The Philosopher's Stone (Was: PS/SS Title Change)

[alison.williams]

No: HPFGUIDX 55861



>--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Ibot Bracchae-Breves 

><ibotsjfvxfst at y...> wrote:

>

>'I now await the jury's verdict with a pounding heart. If people are 

>interested I can go on to explain further symbology. If not I'm sure 

>I'll get to hear about it!

>

>Hans'

>

>I for one would *love* to hear more.  I have always been interested 

>in the symbolism behind the HP stories (having had an interest in 

>mythology, Jungian psychology, alchemy, etc. for quite some time) and 

>your point of view sounds quite different and interesting.

>

>Bill


I've always felt that there was a great deal in these books that could be
read as spiritual/religious symbolism but have met mostly with blank stares
when I've mentioned this to people!  I know that such topics can be
problematic at times so I hope it can be discussed here and that it won't
cause any problems.

I'd also agree with Hans that this is only one way of reading the books, and
that they work excellently on several different levels.

I've recemtly read John Granger's book The Hidden key to HP and found it
fascinating even if I think he stretches some points a little past credulity
at times to draw out what he sees as Christian symbolism.  However I
couldn't read the ending of CoS again after reading his book without the
symbolism seeming to leap out at me.

Basically for those who haven't read Granger my notes of what he is saying
are -

Harry is everyman
Ginny is Innocence
Riddle/Voldemort is Satan
The Basilisk is Sin
Dumbledore is God 
Fawkes the Phoenix is Christ
Phoenix Song is Holy Spirit
Gryffyndor's Sword is 'the Sword of Faith/Spirit' 
The Chamber is the World and
Hogwarts is Heaven

More info at

http://www.ev90481.dial.pipex.com/harry_potter_granger.htm

I should emphasise I am not saying this is *the only* or *the right* way to
read it but it does seem rather neat doesn't it?  

This is my first post BTW and I'm quite prepared for it to be bounced back
if its felt to be inappropriate.

Alison