Harry Potter's heroics: Crossing the thresholds of home, away, and the spaces in-between

This thesis seeks to identify and explore two mechanisms that combine to create a potential source of the widespread popularity and appeal of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter stories. The following pages will suggest that the application of literary space theory and heroic archetypal constructs to the series serves to illuminate the methods by which readers are initiated into the imaginary spaces of the Wizarding and Muggle worlds. By drawing connections between elements characteristic of mythographer Joseph Campbell's hero cycle and literary theorist Gaston Bachelard's concept of topophilia, this work ultimately concludes that Rowling's progressive and complex use of liminal space within the series allows both Harry and his readers to become heroes and masters of both worlds.