Harry Potter and the Gothic Genre. A Dissertation.: AN EXPLORATION OF THE USE OF THE GOTHIC CONVENTIONS IN J.K ROWLING'S HARRY POTTER SERIES; SPACE, CLASS, THE SUPERNATURAL AND SEXUALITY.

ABSTRACT;
The Harry Potter novels are marketed as a children’s fantasy series, however, due to the amount of Gothic content within them, they should be considered as part of the Gothic genre or its sub-genres. As the Gothic is unstable, it is becoming harder to apply it to text, nevertheless, Rowling’s use of elements and themes associated with the Gothic, including the use of; space, the supernatural, class, sexuality and the role of women, is clearly an attempt to update the Gothic elements, the Victorian Gothic and change the readership associated with the genre. Through the exploration of these themes and the extent to which the Gothic is used in these texts, it is apparent, undeniable and justified that Harry Potter should be placed within this genre.