Abstract of Paper to be Presented at Accio 2008

In the Names of the Fathers: The Paternal Role in Harry Potter

Ronnie Carmeli

Reflections on the paternal role are central in J.K. Rowling's septology. This paper studies the contributions of the series to the understanding of fatherhood, referring to major psychoanalytic theories. Harry struggles heroically to develop a stable relationship with an internalised father, in the face of recurring obstacles: the obviously premature losses of potential paternal figures; doubts arising due to the shortcomings of these figures; and, most destructively, the horcrux of Lord Voldemort in Harry, hindering his psychological growth.
Harry will succeed in the developmental task, and as the Epilogue demonstrates, will value the names of the fathers.