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!!
Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
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.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
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.
Monday, February 6, 2012
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
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!
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.
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.
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