40 CONCLUSION The aim of this diploma paper was to examine the fundamental ideologies and values of the contemporary world in the supernatural, magical setting of the Harry Potter series. The results of the study can be summarized as follows. Some aspects of Harry Potter have been adjusted to the condition of the postmodern culture. Consumerism, a crucial aspect of postmodernism and life of a modern individual, is prevalent in the wizarding world. The story outlines the notion of the commodity culture and people who are influenced by market-based class system. Even if not discussed explicitly, money and power play an important role throughout the stories. What is more, the boundaries between what is real and what is fictional are blurred, for these two seemingly distinct concepts have been mutually connected and cannot be separated. Stories presented in books prove an inability to distinguish real situations and images from imagination. Furthermore, Harry Potter offers a wide perspective of themes and ideologies, thus refers to the aspect of pluralism. It can be assumed that the fictional world depicted in the stories reflects some of the concepts and doctrines of our present age. They are organized set of related ideas that modify the social structure and determine the position and behaviour of any individual. The fictional world of magical creatures and improbable situations is a parallel to a real world. The desires and aspirations of modern society have been illustrated through symbolism and allegory. The representation of world-perspectives and concentration on universal values may remind people of moral truth. The wizarding society has been created according to the class system hierarchy divided into groups. This social order explains domination, superiority and priority of interests. Moreover, books depict gender disparity underlying inferiority of female characters. The traditional division of women and men roles is at some point challenged by a girl who opposes the patriarchal system of power and authority. She epitomises any feminist who fight
41 for equality for suppressed women. Furthermore, Harry Potter deals with cultural diversity, as well as political issues, particularly with the position and centralised power of the main governing body of the magical community. The implication is that this invented world reflects the values of today’s real world. It is remarkable that J.K. Rowling’s series do not only provide fantasy elements but also affect morality of people, make people aware through the demonstration of the structure and hierarchy, and induce readers to consideration of some cultural aspects. However, the manifold allusions to the contemporary issues that Harry Potter incorporates may be analysed from different perspectives. There is no absolute, universal pattern of the analysis and examination of the Harry Potter universe.


References

(PDF) Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - exploration of modern ideologies in a fantasy world. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314232281_Hogwarts_School_of_Witchcraft_and_Wizardry_-_exploration_of_modern_ideologies_in_a_fantasy_world [accessed Oct 14 2018].


- Bathilda Bagshot