A Muggle's Study of Harry Potter's Magical World

von Kristine Ohrem Bakke

This thesis investigates modern literature for children and youngsters, and film adaptations. The text presents a study of J. K. Rowling s two first books about the character Harry Potter, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher s Stone" (1997) and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (1998), seen in the context of genre and tradition. Furthermore, the literary works are compared to the two corresponding film adaptations, both directed by Chris Columbus, released prior to 2003. In the analysis of J. K. Rowling s texts this thesis comments upon features of the double addressee, aspects of intertextuality and the matter of identification. Hence, one could argue that Rowling makes use of traditional devices for the fantasy genre. These elements are also the focal points in the analysis of the film adaptations made.