Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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   sullymonster Teacher
   Community / Jr. College

   As in all of the Harry Potter books, the overwhelming theme is good vs. evil.  Voldemort and the Death Eaters represent the "evil" aspect of humanity, while Harry and his friends represent the "good".  However, in this book, Rowling challenges this theme to make it more complex.  Through Dumbledore, she demonstrates that people can be very "good" and make bad friends and bad decisions that they later regret.  Dumbledore is swayed by Grindevald's theories of wizard dominance, and suggests grabbing power for "the greater good".  He later learns that the ends do not justify any evil means.  Harry is "good" throughout, but he still learns this lesson through his struggle to accept this new information about Dumbledore.

   Another strong theme is selflessness.  Harry makes the ultimate sacrifice in this book, walking forward to die in order to save others.  He accepts the choice willingly.  Neville fits against the evil regime at Hogwarts because he knows it is better for everyone if Voldemort is challenged, even though he could be easily left alone (he is a full wizard, and therefore not a target).  Hermoine gives up her parents, knowing that they will be safer far away, without any memory of her.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/harry-potter-deathly-lesson-middle/

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   Posted by sullymonster on Sunday November 11, 2007 at 11:24 PM