In Harry Potter Voldemort seems some how beyond human. After all, it isn't even up till the 4th book we see Vodemort in a human form. He is introduced with out a body of his own in the 1st book. It isn't even till the 6th book we see his distant past. You know, like when he had a nose. Is this because he isn't supposed to be human? He is just a general symbol of all evil, racist and corrupt in the world or a talented boy who was misguided? I thought it was that he was the later but I think he is more of a symbol. Very few people on earth are just that overall bad. Voldemort symbolizes and magnifies all this evil.
Voldemort is purely evil because he can't love. Dumbledore often criticized Voldemort for not being able to love. He was never loved, so he could never comprehend any power beyond actual power over others. Then again, you could say that this lack of love in such a twisted, yet gifted child was why he couldn't comprehend love and became a monster. Evil is the lack of any love or sympathy to make someone do truly incomprehensible acts of unkindness. Most people have love, either have been loved or loved someone or loved even something, so we wouldn't do the things Voldemort does.
He is also evil because of his fear of death. This fear is caused by his lack of love. In "Deathly Hallows" chapter 32 Voldemort says "Potter will come to me. I
know his weakness, you see, his one great flaw. He will hate watching
the others struck down around him, knowing that it is for him that it
happens. He will stop it at any cost." He doesn't understand why there are people Harry would die for. He fears death more than anything. With out love he never had anyone he would die for, making his own death the worst thing imaginable rather than fearing living with out someone.
J.K Rowling shows he is evil through the Horcruxs. He has split his soul so many times he has gone insane. Every person has the ability to love but he has split up his soul and whatever love was in him got torn apart while spliting his soul. Much like how a broken heart can leave some one love sick, a broken soul leaves Voldemort's ability to love completely dead.
In a way Voldemort is similar to Snape. Snape sort of helped Voldemort
in his way, they both were in Slytherin and they both were odd children
who hated their muggle-side of their family. Snape however loved Lily
and that kept him for becoming power-hungry and emotionless like Voldemort. Voldemort never was so close to anyone because he viewed it as weak. Snape knew Lily was so important to him that saving Lily's son was more important than surviving. Why live forever with no point? Voldemort didn't see this. His only goal was to live, who cares if there is a point?
In the end, whether Voldemort is total evil, or talent gone wrong, he is a warning. Give people a chance, learn to love them. If no one does they can become dangerous. We need to love others or else the only life we will cherish is our own, causing us to protect it to the point of our own destruction. In a way Voldemort is similar to Snape. Snape sort of helped Voldemort in his way, they both were in Slytherin and they both were odd children who hated their muggle-side of their family. Snape however loved Lily and that
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
THE MOST EPICEST HARRY POTTER BLOG POST EVER
In the book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling, the government plays a big role in symbolizing faults in our government today. The government is shown at its weakest point, being unfair to the public, and doing horrible things to citizens based on race and friendliness. After reading it was obvious how many of these situations occur in the real world. When delving in it is obvious how clear Rowling made the connection. Throughout the series you begin to realize when getting deeper how many meanings she left in the words for the reader to infer. The fun is to figure out what threads of evidence you can find to support any secret messages.
J.K. Rowling uses the character Voldemort to portray dictatorship in the world and all the countries that were a part of taking over the government in power. An example from the text is pg. 6 " 'At any rate, it remains unlikely that the Ministry will be mine before next Saturday.' " This is where Voldemort is speaking of the ambush of Harry's traveling plans and of how he is planning to take over the ministry by some point, he just can't yet. He feels like a modern day dictator to me because of the way he uses his power so strongly so people follow under him with no questions and he has the right feel and horrible attitude of one. Libya is the main place that pops into my head when I think about the situation occurring in the book it is basically a plan to completely ambush the ministry/government into having new rule and lose all power. Although Voldemort might seem like he is very happy and faithful to some of his death eaters it seems as though in the end he would leave them all behind and become supreme power.
The character Umbridge and a few others are used to show how the government sides with racism for who knows what in the book and in the real world. This is shown on pg. 260 " 'T-took?' sobbed Mrs. Cattermole. 'I didn't t-take it from anybody. I b-bought it when I was eleven years old. It - it - it - chose me.' She cried harder than ever." This is when Umbridge and Yaxley are survey a woman who is clearly a witch who rightfully got her wand and even if she hadn't the government should no right to kill or imprison someone because of their race. This has definitely happened in our world a lot through history and sadly still occurs in many countries currently. Why should it be the ministries job to punish if you aren't enough pure blood? Why should it be the government or anyone's job to punish you for being black, Spanish, or any race not welcome in the area? Although here it was a mix of racism and government I still think it strongly goes under criticizing the government and the bad ways they've kept up for so long.
J.K. Rowling uses the character Mundugus to show how the ministry uses their power in bad ways. For example on pg. 222 " 'I was selling in Diagon Alley and she comes up to me and asks if I've got a license for trading in magical artifacts. Bleedin' snoop. She was gonna fine me, but she took a fancy to the locket an' told me she'd take it and let me off that time, and to fink myself lucky.' " Here Mundugus the little rat who steals and sells everyone's valuables got away with trouble by bribing Umbridge to take a locket and not get in trouble in return. It so unconstitutional and ungrateful to use the immense power of the government behind you to get things you want. This has happened in the real world too where someone high up in the government will do something like the rape scandal with that man last year with his power and if in trouble not get totally screwed over because of their position.When things like this happen it is the citizens that should get angry and say something against those "full of themselves" people.
I find it extremely interesting how J.K. Rowling chose to show this one trend line of example throughout the book. The places like these is where she is trying to get the reader to dig in deeper and realize the meaning and relation she is trying to show with the world and the book. Where she compared government racism with the ministry's I thought it was really powerful not only because it is such a huge issue in both worlds but because I feel like she really made her point with the different blood people. Go muggles, blood traitors, half-bloods and all the rest!!
J.K. Rowling uses the character Voldemort to portray dictatorship in the world and all the countries that were a part of taking over the government in power. An example from the text is pg. 6 " 'At any rate, it remains unlikely that the Ministry will be mine before next Saturday.' " This is where Voldemort is speaking of the ambush of Harry's traveling plans and of how he is planning to take over the ministry by some point, he just can't yet. He feels like a modern day dictator to me because of the way he uses his power so strongly so people follow under him with no questions and he has the right feel and horrible attitude of one. Libya is the main place that pops into my head when I think about the situation occurring in the book it is basically a plan to completely ambush the ministry/government into having new rule and lose all power. Although Voldemort might seem like he is very happy and faithful to some of his death eaters it seems as though in the end he would leave them all behind and become supreme power.
The character Umbridge and a few others are used to show how the government sides with racism for who knows what in the book and in the real world. This is shown on pg. 260 " 'T-took?' sobbed Mrs. Cattermole. 'I didn't t-take it from anybody. I b-bought it when I was eleven years old. It - it - it - chose me.' She cried harder than ever." This is when Umbridge and Yaxley are survey a woman who is clearly a witch who rightfully got her wand and even if she hadn't the government should no right to kill or imprison someone because of their race. This has definitely happened in our world a lot through history and sadly still occurs in many countries currently. Why should it be the ministries job to punish if you aren't enough pure blood? Why should it be the government or anyone's job to punish you for being black, Spanish, or any race not welcome in the area? Although here it was a mix of racism and government I still think it strongly goes under criticizing the government and the bad ways they've kept up for so long.
J.K. Rowling uses the character Mundugus to show how the ministry uses their power in bad ways. For example on pg. 222 " 'I was selling in Diagon Alley and she comes up to me and asks if I've got a license for trading in magical artifacts. Bleedin' snoop. She was gonna fine me, but she took a fancy to the locket an' told me she'd take it and let me off that time, and to fink myself lucky.' " Here Mundugus the little rat who steals and sells everyone's valuables got away with trouble by bribing Umbridge to take a locket and not get in trouble in return. It so unconstitutional and ungrateful to use the immense power of the government behind you to get things you want. This has happened in the real world too where someone high up in the government will do something like the rape scandal with that man last year with his power and if in trouble not get totally screwed over because of their position.When things like this happen it is the citizens that should get angry and say something against those "full of themselves" people.
I find it extremely interesting how J.K. Rowling chose to show this one trend line of example throughout the book. The places like these is where she is trying to get the reader to dig in deeper and realize the meaning and relation she is trying to show with the world and the book. Where she compared government racism with the ministry's I thought it was really powerful not only because it is such a huge issue in both worlds but because I feel like she really made her point with the different blood people. Go muggles, blood traitors, half-bloods and all the rest!!
Harry Potter epic blog post
In Harry Potter and the deathly Hallows Racism is a reoccurring theme in the book that only specific characters get. House elves, muggleborns, and blood traitors are the characters that have been discriminated by pure-bloods and half-bloods.
House elves are forced to follow wizards every command. People in the wizarding community and world look down on House elves because they look different, they act differently and in there eyes they believe that they are superior compared to Elves. This has been going on for so long that now House elves have been brainwashed into thinking that they should follow wizards orders, that its in there nature. They punish themselves when they do something against there masters exact orders. They are also been brainwashed into thinking that freedom is horrible, and to be free you shouldn’t be alive. House Elves are seen as the lowest class in the wizarding world and really don’t realize that they have powers of there own that they can do there own magic but refuse to free themselves. Almost just like people in the real world who are discriminated for looking different then what is deemed normal by certain people.
MuggleBorns are discriminated against because they are different and are believed that they shouldn’t be a part of the wizard world seeing as though they have no magical blood in them from there parents in the 7th book are said to have stolen there magic from other wizards. Because they are different pure-bloods and some half-bloods look down at muggleborns because they are different but see it as a bad thing. Muggleborns are seen as scum but not to everyone. Pure-bloods believe this for some dumb reasons to make them feel as though they are always going to be on top because there families are pure and both of there parents were a witch and wizard. Almost like how in the real world people are discriminated because of were there families from and were there origins are form or even there customs, jobs, and the way they act.
Blood traitors are discriminated against because they are nice to muggleborns and don’t really care about the social status and the fact that in the minds of purebloods they should not fraternize with the muggleborns or be friends with them. Just because they are pureblood they are believe that they should only hang out with there crowd and no one else. Almost like how people are expected to do something and do the exact opposite. They can be assumed that there going to do one thing and do the exact opposite. They don’t act like there a part of there actual so called social class.
House elves are forced to follow wizards every command. People in the wizarding community and world look down on House elves because they look different, they act differently and in there eyes they believe that they are superior compared to Elves. This has been going on for so long that now House elves have been brainwashed into thinking that they should follow wizards orders, that its in there nature. They punish themselves when they do something against there masters exact orders. They are also been brainwashed into thinking that freedom is horrible, and to be free you shouldn’t be alive. House Elves are seen as the lowest class in the wizarding world and really don’t realize that they have powers of there own that they can do there own magic but refuse to free themselves. Almost just like people in the real world who are discriminated for looking different then what is deemed normal by certain people.
MuggleBorns are discriminated against because they are different and are believed that they shouldn’t be a part of the wizard world seeing as though they have no magical blood in them from there parents in the 7th book are said to have stolen there magic from other wizards. Because they are different pure-bloods and some half-bloods look down at muggleborns because they are different but see it as a bad thing. Muggleborns are seen as scum but not to everyone. Pure-bloods believe this for some dumb reasons to make them feel as though they are always going to be on top because there families are pure and both of there parents were a witch and wizard. Almost like how in the real world people are discriminated because of were there families from and were there origins are form or even there customs, jobs, and the way they act.
Blood traitors are discriminated against because they are nice to muggleborns and don’t really care about the social status and the fact that in the minds of purebloods they should not fraternize with the muggleborns or be friends with them. Just because they are pureblood they are believe that they should only hang out with there crowd and no one else. Almost like how people are expected to do something and do the exact opposite. They can be assumed that there going to do one thing and do the exact opposite. They don’t act like there a part of there actual so called social class.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Draco and Dumbeldore
Through out the book draco has seemed to be a character sworn on making Harrys life a living hell. Dumbledor seemed to almost be like a second father to Harry a person who looked after him and tried to lead him in the path of love and friednship adn to bbe good. Buth dumbledore had secrets of his past that no one knew abou that made harry somewhat thinking that maybe dumbledore shouldn't have been Trusted and Draco was never to be trusted.
Throughout the book both of thes charatcers took a ride with Harry on everyone of his adventures wether to help him or to make sure he failed adn although repeatingly he almsoted failed and through sometihng he manged to succeed. Dumbledore was harrys closest thing to a reall father or a very good friend before siruous. Draco was the absolute most evil thing in hogwarts to Harry and he thought that would never change. Whne dumbledore died that was a turning point in harry's mind saying that he must now take hold of his future and figure out what to do with it because before that he was just trying to survive school and he had dumbledor to help take care of him and keep him safe.Without dumbledore he felt as though he had no one to keep him safe or lead him to safety. No one to protect him anymore.
With draco being slowly led into believing the dark lord is right that Harry should die that theres no other rule but lord voldermorts. He just had to roll with the punches and forced to feel as though he must be something he is not hes forced to be his parents image of the perfect son and voldermorts perfect piece.
In my mind i see this game as a chess gmmae and all the important people are the pieces adn since Harry was little it was dumbledore and voldermort playing the game. But when dumbledore died voldermort believed he won but didnt realize harry was being tain to win the game and not to lose adn it led out to he had to fight this battle on his own whilst voldermort didnt care who he sacrificed as long as he won.
Throughout the book both of thes charatcers took a ride with Harry on everyone of his adventures wether to help him or to make sure he failed adn although repeatingly he almsoted failed and through sometihng he manged to succeed. Dumbledore was harrys closest thing to a reall father or a very good friend before siruous. Draco was the absolute most evil thing in hogwarts to Harry and he thought that would never change. Whne dumbledore died that was a turning point in harry's mind saying that he must now take hold of his future and figure out what to do with it because before that he was just trying to survive school and he had dumbledor to help take care of him and keep him safe.Without dumbledore he felt as though he had no one to keep him safe or lead him to safety. No one to protect him anymore.
With draco being slowly led into believing the dark lord is right that Harry should die that theres no other rule but lord voldermorts. He just had to roll with the punches and forced to feel as though he must be something he is not hes forced to be his parents image of the perfect son and voldermorts perfect piece.
In my mind i see this game as a chess gmmae and all the important people are the pieces adn since Harry was little it was dumbledore and voldermort playing the game. But when dumbledore died voldermort believed he won but didnt realize harry was being tain to win the game and not to lose adn it led out to he had to fight this battle on his own whilst voldermort didnt care who he sacrificed as long as he won.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Ms. R's question #3
Why do you think that JKR created the characters of the house elves? (Think across all books.)
Ms. R's Question #2
Think about the different combinations characters have of both wealth and blood status are in the series. What do you think JKR is trying to say through them?
Ms. R's Question #1
What is your analysis of Draco as a character?
- Why did JKR create him?
- What kind of future do you think he has? How is that connected to Dumbledore's final act of grace towards him?
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Significance of Numbers
I think throughout the series, J.K. Rowling used a lot of symbolism through numbers. For example, the Deathly Hallows are three objects that are extremely important in Wizard lore--one might even call them holy. Could this be an allusion to another holy trio? And what about the horcruxes? Voldemort planned on splitting his soul into seven, which is known as a lucky or magical number. When he killed the Potters, he unknowingly created an extra horcrux (Harry). So, in the end, his soul was split into eight pieces. However, only seven ever existed at any one time. There's also seven years of Hogwarts, seven books, and seven is the age when a child should show magical talent (says Rita Skeeter). In Jewish culture, seven symbolizes human existence--the days of work and the day of rest combined into one week. Eight symbolizes going beyond what's human, beyond a physical existence--like the eighth day of the week (which doesn't physically exist).
I think J.K. Rowling is trying to say that when Voldemort split his soul another time, he was no longer human, no longer truly existing as a person. He wasn't technically possible, yet still real and living. If you think about it mathematically, splitting his soul in half left him with half a soul, then a fourth, and so on, leaving him with 1/128th of a soul. That's not even one percent of a soul--dangerously close to being soulless, like being kissed by a dementor.
Many could argue this is a coincidence, but J.K. Rowling planned a series with seven books. Not five, not three, but seven. I think this was a significant and conscious decision. Especially with the success of the books, you'd think Rowling might have chosen to write more about Harry and his friends. But through everything, she stuck to a trusty set of seven.
What other numbers are symbolic in HP7? Where else is the number seven mentioned? Do seven and eight have other meanings in culture? Tell me what you think!
Amanda Grad
I think J.K. Rowling is trying to say that when Voldemort split his soul another time, he was no longer human, no longer truly existing as a person. He wasn't technically possible, yet still real and living. If you think about it mathematically, splitting his soul in half left him with half a soul, then a fourth, and so on, leaving him with 1/128th of a soul. That's not even one percent of a soul--dangerously close to being soulless, like being kissed by a dementor.
Many could argue this is a coincidence, but J.K. Rowling planned a series with seven books. Not five, not three, but seven. I think this was a significant and conscious decision. Especially with the success of the books, you'd think Rowling might have chosen to write more about Harry and his friends. But through everything, she stuck to a trusty set of seven.
What other numbers are symbolic in HP7? Where else is the number seven mentioned? Do seven and eight have other meanings in culture? Tell me what you think!
Amanda Grad
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Wand of Elder, Never Prosper
Our main debate is who the hero really is in the Harry Potter series. I think that it’s Harry. While Snape and Dumbledore and really all of the other characters all helped him become the wizard he was, it was Harry who made the biggest choices. Saving Malfoy’s life when they’d hated each other for seven years. Approaching Snape as he was dying. But the biggest difference, what truly separates him from Voldemort, and what always separates good from evil, is what he decided to do with power once he had it.
At the end of the book, Harry is the owner of the Elder Wand. Voldemort spent the entire seventh book searching for the Wand, and when he got it he used it to kill. Harry, on the other hand, simply put the wand down, and repaired his own. To do that takes a lot. Harry was holding enormous power. The question is, before his own wand was broken, or even just before he defeated Voldemort, would he have done the same? Or would he have kept it?
If he had kept it, though, I don’t think he’d have gone the same way as Voldemort. And that is the difference between the two of them. Tom Riddle came from a place where he wasn’t loved, as did Harry. They were both fascinated by magic, and loved Hogwarts as the home they’d never had. They were both popular. But Tom, unlike Harry, never loved his friends, and being in Slytherin, he was cunning. He wanted power. His grandfather, Marvolo Gaunt, was entirely anti-muggle, and his own father was prejudiced against wizards. This combined for a strong hate that his parents had left him in the orphanage.
Harry, on the other hand, though an orphan as well, loved his friends, and was a Gryffindor. He was brave. And his parents were unprejudiced, and loved him, unlike Riddle’s. He had good memories of them, unlike Riddle, who had none. As Dumbledore says, it’s our choices that make us who we really are. And choices are influenced by our experiences. Harry has a more positive past, and Riddle’s….well, thinking back to his life at the orphanage and his background, it’s not altogether surprising the way he turned out.
What happened to Albus Dumbledore?
Albus Dumbledore was probably one of the best characters in the Harry Potter series. He was a mentor/teacher, a brother, and a friend. He was smart, clever, wise, and altogether brilliant. That's why when we (the on the edge of our seats, Harry Potter lovers/audience) were shocked by the accusations made about his past, and the fact that he could possibly be one of those "for the greater good" wizards. You know, as in a believer in wizards ruling over Muggles. Or the fact that he allowed his squib sister to be locked up in the basement of his home by his mother.
The young Albus Dumbledore was a brilliant student, respected and loved by his peers, which isn't that from how it was for him when he was older. His love for Muggles was very obvious to everyone, so it was quite a shock to read his letter to Grindelwald about how they should go about taking over the Muggles. We see throughout the seventh book, Harry questions his faith in Dumbledore and whether he really knew him. But Harry really shouldn't be judging Dumbledore for something he did when he was younger. When we're young, we make stupid and foolish choices that we later come to regret. We've all done something when we were younger that we regret and ask ourselves,"Why did I do that?"
Dumbledore is no exception. Harry seems most frustrated with the fact that he knew really nothing about Dumbledore and that he had put all of his faith into him. We all mess up in life. We all make decisions that we later regret, so why should Harry act like Dumbledore is any different. Should we really judge Dumbledore for his decisions as a young man or should we realize that everyone makes mistakes and just except Dumbledore as the lovable old man we knew him as?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Ministry of Dark Tales
In the book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," by J.K. Rowling, Harry and his friends reveal a lot of issues in the world while traveling all over that are relevant to issues that happen in the real world. One of the big things that a lot of flaws are shown is the government (The Ministry of Magic). The parts where it is brought up in the book I think J.K. Rowling is trying to say that things are down falling in the wizarding world and it then also says something about our government and society without blaming, but making you read through the lines.
An example from the text is on page 243, " 'You realize that I am on my way downstairs to interrogate your wife, Cattermole? In fact, I'm quite surprised you're not down there holding her hand while she waits. Already given her up as a bad job, have you? Probably wise. Be sure and marry a pureblood next time.' " Here it shows people with higher power in the government taking advantage of other people with their power. He is also a deatheater who now works for the government which isn't good because then it is showing that other bad people are gaining power over the lower people and taking over. I find this type of act disgusting because you are supposed to be trusted and good and here is threatening someone with his authority if the man doesn't help him. This also gives me a cold feeling inside because I am scared of what he might do to this man's wife and with the deatheaters taking over people won't have any chance of doing something not permitted by these villains.
All of the issues that the government and wizarding world face in this book are very representative of our current problems. Using power to control and threaten people is one thing that definitely does happen in real life. There are many stories that are brought up on the news of where someone with a lot of power would get someone to do something for them by saying who they are and maybe even forcing them into doing it. Also, not necessarily in America, another issue that I have heard about in our world is overtaking/overthrowing governments. One real example is where people overthrew government power in Libya and when taking notes on government in Harry Potter it kept on popping up in my head because of such close similarities. I think J.K. Rowling made intentional choices to bring up issues that really do happen with government, racism, and other topics to say how she sees it going on.
The Courage of Fright- Harry Potter And the Deathly Hallows
I am reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling. In the last book of this series Harry, Ron, and Hermione are sent on a mission by Dumbledore in which they can't tell anyone what they are doing. On page 210 Lupin offers to go on the mission with them to help protect them, he says he doesn't want to know what the mission is (but of course if they want to tell him he will accept.) But in this book Lupin has also been married to Nymphadora Tonks which on page 212 we find out is going to have a baby. Harry yells at Lupin for trying to abandon his family when they need him. He says it is because he feels horrible for bringing another werewolf into the world.
Why I think Lupin would leave his child to be with and protect Harry is because he hasn't met his child yet. And to him Harry is like a son, I mean he taught him how to fight off dementors! He feels a connection to him, and he knows Harry cares for him. But with a new child he is afraid they will hate him for making them a werewolf and giving them such a hard life, and he doesn't want this. Lupin is scared to be brave, he doesn't want to put himself out there and be rejected.
Its like for everyone in the world. In their personal and professional (school/work) life. The feeling of rejection is horrible embarrassing and filled with regret. Whether its in school when you raise your hand with answer and the teacher says its wrong, or whether you ask someone out and they say no. This is just part of life and our minds stretch them out making them these horrible things. But really the teacher is glad you tried and the person you asked out is flattered. So Lupin's son or daughter will realize he is my father he loves me and I am his blood it doesn't matter. Or even the child won't be mad. Lupin is scared!
Why I think Lupin would leave his child to be with and protect Harry is because he hasn't met his child yet. And to him Harry is like a son, I mean he taught him how to fight off dementors! He feels a connection to him, and he knows Harry cares for him. But with a new child he is afraid they will hate him for making them a werewolf and giving them such a hard life, and he doesn't want this. Lupin is scared to be brave, he doesn't want to put himself out there and be rejected.
Its like for everyone in the world. In their personal and professional (school/work) life. The feeling of rejection is horrible embarrassing and filled with regret. Whether its in school when you raise your hand with answer and the teacher says its wrong, or whether you ask someone out and they say no. This is just part of life and our minds stretch them out making them these horrible things. But really the teacher is glad you tried and the person you asked out is flattered. So Lupin's son or daughter will realize he is my father he loves me and I am his blood it doesn't matter. Or even the child won't be mad. Lupin is scared!
Death
Death is an immensely important topic that comes up many different times throughout this book. A very big part of it is "living after death" or the contributions if you will of a person after they have already died as well as keeping faith in them. There is also the whole idea of mastering death. Mastering death comes up with both Voldemort as well as the nicer characters in the book.
The biggest example of a character contributing to the story, even after death was Dumbledore. He gave Harry the quest to find and destroy all of the horcruxes that were created by Voldemort. Harry had to keep faith in Dumbledore that he was correct and that Dumbledore knew what he was doing. Dumbledore's impact was felt way after his death in the form of Harry's quest and he was vital, maybe even more so than Harry in the downfall of Voldemort. He may have made some mistakes in his life, but he was devoted to stopping the dark arts and was a vital character, even in death. He even gives Harry some vital advice after he is dead and he got respect from most of the other characters.
Dumbledore isn't the only character that played a big role after death though. Surprisingly, Lily Potter, Harry's mom, played a huge role in this book. Lily is the reason that Snape was such a good character in this book. Without her influence and his continued love of her, Snape would never have been the hero that he was. If there weren't this tie between Lily and Snape, none of the plans that Dumbledore created would have worked and Voldemort would have stomped all over the wizardry world. Another key character after death was Dobby the house elf. Digging Dobby's grave is a key time for Harry. It helps him realize how foolish he was being by doubting Dumbledore and helped him get his head straight. The emotional shock of Dobby dying helped push Harry back into the right frame of mind which was key to the story.
The biggest example of a character contributing to the story, even after death was Dumbledore. He gave Harry the quest to find and destroy all of the horcruxes that were created by Voldemort. Harry had to keep faith in Dumbledore that he was correct and that Dumbledore knew what he was doing. Dumbledore's impact was felt way after his death in the form of Harry's quest and he was vital, maybe even more so than Harry in the downfall of Voldemort. He may have made some mistakes in his life, but he was devoted to stopping the dark arts and was a vital character, even in death. He even gives Harry some vital advice after he is dead and he got respect from most of the other characters.
Dumbledore isn't the only character that played a big role after death though. Surprisingly, Lily Potter, Harry's mom, played a huge role in this book. Lily is the reason that Snape was such a good character in this book. Without her influence and his continued love of her, Snape would never have been the hero that he was. If there weren't this tie between Lily and Snape, none of the plans that Dumbledore created would have worked and Voldemort would have stomped all over the wizardry world. Another key character after death was Dobby the house elf. Digging Dobby's grave is a key time for Harry. It helps him realize how foolish he was being by doubting Dumbledore and helped him get his head straight. The emotional shock of Dobby dying helped push Harry back into the right frame of mind which was key to the story.
When Harry and Hermione went to Godric's Hollow, Harry saw what was written on his parents tombstones which disgusted him. The tombstones said "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,". This reminded Harry of Voldemort's obsession of Mastering Death. I think he is not correct here and that he unfairly made this connection.
In Harry's parents case, mastering death meant that death was just the next step. The only way to truly defeat death is to not dread it or try to resurrect those who have been stolen by it, but is to continue to love those that have passed away, even if they aren't alive.
In Voldemort's case however, mastering death meant becoming immortal. He tried to achieve this by creating horcruxes and obtaining the Elder Wand (Deathstick, Wand of Destiny, etc.), one of the hollows. Death and Dumbledore were the only two things that Voldemort was afraid of.
Death is a very important topic to follow in this book.
Ron and harry
I just read the part in the book in which Harry and Ron have a BIG argument. This isn't the first time it has happened. This is the second time and the first time was in the 4th book. In the fourth book, Ron was jealous of harry's fame. Now Ron is angry at him AND hermione because he thinks that they don't care about him. Harry was also mad because all Ron did was sit around being lazy and begging for food.
This is a major point in the final book. This is because the moment can decide whether or not Harry and Hermione can confide and trust in Ron at all. The moment where we find out if Ron is Harry's actual friend. It's also a big part because ron was Harry's first ever friend. The blow could easily affect his future decisions and how he acts, his futre emotions, and he acts out overall basically.
This is a crucial moment in the final moment and leaves me with questions. How does Harry end up feeling about this. Is he Guilty? Angry? How is Hermione feeling about this? Sad? Frustrated? How is RON feeling? Confused? I am going to be looking for this in the future pages of this book.
This is a major point in the final book. This is because the moment can decide whether or not Harry and Hermione can confide and trust in Ron at all. The moment where we find out if Ron is Harry's actual friend. It's also a big part because ron was Harry's first ever friend. The blow could easily affect his future decisions and how he acts, his futre emotions, and he acts out overall basically.
This is a crucial moment in the final moment and leaves me with questions. How does Harry end up feeling about this. Is he Guilty? Angry? How is Hermione feeling about this? Sad? Frustrated? How is RON feeling? Confused? I am going to be looking for this in the future pages of this book.
Fear of Death
This book very obviously demonstrates the two polar opposites of good and evil: Harry is good, and Voldemort is evil. But while the book demonstrates this theme very clearly, I don't entirely agree with it. Yes, I think Voldemort is evil, but I don't think the Death Eaters are. While the Death Eaters have done evil things, what I think is most important is what drives them to do what they do.
I find to be very easy to pinpoint the Death Eaters as evil people without giving much thought to it. They have committed many evil deeds, deeds that virtually cannot be forgiven. They are the followers of true evil. But how much of their lifestyle was their choice? When Voldemort first came to power, before Harry was even born, the people of the wizarding world only had two choices: you either had to be with him, or against him. I can see why the Death Eaters thought that to ally with Voldemort was safer way to go. It was the safer choice, but it was not the right choice. The Death Eaters are not evil for siding with Voldemort. The only thing that the Death Eaters really are are cowards.
In retrospect, though, being a Death Eater is not that safe either. If any Death Eater does not carry out what Voldemort has wished, they do face certain death. That is why I believe that it is fear that is the true root of the Death Eater's actions, not evil. They fear death. Fear of death is why they commit those evil deeds. Fear of death is why they joined Voldemort in the first place. They were afraid of Voldemort, and they still are afraid of Voldemort. But when you look back even further, it turns out that if Voldemort did not fear death, he never would have became who he was. So is it fear of death that drives people to do evil things? And does doing evil things automatically make someone evil?
I find to be very easy to pinpoint the Death Eaters as evil people without giving much thought to it. They have committed many evil deeds, deeds that virtually cannot be forgiven. They are the followers of true evil. But how much of their lifestyle was their choice? When Voldemort first came to power, before Harry was even born, the people of the wizarding world only had two choices: you either had to be with him, or against him. I can see why the Death Eaters thought that to ally with Voldemort was safer way to go. It was the safer choice, but it was not the right choice. The Death Eaters are not evil for siding with Voldemort. The only thing that the Death Eaters really are are cowards.
In retrospect, though, being a Death Eater is not that safe either. If any Death Eater does not carry out what Voldemort has wished, they do face certain death. That is why I believe that it is fear that is the true root of the Death Eater's actions, not evil. They fear death. Fear of death is why they commit those evil deeds. Fear of death is why they joined Voldemort in the first place. They were afraid of Voldemort, and they still are afraid of Voldemort. But when you look back even further, it turns out that if Voldemort did not fear death, he never would have became who he was. So is it fear of death that drives people to do evil things? And does doing evil things automatically make someone evil?
For the greater good
"We sieze control FOR THE GREATER GOOD." Dumbledore says this in a letter to Grinewald. Although he was young, he did believe this. That phrase can be the most scary thing that you will ever hear. If Taking over the muggle world is for the greater good, I am highly disturbed. What is quite so good about ruling over other beings. People that can use magic are just like people that can't use it but with powers.
What exactly does for the greater good mean? Is it for the well being of everyone or is it what you think that is? My opinion is that the greater good is a benefit that everyon likes. Some may not agree but I think that killing Osama Bin Laden was for the greater good. He was a tyrant and nothing bad happened because of it.
There is one huge flaw in for the greater good. Bad people think they are doing things for the greater good. Hitler thought that wiping out the jews was for the greater good. Was it? I think that Voldemort Believes what he's doing is for the greater good. It's all a matter of opinion. Whether that opinion is good or bad, it is not easy to define what is for the greateer good.
What exactly does for the greater good mean? Is it for the well being of everyone or is it what you think that is? My opinion is that the greater good is a benefit that everyon likes. Some may not agree but I think that killing Osama Bin Laden was for the greater good. He was a tyrant and nothing bad happened because of it.
There is one huge flaw in for the greater good. Bad people think they are doing things for the greater good. Hitler thought that wiping out the jews was for the greater good. Was it? I think that Voldemort Believes what he's doing is for the greater good. It's all a matter of opinion. Whether that opinion is good or bad, it is not easy to define what is for the greateer good.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Sneaky Uncertainty of Voldemort.
Through out the Harry Potter series, Voldemort always seems to have this very mysterious quality about him that makes him terrifying. No one ever knows how power he is. Is he alive, is he dead? Is he even human? This is especially relevant in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" because Voldemort becomes so powerful, but no one knows exactly how powerful because he works through various people rather then just going out and just shouting "hey world, I'm back, I'm in charge of the ministry of magic and if you aren't pure blood you are going to die." Obviously I'm kidding, but really, if he wanted to he could tell everyone he was in charge and no one could do anything about it because he has the ministry under his control.
Instead of openly killing all the muggles and muggle-borns, the ministry passes laws putting anyone who is muggle born through a trial which will most likely have them end up in Askaban. There is no real proof that Voldemort is behind this, though as the reader it seems safe to assume. That however is the problem, you are assuming, not certain. In life, when something is not certain the imagination is left to wander and wonder. Much more powerful then solid facts even if the facts work against you. Solid facts you can hold on to and figure things out with. Uncertainty is no help. The wizards aren't sure who is on Voldemort's side and who they can trust so no one can help them. Then, there is whispered gossip about Voldemort. I think that gossip is just uncertainty in a more real form. A form that can be passed on and changed causing misinformation. Like when you are little and play "telephone." You start with one word but end with another. I think Voldemort knows this and won't go out and say what the word is but passes it around knowing that it will change and become more deadly.
Instead of openly killing all the muggles and muggle-borns, the ministry passes laws putting anyone who is muggle born through a trial which will most likely have them end up in Askaban. There is no real proof that Voldemort is behind this, though as the reader it seems safe to assume. That however is the problem, you are assuming, not certain. In life, when something is not certain the imagination is left to wander and wonder. Much more powerful then solid facts even if the facts work against you. Solid facts you can hold on to and figure things out with. Uncertainty is no help. The wizards aren't sure who is on Voldemort's side and who they can trust so no one can help them. Then, there is whispered gossip about Voldemort. I think that gossip is just uncertainty in a more real form. A form that can be passed on and changed causing misinformation. Like when you are little and play "telephone." You start with one word but end with another. I think Voldemort knows this and won't go out and say what the word is but passes it around knowing that it will change and become more deadly.
Seeing Red
Earlier today, I talked about my views as Harry as a person in the seventh book. This goes somewhere far different than the issues of government, racism, etc. However, it does tie in with the issues revolving around characters such as Dumbledore and Snape. These people have changed Harry, and his perspective on the world. In fact, every character in Harry Potter has affected his outlook on life. Even the tiniest, most irrelevant characters have had something to say that makes Harry think in a different way than before.
This charges full steam ahead in "The Deathly Hallows". His views are being changed. Harry is a 17 year old boy, being pressured to drop everything he has and fight against the dark arts. He is hormonal, young and moody. I can't say I blame him, but something about his characterization in the seventh book makes me cringe. He goes from this sweet, although slightly naive, boy in his Uncle's cupboard to this brooding, angry man. From the very first book, his eyes open to a world that he never knew existed- that he couldn't ever have dreamed of. But at this point in time, the air Harry gives off is so unappealing to me.
It's not even something I can place, exactly. It's just the way J.K. Rowling writes him in general. Everything he says, and the description following seems to have this tight, arrogant feeling to him. It isn't a specific line, but it's the way he treats other characters. Even Lupin, who is his elder and someone he used to respect immensely, is someone he told off in a less than kind fashion. His attitude is growing strongly irritating. He flips out due to information on Dumbledore's past, when all their conversations had been about Harry. As someone in the book club said, there were more important things going on. Fighting the Dark Lord seems to take an infinitely huge priority about a few months of funk Dumbledore went through when he was 17.
In conclusion, there isn't one piece of textual evidence I can use to support this. It's just the general aura you get (or I get) from reading the seventh book. Such as with Romeo, you get that he's sensitive, gentle and naive. With Harry, I get that he's (currently) angry, irritated and arrogant.
This charges full steam ahead in "The Deathly Hallows". His views are being changed. Harry is a 17 year old boy, being pressured to drop everything he has and fight against the dark arts. He is hormonal, young and moody. I can't say I blame him, but something about his characterization in the seventh book makes me cringe. He goes from this sweet, although slightly naive, boy in his Uncle's cupboard to this brooding, angry man. From the very first book, his eyes open to a world that he never knew existed- that he couldn't ever have dreamed of. But at this point in time, the air Harry gives off is so unappealing to me.
It's not even something I can place, exactly. It's just the way J.K. Rowling writes him in general. Everything he says, and the description following seems to have this tight, arrogant feeling to him. It isn't a specific line, but it's the way he treats other characters. Even Lupin, who is his elder and someone he used to respect immensely, is someone he told off in a less than kind fashion. His attitude is growing strongly irritating. He flips out due to information on Dumbledore's past, when all their conversations had been about Harry. As someone in the book club said, there were more important things going on. Fighting the Dark Lord seems to take an infinitely huge priority about a few months of funk Dumbledore went through when he was 17.
In conclusion, there isn't one piece of textual evidence I can use to support this. It's just the general aura you get (or I get) from reading the seventh book. Such as with Romeo, you get that he's sensitive, gentle and naive. With Harry, I get that he's (currently) angry, irritated and arrogant.
The Media=The Masters of Manipulation
As I continue reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I have noticed that J.K. Rowling uses issues she sees in real-life in the Harry Potter books. For example, Voldemort's rise of power is VERY similar to Hitler's Nazi regime during the Holocaust/World War II. I think the character Rita Skeeter shows J.K. Rowling's portrayal of the media.
As we already know, Rita Skeeter has published countless lies about Harry, (especially during HP and the Goblet of Fire and HP and the Order of the Phoenix. So why is Harry believing her every word in the book The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore?
She is manipulating Dumbledore's past. According to Merriam-Webster, to manipulate means to to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage. Rita only cares about publicity and money. Sometimes, she doesn't lie about things, but she is an excellent manipulator.
He had trusted Dumbledore, believed him the embodiment of goodness and wisdom. All was ashes....
"-but don't forget, Harry, this is Rita Skeeter writing."
"You did read that letter to Grindewald, didn't you?"
"Yes, I- I did...."
"I thought you'd say 'They were young.' They were the same age as we are now. And here we are, risking our lives to fight the Dark Arts, and there he was, in a huddle with his new best friend, plotting their rise to power over the Muggles." (pg 361)
Harry had trusted Dumbledore completely. He had idolized Dumbledore as if he were, you could say, "God." But the more information he hears about Dumbledore, such as his friendship with the notorious wizard Grindewald and his attempt to "rise to power," the less faith he has in him. This was so unlike him. Harry is angry and unsure whether to trust him or not. Hopefully Harry will come to his senses and realize that Dumbledore has made up for his "shady" past.
As we already know, Rita Skeeter has published countless lies about Harry, (especially during HP and the Goblet of Fire and HP and the Order of the Phoenix. So why is Harry believing her every word in the book The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore?
She is manipulating Dumbledore's past. According to Merriam-Webster, to manipulate means to to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage. Rita only cares about publicity and money. Sometimes, she doesn't lie about things, but she is an excellent manipulator.
He had trusted Dumbledore, believed him the embodiment of goodness and wisdom. All was ashes....
"-but don't forget, Harry, this is Rita Skeeter writing."
"You did read that letter to Grindewald, didn't you?"
"Yes, I- I did...."
"I thought you'd say 'They were young.' They were the same age as we are now. And here we are, risking our lives to fight the Dark Arts, and there he was, in a huddle with his new best friend, plotting their rise to power over the Muggles." (pg 361)
Harry had trusted Dumbledore completely. He had idolized Dumbledore as if he were, you could say, "God." But the more information he hears about Dumbledore, such as his friendship with the notorious wizard Grindewald and his attempt to "rise to power," the less faith he has in him. This was so unlike him. Harry is angry and unsure whether to trust him or not. Hopefully Harry will come to his senses and realize that Dumbledore has made up for his "shady" past.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Closer Than You Think
In the book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," by J.K. Rowling, you see that the good wizards of the wizarding world all look out for Harry and each other and would risk their lives for one another. The Order comes up with such a well-devised plan to help Harry safely leave the Dursley's before he turns seventeen. With people like this at my side I would feel very safe and happy to know that they cared for my safety. Wouldn't it feel good having someone to always be by your side? All of them have a great friendship where they can be very serious and on top of the mission they are trying to accomplish or have lots of fun being silly and joking around.
For example on page 82, " 'But don't be silly!' said Mrs. Weasley. 'The whole point of tonight was to get you here safely, and thank goodness it worked.' " Here it is saying that all of them were hurt injured or had a close encounter for him. For him to say he doesn't want them to risk themselves for him anymore they obviously won't agree after what they had been through. I really like the fact that all of them really want each person to be fine and get what they need done without trouble. Another thing that I got really sad about was when Mad-Eye died because he was such a great wizard that had never done anything to deserve it but he was prepared to go down rather than Harry. Although Harry may always hate them helping him out I think it is very important for them to guard him because he is such an important part in taking down their biggest threat, Lord Voldemort.
All of the ideas brought up here can be related to real life relationships and issues that occur. They are like a brotherhood in the real world where people gather and form an allegiance where they will attack people to protect each other and to stay together. When it is at points in the book where they all have fun together it just feels like currently in school when there are groups of kids that stick together socially and can also physically. What do they make you think of in the real world?
Sacrifice- For the Greater Good
As I read other people's responses to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, many claim that Harry is arrogant, self-centered, or even conceited. They claim that he has "too much pride" because he is the "chosen one." But is it truly arrogance that forces him to believe that he must be the one to defeat Voldemort? Or is there another force deep down that is his motivation to defeat Voldemort once and for all? Sacrifice.
Merriam-Webster defines sacrifice as destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else. Voldemort's main goal is to find Harry and kill him, for he is Voldemort's only threat. Voldemort will do whatever it takes. "I won't blast people out of my way just because they're there," says Harry. "That's Voldemort's job." (pg. 71) On a larger level, Voldemort not only wants to kill Harry, but take over the Muggle and Wizarding World. Harry knows that his life is not the only one on the line. He's always looking for a way to protect others and lead them to safety because his life matters just as much as anyone else's.
These acts of self-lessness and justice are similar to when Lily, Harry's mother, tried to sacrifice her own life for Harry. Dumbledore claimed that this type of "magic" was more powerful than any spell in the world. It is also similar to when Mad-Eye Moody, Hagrid, Lupin, and other aurors, along with Harry's friends, risked their lives to safely "escort" Harry to the Burrow. Some could even go as far to say that when Dumbledore drank the potion in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, he risked his life for the greater good.
Unless, people think that Harry is "showing an offensive attitude of superiority," Harry does not have the time to sit down and think things through. Sometimes, he must act on his own accord. He must take charge, despite what others might say. (People might mistake this for arrogance.) And whether he likes it or not, Harry was "selected" to be the "chosen one." The only way to defeat this obstacle is to assume his role of leadership. And even though he may pay a heavy price for being a leader, Harry is willing to do it for the greater good of society.
-Eleni Broadwell 811
Merriam-Webster defines sacrifice as destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else. Voldemort's main goal is to find Harry and kill him, for he is Voldemort's only threat. Voldemort will do whatever it takes. "I won't blast people out of my way just because they're there," says Harry. "That's Voldemort's job." (pg. 71) On a larger level, Voldemort not only wants to kill Harry, but take over the Muggle and Wizarding World. Harry knows that his life is not the only one on the line. He's always looking for a way to protect others and lead them to safety because his life matters just as much as anyone else's.
These acts of self-lessness and justice are similar to when Lily, Harry's mother, tried to sacrifice her own life for Harry. Dumbledore claimed that this type of "magic" was more powerful than any spell in the world. It is also similar to when Mad-Eye Moody, Hagrid, Lupin, and other aurors, along with Harry's friends, risked their lives to safely "escort" Harry to the Burrow. Some could even go as far to say that when Dumbledore drank the potion in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, he risked his life for the greater good.
Unless, people think that Harry is "showing an offensive attitude of superiority," Harry does not have the time to sit down and think things through. Sometimes, he must act on his own accord. He must take charge, despite what others might say. (People might mistake this for arrogance.) And whether he likes it or not, Harry was "selected" to be the "chosen one." The only way to defeat this obstacle is to assume his role of leadership. And even though he may pay a heavy price for being a leader, Harry is willing to do it for the greater good of society.
-Eleni Broadwell 811
When is it time for Avada Kedavra?
On page 70-71 (chapter five) Haarry and Lupin have a argument on
whether or not Harry should have used the disarming spell against the
death eaters or a more violent spell.
"Lupin looked aghast. 'Harry, the time for disarming is past! These people are trying to capture and kill you! At least stun if you aren't prepared to kill!'
'We were hundreds of feet up! Stan's not himself, and if I Stunned him and he'd fallen, he'd have died the same as if I used Avada Kedavra! Expelliarmus saved me from Voldemort a few years ago,' Added Harry defiantly" and on page 71
"'So you think I should have killed Stan Shunpike?' said Harry angrily.
'Of course not,' said Lupin, 'but the Death Eaters- frankly, most people- would have expected you to attack back!"
It seems clear that this is a debate deeper then spells. I think that J.K Rowling is showing both sides of the argument for and against using violence in self-defense, in short it seems she is referencing war. The argument ends with Harry saying "I won't blast people out of my way because they are they're there. That's Voldemort's job." To me this means that you shouldn't kill people (like in war) because they are fighting for the "bad guys" whether it be the death eaters or a army. If you kill people because they are killing people then that sort of defeats the purpose. But is it worth it to save more people?
I would say that because of how the conversation between Lupin and Harry ended that J.K Rowling agrees with Harry, that you can't fight fire with fire but in the end Harry kills Voldemort. Though sort of unintentionally but he still dies (I'll write about that later.) So she can't be totally anti-violence. It's like she is saying that you can't kill tons of people because like in a war many of these people are innocent but if you have to kill the source of the violence then it is okay. Like in World War 2, the Nazis were soldiers under the influence of Hitler. Hitler is like lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters are like Nazi. So was it right to go to war and kill these solders to stop Hitler from killing people?
I understand what she is saying and I think that the concept of war is wrong. I mean killing people for what? Money? Power? In those cases war is unnecessary. However in a situation like World War 2 or Voldemort, it is necessary. Until the day there is world peace and no one tries to kill anyone, it is better to kill death eaters/nazis who are going to kill huge populations of people then to let death eaters/nazis live and kill the entire muggle/Jewish population.
What I find really interesting is that when Voldemort dies the wizards celebrate. Much like how when Osama Bin Laden died many Americans and 9/11 victims celebrated. Is it just human nature that when someone who seemed so evil dies that we celebrate. Even Voldemort had some human in him. Was it wrong for them to celebrate? Should anyone be killed for killing?
"Lupin looked aghast. 'Harry, the time for disarming is past! These people are trying to capture and kill you! At least stun if you aren't prepared to kill!'
'We were hundreds of feet up! Stan's not himself, and if I Stunned him and he'd fallen, he'd have died the same as if I used Avada Kedavra! Expelliarmus saved me from Voldemort a few years ago,' Added Harry defiantly" and on page 71
"'So you think I should have killed Stan Shunpike?' said Harry angrily.
'Of course not,' said Lupin, 'but the Death Eaters- frankly, most people- would have expected you to attack back!"
It seems clear that this is a debate deeper then spells. I think that J.K Rowling is showing both sides of the argument for and against using violence in self-defense, in short it seems she is referencing war. The argument ends with Harry saying "I won't blast people out of my way because they are they're there. That's Voldemort's job." To me this means that you shouldn't kill people (like in war) because they are fighting for the "bad guys" whether it be the death eaters or a army. If you kill people because they are killing people then that sort of defeats the purpose. But is it worth it to save more people?
I would say that because of how the conversation between Lupin and Harry ended that J.K Rowling agrees with Harry, that you can't fight fire with fire but in the end Harry kills Voldemort. Though sort of unintentionally but he still dies (I'll write about that later.) So she can't be totally anti-violence. It's like she is saying that you can't kill tons of people because like in a war many of these people are innocent but if you have to kill the source of the violence then it is okay. Like in World War 2, the Nazis were soldiers under the influence of Hitler. Hitler is like lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters are like Nazi. So was it right to go to war and kill these solders to stop Hitler from killing people?
I understand what she is saying and I think that the concept of war is wrong. I mean killing people for what? Money? Power? In those cases war is unnecessary. However in a situation like World War 2 or Voldemort, it is necessary. Until the day there is world peace and no one tries to kill anyone, it is better to kill death eaters/nazis who are going to kill huge populations of people then to let death eaters/nazis live and kill the entire muggle/Jewish population.
What I find really interesting is that when Voldemort dies the wizards celebrate. Much like how when Osama Bin Laden died many Americans and 9/11 victims celebrated. Is it just human nature that when someone who seemed so evil dies that we celebrate. Even Voldemort had some human in him. Was it wrong for them to celebrate? Should anyone be killed for killing?
I think that Harry Potter shows what a true hero is. In many different ways, despite the fact he has suffered a lot. i don't think anyone can support losing their parents. Getting treated badly by the only family left to him. And just having a lousy lie no child would want to have. But harry still stands through it all and survivges the treacherous deeds and i think that bravery, strength, nerve, and courage makes what Harry is, a true hero.
Living in a life full of parents is miserable. No one to comfort you. No one to feed you a hot dinner in front of you. I think this shows strength and bravery. Living with his miserable cousin and aunt and uncle is another living nightmare. Forced to live as though he doesn't exist, is messed up. But the fact that they constantly bully him in such way is messed up. I think it shows strnegth, courage, nerve, and bravery to live like that for about 10 years.
I think i can connect to people around the world. who have to constantly deal with the way people treat them everyday. And it can be about anything. Weight, Looks, etc. I think we should all treat each other equally and be strong like Harry Potter is!
Living in a life full of parents is miserable. No one to comfort you. No one to feed you a hot dinner in front of you. I think this shows strength and bravery. Living with his miserable cousin and aunt and uncle is another living nightmare. Forced to live as though he doesn't exist, is messed up. But the fact that they constantly bully him in such way is messed up. I think it shows strnegth, courage, nerve, and bravery to live like that for about 10 years.
I think i can connect to people around the world. who have to constantly deal with the way people treat them everyday. And it can be about anything. Weight, Looks, etc. I think we should all treat each other equally and be strong like Harry Potter is!
Voldemort is a racist
I feel like the Harry Potter series has a lot of racism hidden in it. We hear terms like "pureblood" and "mudblood" and "blood traitors" used to classify characters and how much of a wizard they are (if that makes sense). Think about the house elves also. They were unfairly treated and used as slaves by wizards. Remember Dobby? He was a house elves to the Malfoys and they treated him terribly. He could even say anything against them in fear of being beaten or punished. This kind of makes me think of slavery way back in history. It was kind of the same deal.
I feel like Voldemort is a really interesting character to look at in the case of racism. His father was a Muggle (a non magical person) and his mother a witch. She tricked his father into falling in love with her and having Tom Riddle (aka Voldemort) and then he left her. Because of this Voldemort had a terrible childhood which caused his hatred of Muggles and those who are pureblood. He sorta reminds me of Hitler. Hitler was a guy who had warped views of the world and wanted to destroy those who were not of the "pure race". And Voldemort wants to have a pure race of people (I mean wizards). This connection is very strong in their believe for wanting a pure race of people. I always felt like Voldemort was just really someone who didn't understand the Muggles or because of his father and rough childhood choose to be an evil person. Do you remember how he pretty much brainwashed people into believe the pure bloods were the superior race (like Hitler with the Nazis) and they all (or most of them) just believed him? I find this to be a very strong connection between these two figures.
I think we see racism the most in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. During this book we see the persecution of mudbloods and halfbloods. Their trials and how they are treated. I think that maybe we should all see that this really does connect to the real world and not just with my Hitler analysis with Voldemort. This has happened again and again and I think that J.K. Rowling has done a good job showing an example of this.
I feel like Voldemort is a really interesting character to look at in the case of racism. His father was a Muggle (a non magical person) and his mother a witch. She tricked his father into falling in love with her and having Tom Riddle (aka Voldemort) and then he left her. Because of this Voldemort had a terrible childhood which caused his hatred of Muggles and those who are pureblood. He sorta reminds me of Hitler. Hitler was a guy who had warped views of the world and wanted to destroy those who were not of the "pure race". And Voldemort wants to have a pure race of people (I mean wizards). This connection is very strong in their believe for wanting a pure race of people. I always felt like Voldemort was just really someone who didn't understand the Muggles or because of his father and rough childhood choose to be an evil person. Do you remember how he pretty much brainwashed people into believe the pure bloods were the superior race (like Hitler with the Nazis) and they all (or most of them) just believed him? I find this to be a very strong connection between these two figures.
I think we see racism the most in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. During this book we see the persecution of mudbloods and halfbloods. Their trials and how they are treated. I think that maybe we should all see that this really does connect to the real world and not just with my Hitler analysis with Voldemort. This has happened again and again and I think that J.K. Rowling has done a good job showing an example of this.
Protected- Harry Potter 7
Pg.33
"Once I'm seventeen, the protective charm that keeps me safe will break, and that exposes you as well to me."
In this paragraph Harry is talking to the Dursleys about a charm his mother put on him. When Harry was 1 years old and Voldemort came to kill him and his parents, his mom basically protected him from Voldemort and when she did so a charm was put on Harry out of eternal love. But when Harry turns seventeen the charm will break, and he will be no longer safe. So he is explaining this to the Dursleys saying Voldemort will come after him the second he turns 17 and if he can't find him he will torture the Dursleys into fessing up.
I found this interesting, how after all the Dursleys did to Harry he would still want to protect them. It's like what Harry's mother did for him. The fact that knowing someone died because you didn't go to the lengths that you could of to save them. If Harry's mother had just stayed away from Voldemort how would she feel for the last seconds of her life knowing her son had died because she didn't have the courage to protect him.
Its funny how one thing affects another. And what if the roles were reversed? Would the Dursleys do this for Harry? What is real love? Harry doesn't 'love' the Dursleys! They have treated him horribly throughout the past years! But he knows they are family, and it might not feel like it but they are connected. Harry had a mother that he may not of known but had a very strong connection to! And Aunt Petunia had a sister (Harry's mother) who she hated for being a wizard and taking away the spotlight from her, but thats like a big fight you still love each other.
"Once I'm seventeen, the protective charm that keeps me safe will break, and that exposes you as well to me."
In this paragraph Harry is talking to the Dursleys about a charm his mother put on him. When Harry was 1 years old and Voldemort came to kill him and his parents, his mom basically protected him from Voldemort and when she did so a charm was put on Harry out of eternal love. But when Harry turns seventeen the charm will break, and he will be no longer safe. So he is explaining this to the Dursleys saying Voldemort will come after him the second he turns 17 and if he can't find him he will torture the Dursleys into fessing up.
I found this interesting, how after all the Dursleys did to Harry he would still want to protect them. It's like what Harry's mother did for him. The fact that knowing someone died because you didn't go to the lengths that you could of to save them. If Harry's mother had just stayed away from Voldemort how would she feel for the last seconds of her life knowing her son had died because she didn't have the courage to protect him.
Its funny how one thing affects another. And what if the roles were reversed? Would the Dursleys do this for Harry? What is real love? Harry doesn't 'love' the Dursleys! They have treated him horribly throughout the past years! But he knows they are family, and it might not feel like it but they are connected. Harry had a mother that he may not of known but had a very strong connection to! And Aunt Petunia had a sister (Harry's mother) who she hated for being a wizard and taking away the spotlight from her, but thats like a big fight you still love each other.
Protected- Harry Potter 7
Pg.33
"Once I'm seventeen, the protective charm that keeps me safe will break, and that exposes you as well to me."
In this paragraph Harry is talking to the Dursleys about a charm his mother put on him. When Harry was 1 years old and Voldemort came to kill him and his parents, his mom basically protected him from Voldemort and when she did so a charm was put on Harry out of eternal love. But when Harry turns seventeen the charm will break, and he will be no longer safe. So he is explaining this to the Dursleys saying Voldemort will come after him the second he turns 17 and if he can't find him he will torture the Dursleys into fessing up.
I found this interesting, how after all the Dursleys did to Harry he would still want to protect them. It's like what Harry's mother did for him. The fact that knowing someone died because you didn't go to the lengths that you could of to save them. If Harry's mother had just stayed away from Voldemort how would she feel for the last seconds of her life knowing her son had died because she didn't have the courage to protect him.
Its funny how one thing affects another. And what if the roles were reversed? Would the Dursleys do this for Harry? What is real love? Harry doesn't 'love' the Dursleys! They have treated him horribly throughout the past years! But he knows they are family, and it might not feel like it but they are connected. Harry had a mother that he may not of known but had a very strong connection to! And Aunt Petunia had a sister (Harry's mother) who she hated for being a wizard and taking away the spotlight from her, but thats like a big fight you still love each other.
"Once I'm seventeen, the protective charm that keeps me safe will break, and that exposes you as well to me."
In this paragraph Harry is talking to the Dursleys about a charm his mother put on him. When Harry was 1 years old and Voldemort came to kill him and his parents, his mom basically protected him from Voldemort and when she did so a charm was put on Harry out of eternal love. But when Harry turns seventeen the charm will break, and he will be no longer safe. So he is explaining this to the Dursleys saying Voldemort will come after him the second he turns 17 and if he can't find him he will torture the Dursleys into fessing up.
I found this interesting, how after all the Dursleys did to Harry he would still want to protect them. It's like what Harry's mother did for him. The fact that knowing someone died because you didn't go to the lengths that you could of to save them. If Harry's mother had just stayed away from Voldemort how would she feel for the last seconds of her life knowing her son had died because she didn't have the courage to protect him.
Its funny how one thing affects another. And what if the roles were reversed? Would the Dursleys do this for Harry? What is real love? Harry doesn't 'love' the Dursleys! They have treated him horribly throughout the past years! But he knows they are family, and it might not feel like it but they are connected. Harry had a mother that he may not of known but had a very strong connection to! And Aunt Petunia had a sister (Harry's mother) who she hated for being a wizard and taking away the spotlight from her, but thats like a big fight you still love each other.
Second Chances
I think that the importance of second chances comes up often and is an important theme in this book. We see it in a couple of places and affects a couple of the major characters in this book. It affects Snape, Dumbledore, and even Draco Malfoy a little later in the book. Earlier in the series, in the Goblet of Fire, some of the characters speak of Dumbledore and his unusual belief in second chances.
One glaring example of second chances in this book is Snape. In his case, Dumbledore gave him a second chance as he believed that Snape, although a former Death Eater, changed. He became one of the heroes in this book which is interesting because most of us grew to dislike him throughout the books. Later in this book, we learn that he totally changed and centered his life around protecting Harry after Lord Voldemort killed Harry's mom Lily. This character change showed us a lot about how Dumbledore is right and that some people do deserve second chances. It also showed how wise Dumbledore is because Snape was invaluable to Dumbledore throughout the books as a spy against Lord Voldemort and the protector of Harry. It is interesting how JK Rowling painted Snape as a villain and was hated by Harry throughout the series.
Later in the book, there is a scene where Harry took what he learned from Dumbledore and put it into action. When Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Hermione, Ron, and Harry were in the Room of Requirement together, Crabbe or Goyle released Fiendfyre (sorry, I don't remember which). When this happened, Hermione and Ron were able to escape, but Malfoy was not so lucky. Despite everything that Malfoy had done to Harry throughout the books, Harry gave him a second chance and saved him. I think that this really showed the type of character that Harry is and how Dumledore had an amazing influence on the decisions that Harry made. Would you have saved Malfoy? (NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
And finally we have Dumbledore. There is the book The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore written by Rita Skeetter that tests Harry's faith in Albus Dumbledore. A big question that is brought up at this point in the book is the question of if Harry will give Dumbledore a second chance and try to follow through on what he planned for him. Harry had to trust Dumbledore and the fact that he knew what he was doing and believe that Dumbledore was able to change from his youth. Would you have been able to if you were Harry?
(By the way have you guys noticed how quickly Harry seems to forgive people? Example: Ron)
One glaring example of second chances in this book is Snape. In his case, Dumbledore gave him a second chance as he believed that Snape, although a former Death Eater, changed. He became one of the heroes in this book which is interesting because most of us grew to dislike him throughout the books. Later in this book, we learn that he totally changed and centered his life around protecting Harry after Lord Voldemort killed Harry's mom Lily. This character change showed us a lot about how Dumbledore is right and that some people do deserve second chances. It also showed how wise Dumbledore is because Snape was invaluable to Dumbledore throughout the books as a spy against Lord Voldemort and the protector of Harry. It is interesting how JK Rowling painted Snape as a villain and was hated by Harry throughout the series.
Later in the book, there is a scene where Harry took what he learned from Dumbledore and put it into action. When Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Hermione, Ron, and Harry were in the Room of Requirement together, Crabbe or Goyle released Fiendfyre (sorry, I don't remember which). When this happened, Hermione and Ron were able to escape, but Malfoy was not so lucky. Despite everything that Malfoy had done to Harry throughout the books, Harry gave him a second chance and saved him. I think that this really showed the type of character that Harry is and how Dumledore had an amazing influence on the decisions that Harry made. Would you have saved Malfoy? (NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
And finally we have Dumbledore. There is the book The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore written by Rita Skeetter that tests Harry's faith in Albus Dumbledore. A big question that is brought up at this point in the book is the question of if Harry will give Dumbledore a second chance and try to follow through on what he planned for him. Harry had to trust Dumbledore and the fact that he knew what he was doing and believe that Dumbledore was able to change from his youth. Would you have been able to if you were Harry?
(By the way have you guys noticed how quickly Harry seems to forgive people? Example: Ron)
The Chosen One - Unfairly Chosen
I think Harry has been unfairly thrown into the role he has in the Wizarding world. At age eleven, he discovers that he is meant to save the world from Voldemort. Imagine being told that when you were eleven years old. He wants to be a normal teenager, but it simply isn't possible. Dumbledore talks to him about his destiny, and everyone expects big things from him. The fact that he has an eye for trouble doesn't help much, either. He gets thrown into it, and doesn't know to leave it alone. From the first book, and on. People actually encourage him- Dumbledore giving him the Invisibility Cloak, Fred and George giving him the Marauder's Map, Sirius encouraging him to have adventures. He takes their advice, and gets into huge trouble, but doesn't stop. This is because he enjoys it.
Harry knows he has a big role to play in the course of history, and that thought goes to his head and inflates his ego. He's been through and survived so many things, he's grown overconfident, and doesn't know when to stop. People's faith in him become blind, because they're so used to seeing the Boy Who Lived saving the day. And their disappointment is even bigger when they discover his flaws. "We though you knew what you were doing!" Ron says to Harry. Even his best friend thinks that the Chosen One always has a plan. And the reason Ron left was because he didn't.
Harry comes face to face with his flaws over the course of the seventh book, as they're looking for Horcruxes. He constantly repeats that Dumbledore hadn't told him anything, he was unsure, he didn't know, didn't know....I think Harry might have been thinking himself to be slightly invincible at Hogwarts. During the fifth book especially, they make comparisons between school and the real world. For his entire wizarding career, Harry has been at Hogwarts, at school. The real world is completely different. He doesn't know what to do, and his uncertainty overwhelms him. He depends on Ron and Hermione to help him, but when they can't, and especially when Ron leaves, he begins to fall apart.
Harry knows he has a big role to play in the course of history, and that thought goes to his head and inflates his ego. He's been through and survived so many things, he's grown overconfident, and doesn't know when to stop. People's faith in him become blind, because they're so used to seeing the Boy Who Lived saving the day. And their disappointment is even bigger when they discover his flaws. "We though you knew what you were doing!" Ron says to Harry. Even his best friend thinks that the Chosen One always has a plan. And the reason Ron left was because he didn't.
Harry comes face to face with his flaws over the course of the seventh book, as they're looking for Horcruxes. He constantly repeats that Dumbledore hadn't told him anything, he was unsure, he didn't know, didn't know....I think Harry might have been thinking himself to be slightly invincible at Hogwarts. During the fifth book especially, they make comparisons between school and the real world. For his entire wizarding career, Harry has been at Hogwarts, at school. The real world is completely different. He doesn't know what to do, and his uncertainty overwhelms him. He depends on Ron and Hermione to help him, but when they can't, and especially when Ron leaves, he begins to fall apart.
Jealousy and Friendship
Of course, Harry and Ron have been best friends since their first year in Hogwarts, but that is not to say that they have always been friends, or that they never fought. Nobody's friendship is like that. There are always some rough patches. For Harry, the first time he and Ron fought was in their fourth year when Harry entered the Triwizard Tournament. Later in the book, Hermione reveals that Ron was, well, pissed off because he was totally jealous of Harry because of all the attention he was getting. Now, it has happened again, only that Ron thinks that Hermione prefers Harry to him.
There's a saying that i have heard before, " You must love someone as much as you hate them."
Now, i'm pretty sure that that can apply to the moment when Harry says he felt a corrosive anger towards Ron, it was like something had broken between them." Of course, they really seem to have a really strong connection, that only has one weakness. Jealousy. Both times both have fought it's because Ron fells small, overshadowed when compared to Harry, not to mention that he's been overshadowed by most of his brothers in the family.
Anyways, what i'm trying to say is that jealousy is something that can cause more disaster between two people than a bomb, because it seems to be the only thing that can penetrate the bond of friendship, and everyone shouldn't feel jealous of others, they should be happy and satisfied with what they have and own.
There's a saying that i have heard before, " You must love someone as much as you hate them."
Now, i'm pretty sure that that can apply to the moment when Harry says he felt a corrosive anger towards Ron, it was like something had broken between them." Of course, they really seem to have a really strong connection, that only has one weakness. Jealousy. Both times both have fought it's because Ron fells small, overshadowed when compared to Harry, not to mention that he's been overshadowed by most of his brothers in the family.
Anyways, what i'm trying to say is that jealousy is something that can cause more disaster between two people than a bomb, because it seems to be the only thing that can penetrate the bond of friendship, and everyone shouldn't feel jealous of others, they should be happy and satisfied with what they have and own.
Through Harry's Eyes
This book being the final book in the series, all of my perceptions of the characters and the ideas in this book are pretty solid. But rereading this book made me wonder: How much of our perceptions of really come from us? How does reading this book in Harry’s point of view make us view things differently from how we would normally view them?
For example, Draco Malfoy is a very commonly hated character throughout the entire series. I know that I have hated him since the very beginning. But as I continued to reread this book, my thoughts of him have started to change. In the very first chapter of the book, when you are not seeing things through Harry’s eyes, Draco comes off as a very feeble character in need of help. I almost feel bad for him. But a still hold something against him for what he did in the past books. On the other hand, though, his actual actions that resulted from bad influences, compared to what he has had to face, his past actions don’t seem to look that bad after all.
I also believe that we look upon Harry in somewhat of a glorified way since we read the book through Harry’s eyes. Harry can get somewhat conceited over being the “chosen one”. For example, when Ron and Hermione suggest that Harry should stay home since he is under so much danger, he just replies with “Fine, I’ll stay here. Let me know if you ever defeat Voldemort, won’t you?” (page 231). I find this to be arrogant, like Ron and Hermione wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything without him.
In the end, I just think it would be really cool to read this series through another characters’ point of view, like Draco Malfoy’s, or maybe even Snape’s. I think it would change my perception of most of the characters and ideas in this book quite drastically.
Symbols in Society
In culture, there are certain symbols that stand out as something your brain connects to immediately. The swastika, for example, inspires fear for some, and rage for others. A red hand tells you to stop - it's not something you think about. It's an impulse. After however many years, people grow accustomed seeing certain things. Your mind instantly infers based on what you're seeing. This also happens with names. Even if one is not speaking about a specific person of fame or power, your mind will jump to them. For example, those with the first name Barack will forever be connected with Barack Obama.
In Harry Potter, names and symbols are very much feared. Powerful wizards use insignias to represent a group or culture- and more often than not, this group will not be kind. In class on Friday, we talked about relating the Deathly Hallows badge with the swastika. I think they're connected not only with the whole Grindelwald / Hitler similarities, but also the feelings it inspires. Viktor Krum is very largely offended by the symbol of the Deathly Hallows- near ready to duel Xenophillius Lovegood for simply wearing it. As the holocaust was a large part of world history, the mere symbol of Nazi regime is something that can be frightening, or can be absolutely rage-inspiring. It is considered unspeakable to draw it on bathroom walls or simple graffiti. Not just because of the doodle itself, but because of the horrendous history that accompanies it. It stands for a period of racial prosecution, unbelievable horrors and abuse and concentration camps.
J.K. Rowling not only connects the Deathly Hallows with a simple child's tale, but something that is feared across the globe. She takes it and puts it into "wizard terms" by transforming World War ii. into a period of death lead by a powerful dark wizard. She translates it, but the core is still the same. The swastika and the Deathly Hallows symbol still connect with the fear that is implanted behind it.
In Harry Potter, names and symbols are very much feared. Powerful wizards use insignias to represent a group or culture- and more often than not, this group will not be kind. In class on Friday, we talked about relating the Deathly Hallows badge with the swastika. I think they're connected not only with the whole Grindelwald / Hitler similarities, but also the feelings it inspires. Viktor Krum is very largely offended by the symbol of the Deathly Hallows- near ready to duel Xenophillius Lovegood for simply wearing it. As the holocaust was a large part of world history, the mere symbol of Nazi regime is something that can be frightening, or can be absolutely rage-inspiring. It is considered unspeakable to draw it on bathroom walls or simple graffiti. Not just because of the doodle itself, but because of the horrendous history that accompanies it. It stands for a period of racial prosecution, unbelievable horrors and abuse and concentration camps.
J.K. Rowling not only connects the Deathly Hallows with a simple child's tale, but something that is feared across the globe. She takes it and puts it into "wizard terms" by transforming World War ii. into a period of death lead by a powerful dark wizard. She translates it, but the core is still the same. The swastika and the Deathly Hallows symbol still connect with the fear that is implanted behind it.
Past and Present
I've noticed that there is a lot of talk about Dummbledore's past and what kind of person he truly was. My question is: does it matter what someones past is or who they are in the present? Dumbledore is supposed to have some dark past filled with secrets and lies. Even if that is what he was, think about who he became. Dumbledore was a wise and brilliant man. It doesn't matter if someone was a bad person back in the day. If they are now someone who can tell you wrong from right and control themselves that is who you are supposed to judge.
Take Robert Downey Jr. for example. He used to be a raging addict and now he has been clean for a number of years. It's easy to do bad things in your life and it's also easy to do good things in your life. The part that is difficult is redeeming yourself after you've done bad things. In order to judge someone, no one should look at who the person was in the past. The person must be judged now that they are a brand new person.
Snape was always considered a bad character in the Harry Potter book series, and then you learn about his past. This does contradict my earlier statements and I realize that. If you look at someone and think they are a bad person their past should also be checked out. To be fair, I have to say that past can trump present. Snape had every right to be resenful of Harry. His father was a jerk to him and stole his one true love on top of that. So all in all, it can be ufair to judge someone based on theirpast but if that past has hardships, I believe second chances are due.
Take Robert Downey Jr. for example. He used to be a raging addict and now he has been clean for a number of years. It's easy to do bad things in your life and it's also easy to do good things in your life. The part that is difficult is redeeming yourself after you've done bad things. In order to judge someone, no one should look at who the person was in the past. The person must be judged now that they are a brand new person.
Snape was always considered a bad character in the Harry Potter book series, and then you learn about his past. This does contradict my earlier statements and I realize that. If you look at someone and think they are a bad person their past should also be checked out. To be fair, I have to say that past can trump present. Snape had every right to be resenful of Harry. His father was a jerk to him and stole his one true love on top of that. So all in all, it can be ufair to judge someone based on theirpast but if that past has hardships, I believe second chances are due.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Reading Plan
All book club meetings will take place during one of your double periods on FRIDAYS. Here is the reading breakdown:
For Friday 1/27: Read pages 1-200
For Friday 2/3: Read pages 201-404
For Friday 2/10: 405-588
For Friday 2/17: Complete book
Blog posts are due, as usual, on Wednesdays, and can cover anything that you have read so far in Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows.
At our final meeting, I will be giving you an excerpt of an official, published essay about Harry Potter. Your final, epic blog post must incorporate this essay in some way: it can be a response to the essay or it can use an excerpt from the essay as support for one of your own theories about the book.
Wednesday 2/29 (Leap Day!): Final, epic blog post due on this blog.
Wednesday 3/7: Back to blogging on your own
For Friday 1/27: Read pages 1-200
For Friday 2/3: Read pages 201-404
For Friday 2/10: 405-588
For Friday 2/17: Complete book
Blog posts are due, as usual, on Wednesdays, and can cover anything that you have read so far in Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows.
At our final meeting, I will be giving you an excerpt of an official, published essay about Harry Potter. Your final, epic blog post must incorporate this essay in some way: it can be a response to the essay or it can use an excerpt from the essay as support for one of your own theories about the book.
Wednesday 2/29 (Leap Day!): Final, epic blog post due on this blog.
Wednesday 3/7: Back to blogging on your own
Group Blog Requirements
While you are epically re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, you are excused from your personal blog and will be posting on this blog instead. The requirements here are to:
- Write one post per week that furthers our in class discussions or covers something that we did not have time to discuss during our meetings. This blog is a place to discuss the things we may not get a chance to talk about in class. There should be very limited retell, as we've all read the series! Use plenty of specific references, though.
- Be an active commenter. Your requirement is the same as the rest of the class: you must comment on two posts per week. Comments should continue the conversation.
- Try to write in a way that invites a response from readers. If your original post doesn't ask a question or pose an idea that is thought provoking or controversial, chances are people won't choose your post to comment on.
- Post additional comments (long or short) to exceed standards.
- Use labels so that our collective thoughts are loosely organized. Before you post, look at the labels that have already been used, and if you can use the existing ones. For example, there shouldn't be one label called "Harry" and another called "Harry Potter." In ELA terms, we call that "redundant"!
- As much as I love the film versions, this is a book club! All references must be made to the book!
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