Exploring child abuse in the Harry Potter Series through the characters Harry Potter and Severus Snape

Abstract

This thesis explores how child abuse is represented in the Harry Potter saga through the characters Harry Potter and Severus Snape. A close reading analysis of scenes and the use of psychological studies that discuss the central elements of these characters’ experiences with abuse. This will help prove that they are representations of abused children. The two characters represent different aspects and experiences of abuse, making it important to explore both experiences. The Harry Potter saga is part of pop cultural literature and is aimed at a young audience. It is important for a story as widespread as Harry Potter to address these kinds of topics, as it can go from being a representation of abuse through a character to a representation of an abused child.