Thematic Motifs (Was Is Draco Redeemable?)

[pbnesbit at msn.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 11538

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Ebony Elizabeth Thomas" <ebonyink at h...> 
wrote:
> (First part snipped)
> 
> THEMES
> 
> Perhaps we should lift our eyes for a moment, beyond the 
characters, beyond 
> the setting, beyond the nuts-and-bolts details at the text level 
and 
> consider the Big Picture.
> 
> I'd like to start a new thread here if possible.
> 
> What do *you* think JKR is saying via the Harry Potter books?  From 
reading 
> canon only, what are her themes?  The didactic lessons she wants 
the reader 
> to leave with?  Or do you feel as if the books aren't saying 
anything 
> important or consistent, and are only for entertainment value?
> 
> --Ebony AKA AngieJ (who is refraining from discussing shipping and 
fanfic 
> for a while b/c she's weary of defending those subjects' right to 
exist when 
> so many other just-as-frivolous threads are smiled upon)
> 
> <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
> Ebony AKA AngieJ
> (H/H Special Agent, First Class)

Great post, Ebony!!  

I think JKR's main theme is the importance of friendship.  Those 
relationships that we *choose*.  Harry, Hermione, Ron, Sirius, and 
Remus (and I'd throw Hagrid into the mix, as well) are in a real 
sense, *family* even if they're not related.  I get the sense that 
any one of them would gladly do anything for the rest.  And that's 
what friends do for each other.  

The other theme I think runs throughout the books is that we are free 
to make our own choices in life.  Yes, we are a product of our 
upbringing to a large extent (not to mention our genes) but at the 
end of the day, it's we who have to decide what to do, how to act, 
who to be. 

Both of these themes are important not only to an audience of young 
people, but to us adults as well.  I think we have a lot to learn 
(and admire) from and about Harry and Company.

Peace and Plenty, 

Parker
> 
>