The Lake: Deep psychological waters?

[jodel at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 43609

<< theatresm2002 wrote:


>So --assuming you buy into the idea -- why do only the Firsts need to

>do it?  Is it an initiation rite that can only be done once?  I'm

>guessing that once your unconscious mind has been opened to

>this "Otherworld," you don't have to undergo the "trial by water" bit

>again. >>

Megan adds;

<<I always just thought it was to give them a good view of Hogwarts. From what

I'd gather, the lake would be the best way to get a good look at the castle.

Of course, there could be some greater reference intended (as we all know,

like you said) that JKR has a propensity to use ancient mythology for

paralells in the WW. I'm not sure. I'd like to think there was a better

reason than showing off the school grounds.>>

There are practical reasons for separating out the First years. It delays 
their arrival until the Staff is ready for them. It would be just asking for 
trouble trying to pick the First years out of the madhouse of a whole 
thundering herd of returning students. This way they are neatly syphoned off 
at the station and taken on an "adventure" while the returning students are 
briskly conveyed in horseless cariages to the front door and turned loose to 
find their own way down to the Great Hall and get seated for the Feast.

As to the form the Firsties' "adventure" takes. I would be very surprised 
indeed if a good deal of symboloism ISN'T also being invoked. Those boats not 
only cross the lake, they enter a tunnel and emerge in an underground cavern 
all of which are motifs which can carry heavy symbolic baggage. In fact, I 
wouldn't even be surprised to learn that the statement that the boats hold 
exactly FOUR passengers each is also in accordince with some traditional 
ritual. (Note; we are talking about 4 11-year olds, not 4 adults. Those boats 
are quite small.) 

Note: I see that Jeff brought up the same practical considerations later in 
the same Digest.

-JOdel