Aug 03, 2007 23:38
..and since I'm in a writing mood tonight, I'll keep going until it's all out or my fingers become numb. This may be several different posts since I have several subjects to discuss.
First on my list: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
*~Please note: the following paragraphs contain spoilers~*
I finished reading this book today after two long days. The ending seemed a bit predictable, but not at all disappointing. I love dark characters but I will always root for good to win. With that in mind,I wish to discuss my confusion over why Christians are so opposed to Harry Potter books. If anything, book 7 eclipses C.S. Lewis's allegories by a long shot: the all-knowing, all wise Dumbledore has a 'master plan' and sets up Harry as a sacrifice for the benefit of 'the greater good'. Harry doesn't know this at first and sets out on the path Dumbledore has laid out for him. He has many uncertainties, constantly finding himself getting angry at Dumbledore for not trusting him with all the things Harry thinks he should know. Once Snape, the wildcard 'Judas' figure, reveals Dumbledore's plan to him, Harry bravely goes to meet his fate in hopes of saving the world. It doesn't seem to be an accident that Harry meets Dumbledore between life and death at a place called 'King's Cross' either. Finally, after meeting with Dumbledore, Harry returns from the dead to save the world.
I'm not saying that I think all of the books are 'Christian' or religious, but it's difficult to deny in some aspects that the reference is there.
What I liked about the book:
Neville Longbottom. I'm glad the final horcrux was destroyed by him and not by Harry, Ron, or Hermione. It seemed only fitting that Neville played this part since his loss by Voldemort's hand was equally as devastating as Harry's.
Dumbledore's fall from grace. He becomes more fascinating as it is revealed that he isn't so god-like and flawless after all. His lust for power made him beautifully and tragically human.
My favorite character of all of the books -- Snape. His death was one of two parts that made me want to cry. Snape, of course, did not like Harry and was merely protecting him out of his love for Harry's mother. This little point didn't matter; ultimately, it was enough to show Snape as a strange sort of hero. Snape's reaction to Dumbledore's news that Harry's death was necessary, though, was intriguing. It wasn't surprising that Snape died. His piece of the puzzle finally fit; he had no other part to play in the story.
The fact that Sirius and Dumbledore were actually dead and no 'tricks' were involved.
What I disliked:
The epilogue. While it was nice to know what happens to the characters later on in their lives, this seemed a bit unnecessary and strange. It's kind of sad to think of Harry as grown up with kids of his own. Then again, life comes full circle.
The ever present feeling that 'Dumbledore knows'.
The confusing explanation of the Elder Wand. I still can't quite figure that one out.
Pettigrew's death. I was really thinking there would be a little more out of that one.
Last fleeting impressions:
The Percy angle seemed a bit thrown together and a bit odd.
The loss of one of the Weasley twins was probably the hardest death next to Snape's.
Lastly, I'm glad Harry made it to the end.