Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in English Composition
Department
English
First Advisor
Carlson, David
Second Advisor
Rhodes, Jacqueline
Third Advisor
Hyon, Sunny
Abstract
The Slytherin characters of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series are generally thought of as the "bad guys," always causing trouble for the hero and repeatedly taking the wrong side of nearly every fight; however, these characters are not the stereotypical villains that often grace the pages of children's literature. The Slytherins fit the many faces of the Other, giving them a multitude of identities and, hence making them more complex than the characteristically static villain role provided in most children's literature. This thesis argues not only how the Slytherins fulfill the role of Other but how the often negative view of otherness is challenged by the actions of many of the Slytherin characters; as well, this thesis illustrates the influence fandom has had in rehumanizing the Slytherins, culminating in a discussion on fants identifying with these characters.
Recommended Citation
Krumsiek, Kristy Leann, "Slytherin pride: The othering of the Slytherins and their redemption through fandom" (2012). Theses Digitization Project. 4188.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/4188
