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)

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.