postmodern

by Dave

Harry is a hero. That Harry Potter draws from long established literary heroic traditions is well documented. Nearly every book length treatment or anthology concerning the series addresses this subject and examines the link between Harry’s more traditional literary roots in alchemical and mythic-heroic traditions and his postmodern deconstruction of the hero by figuring him through a Christ-like narrative wherein he never becomes an alleghorical avatar for Jesus. In some ways, the emphasis on Harry’s human-yet-transcendent character development has been the subtle spark driving the discussion among Christians about Harry’s place as a role model and/or tempter.

Yet, in postmodern popular culture, Harry also finds a conceptual home among superheroes of our day. One might look at him as a parallel to Superman — tragic orphan who learns who he is when he learns the truth of his parents and evolves into the savior of humankind; or Batman — orphan haunted by the horrendous murder of his parents and springboards into a larger, seemingly undending, often doubt-ridden crusade against a larger malevolent force. [click to continue…]

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