Various Aspects of Otherness of the Villain in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Series. Prolegomena

Abstract

The concept of Otherness has been thoroughly examined on a variety of levels, especially in cultural and literary criticism. Therefore, it is almost impossible to establish one general definition which can encompass all of its aspects concerning origins, language, culture, appearance, religion, beliefs, morality, and ethics just to mention but a few. According to Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, "otherness" means "being or feeling different in appearance or character from what is familiar, expected or generally accepted" 1. Notwithstanding, the concept of Otherness is much more complex and can be realized in various dimensions. As Lilia Melani suggests: the Other is an individual who is perceived by the group as not belonging, as being different in some fundamental way. Any stranger becomes the Other. The group sees itself as the norm and judges those who do not meet that norm (that is, who are different in any way) as the Other. Perceived as lacking essential characteristics possessed by the group, the Other is almost always seen as a lesser or inferior being and is treated accordingly. The Other in a society may have few or no legal rights, may be characterized as less intelligent or as immoral, and may even be regarded as subhuman 2 .