Résumé:
This dissertation discusses how the themes of racism, classism, and trauma are displayed in
the wizarding world of Harry Potter and their impact on characters such as Harry, Hermione,
and Ron. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998) by J.K. Rowling, these themes
play a crucial role in how the later events turn out. With the use of race theory, this study
seeks to examine the systemic racism apparent in the wizarding world between ‘pure-bloods’
and ‘muggle-borns’ and the prejudice towards the students of Hogwarts like Hermione.
Marxist theory highlights the class divisions present, as seen in the stark contrast between the
privileged wizards like the Malfoys and the less fortunate like the Weasleys, revealing the
inherent inequalities within the magical society. The study also addresses the mistreatment of
the house-elves. Finally, trauma theory explores the psychological impact of traumatic
experiences on the characters, including Hermione's racist encounters, Ron's feelings of
inferiority, and Harry's near-death experiences. This study reveals that these interconnected
themes significantly influence character development, interpersonal relationships, and social
dynamics. This dissertation finds that J.K. Rowling employs the magical realm and the world
of Harry Potter to reflect societal injustices and prejudices present in the real world, as well as
the psychological hardships people face because of these discriminatory actions. Furthermore,
it reveals that children's literature and crossover literature can serve as valuable platforms for
exploring and challenging societal issues while fostering empathy and critical thinking among
readers, whether they are children or adults.
