Beyond the Spell:

Abstract

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.