Literary Symbolism in PoA

[samnjodie <englishatjodie@hotmail.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 51952


A friend and I were discussing a possible symbol employed by Rowling 
that we both really really like.

We think that the Dementors, and the effect that they have over a 
person, is a symbol of depression and the effect that it has over a 
person.

* When have been under the influence of a Dementor, chocolate is 
given to them to make them feel better - and it works, until (when 
and if) the influence of a Dementor returns.

* It was said that being under the influence of a Dementor feels 
like "[the person] would never be cheerful again".  

* A person under the influence of a Dementor relives all the bad 
things that have happened to them over and over again and they forget 
everything in their lives that was worth living for.  Eventually in 
Azkaban they die, not because the Dementors themselves have killed 
them, but because they stop eating and they have lost their will to 
live.

* The Dementors have a greater effect on those who have suffered more 
(those who have more negative things to recall).


And these are just, vaguely-put, the similarities that I can remember 
off the top of my head.

What do you all think?  If she did this unpurpose, then I am thrilled 
with Rowling.  What a wonderful way to explore such a complicated, 
but common, phychological problem that effects children and teenagers 
as well as adults!

- Jodie :)