\u22A living fire to enlighten the darkness\u22: allegorical interpretations of Madeleine L\u27Engle\u27s A Wrinkle in Time and J.K. Rowling\u27s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer\u27s Stone

摘要

This thesis discusses three allegorical interpretations of J.K. Rowling\u27s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer\u27s Stone and Madeleine L\u27Engle\u27s A Wrinkle in Time. Thesis begins with explanations of the terms allegory, fantasy, and science-fiction, ultimately proposing the term allegorical fantasy for the combined genre. Allegorical interpretations of the two novels include the battle between good and evil (psychomachia), interconnectedness of life, and omniscient and omnipotent love. The final implications include the use and application of allegory to teach moral decision making and empowerment to young adult readers. Thesis is focused on educators and English allegorists, but has applications for literary criticism as well.