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 

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?

  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!

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

   

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.

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.

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

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!

You will have one final "epic post" due once we are finished with the book. I will explain more about that later.