![]() I will then argue that Harry progresses through a figurative death and resurrection cycle in each book, teaching him, in effect, to live and die well. We will then hear various “perspectives on death” from the series’ three most prominent archetypes: the wise old man (Dumbledore), the shadow (Voldemort) and the hero (Harry Potter). All of the subsequent content will be linked to this central symbol. We will begin by exploring the symbol of the phoenix and how it relates to the theme of death. Working primarily in mythological categories, I intend to investigate how Rowling teaches this theme. Ultimately, Rowling wants to teach us that a life lived out of sacrificial love makes death not something to be feared, but “the next great adventure” (Rowling, Sorcerer’s 297). That this theme is central to the books can be seen in the multitude of plot twists, words of wisdom, and symbols, not the least of which is the phoenix, that speak directly to the issue of death. So what does she want us to learn about death? Rowling has said that death is “possibly the most important theme” in the books (Rowling, “Harry Potter and Me”). There is hardly a more universal human experience than death, and its chilling finality has caused fear in not a few hearts and minds. I'd love to hear your responses.įrom The Epic of Gilgamesh to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the question of death has been explored in the pages of literature, not least in mythological works. ![]() I posted this at my blog looking for critical response, and my critical readers didn't show up! I'm looking to expand and improve on this essay.
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