Introduction
Media analysis can take many forms and look at different elements of creative works. Focusing on the social and political notions in writing is often connected to critical theory. It is a philosophical approach that looks at how power structures affect and are influenced by society. One of the most popular fantasy book series, Harry Potter, is a common target of such analyses. In the essay “Crowning the King: Harry Potter and the Construction of Authority,” Mendlesohn uses critical theory to discuss the hierarchies that exist in the world created by Rowling. Mendlesohn argues that liberalism plays a major role in Rowling’s beliefs and her creation of Harry Potter, which can be connected to the views of such philosophers as Adorno.
Main Body
One of the central arguments that is present throughout the critique is that English liberalism ideas are deeply ingrained in Rowling’s writing. Mendlesohn (2002) states that Rowling does not express her political views intentionally, but the hierarchies and values of conservative liberalism are present nonetheless. While discussing this political structure, the scholar defines it through the lens of supporting “a nebulous and nonexistent impartiality” (Mendlesohn, 2002, p. 159).
For Mendlesohn (2002), liberalism shows itself in the structures of the books’ world, antagonists’ and protagonists’ families and social roles, and significant events in the narrative. For instance, the system distinguishing between “pure blood” wizard families and “muggles” is not opposed but inherently supported. Here, the critic notes that the two forces in the books are Voldemort, who wants to usurp muggles, and Potter’s allies, who do not see muggles as equals but as clueless inferior species (Mendlesohn, 2002). Thus, the strive for egalitarianism and equality is nonexistent in this world.
Similarly, the relationships between Hogwarts and their friend groups, as shown in the books, are not democratic. Mendlesohn (2002) argues that the four houses do not possess the same abilities and virtues, and their values depend on inherent characteristics, position, and unchangeable nature. The ignorance expressed by wizards towards humans without magic or those who do not possess heroic virtues is also seen in the books. Here, Mendlesohn (2002) explores the connections between social inequality and the contrast between equality and tolerance. While it is expressed that all houses live together, it is established that some groups are tolerated rather than respected, which is coherent with the ideas of liberalism and imperialism rather than democracy.
These aspects of the essay highlight its resemblance to the philosophy of such critical theorists as Adorno. Adorno’s main points were that liberalism is centrist and fails to oppose fascism due to its aversion to addressing inequalities (Gordon, 2020). As a result, villains such as Voldemort may rise inside this system without major obstacles and persist due to internal inconsistencies in beliefs. Therefore, Mendlesohn’s (2002) beliefs are consistent with the ideas described by the critical theory of political power structures that do not move society toward democracy but rather stagnate and segregate. The essay’s analysis demonstrates that Rowling writes about relationships between characters and institutions as a reinforcement of liberalism and centrism as signs of virtue and moral goodness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the essay “Crowning the King: Harry Potter and the Construction of Authority” explores the world of Harry Potter books from the critical theory point of view. Mendlesohn discusses the different hierarchies of this universe and highlights the inherent support of liberalism in Rowling’s opinions. This critique is consistent with the beliefs of Adorno and similar scholars. The analysis presents arguments that positive characters tolerate those who are different, while antagonists want to destroy those deemed inferior. This opposition is linked to liberalism and contrasted with equality, democracy, and egalitarianism.
References
Gordon, P. E. (2020). The scars of democracy: Theodor Adorno and the crises of liberalism. The Nation. Web.
Mendlesohn, F. (2002). Crowning the king: Harry Potter and the construction of authority. In L. A. Whited (Ed.), Harry Potter: Perspectives on a Literary Phenomenon (pp. 159-181). Columbia University of Missouri Press.