Undoing the Binary: A Post-Modernist Reading of Gender Ambiguity in Harry Potter Series

Abstract

With the prevalence of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, there are numerous critical examinations, including the discussion on the gender construction in the novel. Whereas past gender-focused articles claim Rowling cast a variety of stereotypical characters, this paper, based on the previous gender studies by Judith Butler and Catherine Harnois, contends that Rowling has established a series of vivid characters whose gender are not stereotyped but dynamic and fluid. Harry’s and Hermione’s gender do not depend on their biological sexes and gender stereotypes but count on the immediate response in various contexts, and thus their gender is diverse and ambiguous. Via deconstructing their gender, this paper indicates that Rowling develops characters of both sexes who balance stereotypical traits of both genders and conveys a progressive and diverse gender perspective through magic, which will undoubtedly produce a positive social impact.