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Did J.K Rowling ever explicitly talk about the allegorical nature of the Potter series?


Despite literary analysts' constant claims, JRR Tolkien insisted that his (LOTR series) books are not commentaries on class warfare, racism, the world wars etc. and that they are purely self-contained mythologies, irrespective of people's analyses and speculation, saying:




As for any inner meaning or "message", it has in the intention of the author none. It is neither allegorical nor topical.... I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence.
I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think that many confused "applicability with "allegory"; but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author.
— J.R.R Tolkien



J.K Rowling's Potter series certainly contain a large slew of ideas, themes, characters and stories that definitely fit the bill of commentary on society or societal phenomena (the media, political corruption, class warfare, slavery, racism etc.). Some go further than being allegory and almost being surrogates for topical commentary (the same way Star Trek used aliens as surrogate ethnic minorities to talk about race issues, which would have been taboo otherwise, at the time).


My question is whether this has ever been discussed, mentioned or otherwise confirmed by J.K Rowling herself. If yes, the more varied and numerous the sources, the better (i.e. not just one interview).




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