The foulest creatures that walk this earth : J.K. Rowling's Magical Creatures as Metaphors for Difficulties for Teenagers

Abstract: In this essay I discuss the magical creatures in the Harry Potter series; not the complete series but Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Many scholars say that the Harry Potter novels are didactic, moralist books in different ways. What I investigate is if the magical creatures in the novels can be read as metaphors for issues that the teenage reader finds difficult to deal with and if they could also offer ways to help. More specifically I look at the giant and the werewolf as metaphors for separate types of outsiders who have to try to handle the prejudice of others; one being strange because of genes and one because of an illness. I also look at the house-elf as a metaphor for various oppressive situations one can encounter as a child and also for how to cope with change. In connection to the house-elves I also discuss racism and social class. The last two creatures I investigate are the Dementor as a metaphor for depression and the Boggart as a symbol for fear. My conclusion is that one can read these creatures as symbols or metaphors for difficulties for teenagers in various ways and that these interpretations almost always also offer a way to handle said difficulty.