Unspoken Dreams: A Psychological Reading of Hermione and the Mirror of Erised

Abstract

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the magical Mirror of Erised serves as a powerful symbol, providing readers with deep insights into the characters who interact with it. The inscription on the Mirror suggests that rather than simply reflecting individuals as they truly are, it reveals their strongest desires. In this book, both Harry Potter and Ron Weasley catch glimpses of their imagined selves, while Hermione Granger is excluded from this experience. This paper aims to explore Hermione's exclusion by envisioning her reflection in the Mirror, drawing inspiration from her characterization in the first five books. By utilizing the symbolism of the Mirror and its reflective properties, I will discuss Hermione's desires and how they shape her actions and responses to the world. This framework will facilitate a dialogue that centers on Hermione Granger, allowing for new interpretations of her character. My goal is to present vibrant and progressive representations of Hermione through feminist approaches to knowledge and critique. I am particularly interested in how Hermione's desires influence her behavior and interactions, especially considering her role as a gendered and racialized character within the adventure narrative, which creates complex desires that manifest throughout the text.