Harry Potter: An International Phenomena

Student Author Information

Meagan Campbell, University of LynchburgFollow

Location

Room 214, Schewel Hall

Access Type

Campus Access Only

Entry Number

42

Start Date

4-10-2019 4:00 PM

End Date

4-10-2019 4:15 PM

College

Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Communication Studies

Abstract

Most people living in today’s world know the story of Harry Potter and his two best friends who eventually triumph over the evil Lord Voldemort. It is a story that has been massively successful since the first book’s publication in 1997, and its worldwide popularity has only grown since with translations in eighty different languages, and over 500 million copies sold in at least thirty nine countries (Pottermore). This paper analyzes the values promoted throughout the series and the values held by fans in order to understand why Harry Potter is popular across cultures. Eight values were identified--love, happiness, individuality, knowledge, bravery, achievement, morality, and integrity--that are evident in Harry Potter and among its fans. Each value is a universal value, suggesting that Harry Potter is popular across cultures because its values align with values held by individuals across the world, thus transcending cultural boundaries.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Cheryl Jorgensen-Earp

Rights Statement

The right to download or print any portion of this material is granted by the copyright owner only for personal or educational use. The author/creator retains all proprietary rights, including copyright ownership. Any editing, other reproduction or other use of this material by any means requires the express written permission of the copyright owner. Except as provided above, or for any other use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.), you may not reproduce, republish, post, transmit or distribute any material from this web site in any physical or digital form without the permission of the copyright owner of the material.