Abstract of Paper to be Presented at Accio 2008

Deciphering the Princess Archetype in Harry Potter

Ming-Hsun Lin

This comparative study of the first four Harry Potter novels and their corresponding film adaptations focuses on the princess archetype from classical fairy tales. The study explores how Rowling and the films have employed the archetype in contrasting ways. Although the films' mise-en-scène often draws on visual tropes associated with a classical portrayal of the princess figure, the presentation argues that, in terms of their respective roles and narrative functions, it is Harry, rather than Hermione, who resembles the princess archetype. The result is a combination of conventional portrayals and feminist 'twists' that complicates the patriarchal values displayed by the majority of traditional fairy tales.