Harry Potter, Lord Voldemort, and the Importance of Resilience

Abstract

Literature and psychology inadvertently go hand in hand. Authors create characters that are relatable and seem real. This thesis discusses the connection between psychology and literature in relation to the Harry Potter series. This thesis focuses on the importance of resilience or lack thereof in the protagonist, Harry, and the antagonist Voldemort. Specifically, it addresses resilience as a significant difference between the two. In order to support such claims, I will be using Erik Erikson’s Theory of Psycho-Social Development to analyze the struggles and outcomes of both Harry and Voldemort in relation to resilience and focus on the importance of strong, supportive relationships as a defining factor in the development of resilience.