6) Internet and Journal resources about the Harry Potter series
Internet sources also provide much information about the Harry Potter series. Due to
the large number of articles available on the Internet the author of this thesis has decided not
to express a view on them except in a general fashion. Many articles posted on the internet
come from recognised institutions and these reflect opinions about the series, especially in
regards to religious debate over the novels. The internet also provides a large number of
media stories about the series. Listed below are some articles that the author found of interest,
because they indicated the wide interest in the Harry Potter series as newsworthy.
• “Hogwarts Headache”, which is a medical condition apparently caused by reading a Harry
Potter book for too long at:
http://www.hindu.com/2003/11/04/stories/2003110402092200.htm
• Harry Potter books as being instructional books on the occult at:
http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n1380.cfm
• The Vatican supporting the reading of the Harry Potter books at:
http://www.natcatch.com/NCR Online/archives/022103/0221031.htm
• The Vatican against the reading of the Harry Potter books at:
http://www.envoymagazine.com/potter_warning.htm
• Symbolism and its importance in the Harry Potter books at:
http://homepage.mac.com/kia/potter/symbols.html
• Harry Potter and the theme of his hero journey at:
http://www.mugglenet.com/editorials/editorials/edit-olanick02.shtml or
http://www.mythichero.com/new_world_mythology.htm
• Harry Potter as the new Prozac, relieving depression for children and others at:
http://www.news.com.au/common/story
Journal articles are fairly sparse regarding the Harry Potter series and also the
comments and ideas reflected in them are all found in the published books that have
previously been commented on. Generally, they have centred on views about the religious
debate over the novels, the literary value of the books and the series value in providing moral
guidance. The remarks on the series’ value in assisting readers with their moral education
would indicate some support for the series’ use in Religious Education.
Margie Beck (2001) emphasises the series’ value in teaching Religious Education
based on themes such as loyalty, friendship, trust and honesty. Colin Lankshear and Michele
Knobel (2001) remark on the metanarratives found in the series, particularly the triumph of
good over evil, and the humanistic metanarrative, which stresses the importance of
friendship, kindness and selflessness. Dan McVeigh (2002) comments on the traditions that
have influenced Rowling’s work including moral traditions. Sharon Black (2003) makes
mention of the way readers identify with Harry and the series relevance to Bettelheim’s work
on a child’s moral development and the need to identify with others. These opinions support
the view of the author of this thesis that children respond to books when they identify with
characters in the books. It also mentions that identification with a character is important for
children’s moral development and that moral development is an essential component of any
religious instruction. Nancy Knaap (2003) finds the books engaging and of literary worth,
especially in the manner in which they raise questions of moral significance for readers to consider. Mary Black and Marilyn Eisenwine (2001) mention varying views expressed about
the series but generally find that the series portrays positive messages, while William Louden
(2001) states how he identified with the characters and settings in the books.
Internet sources also provide much information about the Harry Potter series. Due to
the large number of articles available on the Internet the author of this thesis has decided not
to express a view on them except in a general fashion. Many articles posted on the internet
come from recognised institutions and these reflect opinions about the series, especially in
regards to religious debate over the novels. The internet also provides a large number of
media stories about the series. Listed below are some articles that the author found of interest,
because they indicated the wide interest in the Harry Potter series as newsworthy.
• “Hogwarts Headache”, which is a medical condition apparently caused by reading a Harry
Potter book for too long at:
http://www.hindu.com/2003/11/04/stories/2003110402092200.htm
• Harry Potter books as being instructional books on the occult at:
http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n1380.cfm
• The Vatican supporting the reading of the Harry Potter books at:
http://www.natcatch.com/NCR Online/archives/022103/0221031.htm
• The Vatican against the reading of the Harry Potter books at:
http://www.envoymagazine.com/potter_warning.htm
• Symbolism and its importance in the Harry Potter books at:
http://homepage.mac.com/kia/potter/symbols.html
• Harry Potter and the theme of his hero journey at:
http://www.mugglenet.com/editorials/editorials/edit-olanick02.shtml or
http://www.mythichero.com/new_world_mythology.htm
• Harry Potter as the new Prozac, relieving depression for children and others at:
http://www.news.com.au/common/story
Journal articles are fairly sparse regarding the Harry Potter series and also the
comments and ideas reflected in them are all found in the published books that have
previously been commented on. Generally, they have centred on views about the religious
debate over the novels, the literary value of the books and the series value in providing moral
guidance. The remarks on the series’ value in assisting readers with their moral education
would indicate some support for the series’ use in Religious Education.
Margie Beck (2001) emphasises the series’ value in teaching Religious Education
based on themes such as loyalty, friendship, trust and honesty. Colin Lankshear and Michele
Knobel (2001) remark on the metanarratives found in the series, particularly the triumph of
good over evil, and the humanistic metanarrative, which stresses the importance of
friendship, kindness and selflessness. Dan McVeigh (2002) comments on the traditions that
have influenced Rowling’s work including moral traditions. Sharon Black (2003) makes
mention of the way readers identify with Harry and the series relevance to Bettelheim’s work
on a child’s moral development and the need to identify with others. These opinions support
the view of the author of this thesis that children respond to books when they identify with
characters in the books. It also mentions that identification with a character is important for
children’s moral development and that moral development is an essential component of any
religious instruction. Nancy Knaap (2003) finds the books engaging and of literary worth,
especially in the manner in which they raise questions of moral significance for readers to consider. Mary Black and Marilyn Eisenwine (2001) mention varying views expressed about
the series but generally find that the series portrays positive messages, while William Louden
(2001) states how he identified with the characters and settings in the books.
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