The Illusions of Reality: Blurring the Line between Fantasy and Reality in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Novels

Abstract

The principal objective of this thesis was to study Rowling’s Potterverse and other literature to: explore examples of illusions of reality; evaluate these illusions wherever appropriate against philosophical, psychological, scientific, theological and other considerations; assess their impact on reality, and whether they advance the appreciation, establishment or resolution of questions about reality.

The topics of: Potter as a hidden world, Mirrors, Senses, the Mind, Time, the expanding world of Harry Potter, Death, Identity and existence (King’s Cross) have been explored, drawing on ideas presented in the Harry Potter novels and supported by the topics stated above. Potter and other fantasy genre literature aid discussion of some difficult and complex aspects of reality by presenting characters who actively wish to discuss these issues.

The numerous sources studied for this thesis present many interesting and diverse opinions. However, while interesting, a minority can be characterised as being unsupported personal opinions of particular individuals, which have been appropriately considered as such.

Fantasy highlights some illusions of reality, but the discussion of the above topics has led to the conclusion that while, like Potter, there may be inconsistencies in life, we find continuity and meaning from our memories, senses, mind, identity, etc., that allows us to believe in reality.