.…

    • 1028 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Best Essays

    Friends: Through Thick and Thin
    • 3331 Words
    • 14 Pages

    Friends: Through Thick and Thin

    ---. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine, 2005. Print.…

    • 3331 Words
    • 14 Pages
    Best Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Jk Rowling The Fringe Benefits Of Failure Essay
    • 1028 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Jk Rowling The Fringe Benefits Of Failure Essay

    The year 2008 had major changes, such as the election of Obama, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and a political change in Russia. During this time J.K. Rowling, author of the well known series Harry Potter, gave a speech that changed 20 thousand people’s view on the world and is still impacting people as of today. In The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination, J. K. Rowling speaks to Harvard graduates about the ideas of failure and how critical individual imagination is from her first hand experiences that allows her to connect with her audience.…

    • 1028 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics