Horrible to Write?

[bugaloo37]

No: HPFGUIDX 42044

In HPforgrownups "David P." <davidp at i..> wrote:  > ...and I believe 
book 7 will have a fallen hero (a difference between British and 
American literature>

It took me a while to come up with a response-but I think I got one.  
There are several examples in British literature especially in the 
works of Charles Dickens-in which the central character-a child has a 
miserable childhood-and is at some point given an opportunity for a 
better life (for example- Oliver Twist, David Copperfield). To 
destroy Harry after having such a miserable early childhood would be 
the equivalent of Dickens' saying in "A Christmas Carol", "Scrooge 
did all he could - but Tiny Tim died anyway."  IMO, it would not only 
be heartbreaking but also a poor literary ending to a fine series of 
books.  BUT- you might say that Dickens did kill off his heroes 
sometimes- as he did in A Tale of Two Cities-HOWEVER, the character 
who sacrifices himself had little to look forward to- a miserable 
existence without the woman he loves.  Harry will be 17 years old in 
the seventh book-with a full life in front of him.  Letting him enjoy 
a quiet and peaceful life would be the ultimate triumph over evil.  
bugaloo37