Hermione Granger Saves the World

by Christopher E. Bell (Editor)

The new essays in this book make two central claims. First, for some people, the word "feminist" has been either poorly defined or even demonized. Hermione Granger, of the Harry Potter series, serves as an outstanding example of what modern young feminism looks like: activist, powerful and full of agency, yet feminine, romantic and stylish--a new kind of feminism for a new kind of girl. The second claim the essays make is that our young, emergent feminist Hermione Granger is a pivotal character upon whom the entire series rests--not Harry Potter himself (or, at least, not Harry Potter solely). It is Hermione who solves every difficult puzzle, performs every difficult spell, and to whom her two male companions look for guidance and advice. On several occasions throughout the series, Hermione literally saves the world through her actions. This is an outstanding model for young women (and for young men as well) who are confused about how feminism manifests and operates in 2012.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Harry Potter

231 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Lewis Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, and especially Hermione of course, you will probably enjoy this book. It is not so academic to off-putting and each the style makes it very accessible and enjoyable.

Feminism is an amorphous and difficult to describe concept, something Bell is quick to point out. His primary argument is that “postfeminism” (the newest variety) is perfectly exemplified by Hermione Granger, from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Hermione represents a new kind of feminism (the accessible kind), for a new kind of girl. Even with his relaxed, straightforward, and easy to understand tone, Bell recognizes the “contentiousness” of his argument, but supplies a wonderful selection of essays to make his point.

The essays explore Hermione in four different categories: “Hermione as Woman,” “Hermione as Scholar,” “Hermione as Warrior,” and “Hermione as Activist.” The book examines issues such as Hermione’s maternity, her effect on Ron and Harry, the role of her intelligence, and just whether or not Hermione actual saves the world.

[Lake County Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a book that gives Hermione the credit she deserves. If she could just get rid of Ron, we'd be set.

-- Sarah, Dyer-Schererville Branch

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, helpful resource for my paper.

[Lynette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Well, some of the essays were really good. In fact, the last essay, "Is Hermione Granger the Real Chosen One?" by Todd S. Waters was the best by far. It was the closest to a scholarly paper, too.

A lot of the essays have major issues with punctuation. Several people misquote the books, which is infuriating. I had to skip one essay altogether because it was so problematic. (For more details, read my progress entries.)

But, overall, it was really thought-provoking. If you have a background in literature or media, this is an intriguing collection. Just be prepared to become frustrated with the errors.

[Bet Ellisium · Rating 3 out of 5]

She did in fact save the world!

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

if i had to read this for my dissertation you can BET i’m adding it towards my reading challenge

(3.5 stars, some essays WENT THERE, but others got a bit repetitive)

[Gmc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hermione Granger Saves the World: Essays on the Feminist Heroine of Hogwarts by Christopher E. Bell.
The book is divided into 5 section with at least 2 essays in each section.
Introduction by Christopher E. Bell with Julie Alexander
Hermione: An Introduction
pg 16. The Filmic Heroine by Julie Alexander
pg 34. "I'm Hoping to Do some Good in the World" Hermione Granger and Feminist Ethics by Atje Gercama
pg 52. The Muggle Hunt by Elizaeth De La Torre
Hermione as Woman
pg. 66 Unstoppable Force: Maternal Power and Feminism by Alexandra Hidalgo
pg. 87 Alohomora! Unlocking Hermione's Feminism by Sarah Margaret Kniesler
Hermione as Scholar
pg. 105 "Books And Cleverness!": Hermione's Wits by Tara Foster
pg. 125 How to Do Things With Magic Words: The Scandal of the Spell-Casting Body by Li Cornfeld
Hermione as Warrior
pg. 142 Hermione Granger Goes to War:A Feminist Reflection on Girls in Conflict by Helen Berents
pg. 163 Hermione Granger: Insufferable Know-It-All or Superhero? by Christine Klingbiel
Hermione as Activist
pg. 181 From Teenage Witch to Social Activist: Hermione Granger as Female Locus by William V. Thompson
pg. 198 Is Hermione Granger the Real Chosen One? by Todd S. Waters

A very interesting read:) 4****

[Constance The Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't heard of this book until I went to the library and asked to know all of the books they had in their feminist section. As soon as the librarian read this title I knew I had to read this book! Hermione is my absolute favorite character and Harry Potter is one of my favorite series so I obviously had to get my hands on this. I'm rating this 4 stars because after a while I started to get very tired of reading some of the essays. They were all very great, but some were just repeating what the one before it was saying and I believe maybe four stood out to me that were my favorites. I would definitely recommend this book! I think the authors gave great examples and opinions about why Hermione is a good feminist and why Hermione is more than just a sidekick.

[Emily Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great essays in here. Everyone seems to speak back to Eliza Dresang's "Hermione Granger and the Heritage of Gender" -- they take into consideration the whole series (which Dresang couldn't do because she wrote her article before the series was complete) and do a lot of very convincing feminist rereadings of Hermione.

Although, the text is riddled with spelling and grammar errors. Someone seriously needs to do a quick clean up of this text.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic companion to the Harry Potter series, especially for English majors like me. Great critical analyses of Hermione Granger, making you appreciate the series in a whole new way.