ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE MAIN CHARACTER IN
J.K. ROWLING’S HARRY POTTER SERIES
A THESIS
BY
SIRIWONG LUASUK
Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Master of Arts Degree in English
at Srinakharinwirot University
October 2011
ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE MAIN CHARACTER IN
J.K. ROWLING’S HARRY POTTER SERIES
A THESIS
BY
SIRIWONG LUASUK
Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Master of Arts Degree in English
at Srinakharinwirot University
October 2011
Copyright 2011 by Srinakharinwirot University
ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE MAIN CHARACTER IN
J.K. ROWLING’S HARRY POTTER SERIES
AN ABTRACT
BY
SIRIWONG LUASUK
Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Master of Arts Degree in English
at Srinakharinwirot University
October 2011
Siriwong Luasuk (2011). Adolescent Development of the Main Character in J.K.
Rowling’s Harry Potter Series. Thesis, M.A. (English). Bangkok: Graduate
School, Srinakharinwirot University. Advisor Committee: Dr. Sutassi
Smuthkochorn; Assist. Prof. Dr. Supaporn Yimwilai.
This study focused on how Harry Potter developed cognitively, emotionally and socially from the age of eleven to seventeen. The study concerns how environmental and other factors helped or obstructed his development. The factors were collected from seven novels in the Harry Potter series. Investigation of his development was based on the psychological theories of Sigmund Freud, Abraham Maslow, Jean Piaget, Lawrence
Kohlberg and Erik Erikson. The factors contributing to his development included his school environment, teachers and friends.
The findings revealed that Harry was raised in a hostile environment including abusive childhood experiences, but he developed into a good young man because of several positive influences. He was supported by his school environment and guided by his teachers. Moreover, he was supported and encouraged by his friends. From eleven to seventeen, Harry’s emotions evolved from frustration to anger and finally into lovingness.
Cognitively, Harry developed from an inexperienced boy to gain problem solving skills and acquire moral values. He grew up from being a boy who considered himself unimportant into a young man who knew who he was, what he wanted to be and what his role was in society.