Protagonists serve as role models and archetypes. They act as guides for education, spirituality, and morality. Therefore, the hero’s persona resembles any individual, yet, he is equipped with extraordinary abilities (pp. 15-19). Fantasy novels present an alternate reality in which it may be easier to depict difficult issues and disturbing topics. Fantasy is also perfectly adapted to the thoughtful exploration of philosophical issues. Thus, fantasy is not only an escape from real problems and obstacles but also a profound investigation of them. Egoff states that fantasy is a method of approaching and depicting contemporary world and confront truths of our life. She emphasizes that many of modern fantasy books deal with seriousness and discover real issues in an unreal setting, “believable within the unbelievable” (as cited in Cuthew, 2006, pp. 43-46). The purpose of fantasy literature is the celebration of real concerns and doubts as well as the perception of the primary world. Furthermore, it shows a particular desire to confront contemporary issues, offers a critique of contemporary society and is concerned with the morality. Fantasy literature expresses moral codes of conduct and underlines consequences of evil and unethical actions. Modern fantasy writing has shown a deep concern for approaching the issues faced by readership. Fantasy involves the depiction of issues such as: death, loss, isolation, ageing, gender roles, racism, and self-development. This exploration of the inevitable issues and problems provides an important essence of childhood and adolescence. The complexity of human nature and dissatisfaction with the contemporary world constitute major considerations of modern fantasy writers. These world-perspectives remind people of moral truth and stimulate and instruct the moral imagination. A moral education is based on drawing analogies between an imaginary world and the real world in which we live. Fantasy genre continues the tradition of the moral didactic tale without offending audiences but invoking examination of the contemporary culture (as cited in Cuthew, 2006, pp. 64-66). Through representation of insights and observations of the developing cultural aspects, fantasy has become a significant element in the interpretation and perception of the society structure.
17 2.2 Elements of fantasy literature in Harry Potter books Harry Potter literature is undoubtedly marked by the occurrence of imaginative, fantasy elements. J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter book series, claims that: “Humans need fantasy and magic. We have a need for mystery” (interview, February 9, 2008). The world described by J. K. Rowling consists of number of magical places inhabited mostly by wizards and witches. Many of these places cannot even be entered by non-magic people called ‘muggles’. These two different spheres are connected by a kind of a portal which enables wizards to enter their universe of magic. The hidden Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station in London serves as a barrier between magical and non-magical world. The spatial movement to an extraordinary state of being involves new challenges and an adaptation to the environment. The transfer from the usual, ordinary into the unusual is a part of the fantasy formula. Likewise, the basic conditions of the stories such as the supernatural elements as well as an intense reflection of contemporary issues confirm their positioning amidst fantasy literature. The elements of witchcraft and magic which appear throughout the book series are the most remarkable components of a fantasy genre. Magic, a supernatural force, can be used to accomplish tasks, to obtain control and reign over an enemy, as well as to make everyday actions easier. In order to use it, one must train for a long time. Spells are performed with a wand and each wand has its own unique character. Every single wand finds its owner and from that moment they form an inseparable bond. What is more, several magical spells involve the use of emotion when casting them. Magic people specialize also in potions, mixtures that are brewed in cauldrons and have proper effects on a person who drinks a liquid. Beyond fundamental competences, wizards possess special abilities that make them exceptional and unusual for non-magical people. One of these capabilities is flying on a broomstick. It is recognized as a mode of transportation through the air and a broomsitick responds to the simple command as ‘up’. Wizards have mastered flight, for it facilitates escape and dislocation.
18 Furthermore, travelling and achievement of a desired location without being noticed is possible by using a Floo Powder. The Floo Network connects different households and buildings through fireplaces where the whole process of transportation occurs. Moreover, witches and wizards own bewitched objects with magical properties and mysterious functions. One of them is a magical garment possessed by Harry Potter, namely an invisibility cloak. This powerful gadget enables a person to hide under the cloak and pass unnoticed. Another magical invention is the Marauder's Map which reveals all secret places and passages in Hogwarts. Thus, supernatural powers, elements of fantasy which control the natural forces, establish the basics of the fantasy convention. The magical creatures which emerge in each part of Harry Potter can be classified as an essential factor which distinguishes fantasy from other genres. They dwell in the Forbidden forest and at the edge of Hogwarts, for instance unicorns, centaurs, and acromantulas, giant spiders. The beasts as dragons, hippogriffs (part-eagle, part-horse creatures), and trolls inhabit the magical world too. Some of them are categorised as harmless and other as dangerous and impossible to domesticate. House-elves, loyal and devoted creatures with magical abilities, perform a significant role in books. They are treated cruelly as housekeepers and servants; nevertheless, they unveil their brave nature in a difficult situations. Furthermore, Hogwarts is a residence for ghosts who haunt corridors and bathrooms or simply entertain students. Through the appearance of magical creatures a sense of mystery and strangeness is intensified. The motif of good versus evil, a popular concept of fantasy novels, has been incorporated into seven volumes of Harry Potter adventures. The noticeable distinction between hero and villain enables a reader to evaluate characters and ascribe them a set of particular traits. The struggle between good and evil generally concerns the figures of Harry Potter and Voldemort, the powerful Dark Wizard. Tom Riddle, known as Lord Voldemort, have used a killing curse on Harry’s parents, thereby giving a young boy a part of his strength. Through the spiritual power of kindness, modesty, courage, and respect for the value of friendship, Harry Potter epitomises benevolence. He strives to resist Voldemort’s
19 attacks and protect friends and fellow students from Dark Lord’s destructive influence. The only purpose of the evil wizard devoid of human sensitivity, is to become immortal and to have an infinite control all over the world. The struggle between good and evil ends when Harry defeats his enemy and frees the wizarding world from Voldemort’s control.