OOP: Re: the phoenix as thematic device

[Sayuri]

No: HPFGUIDX 62297

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Mary" <marycter at e...> wrote:
> As a Druidess, I am most fascinated by the Pagan and mythic themes 
> Ms. Rowling puts into her story-line. This theme is the central core 
> of Christianity, and also central to the Arthurian sagas. Discuss? :>


I've often been struck by the use of the phoenix by Rowling. As we all
know, the phoenix is a symbol of regeneration and rebirth. Yes, there
are many great stories/belief structures which place the idea of
rebirth at their core -- is this another? 

Thus far, the only person I've seen so far "come back from the dead"
as it were, is Lord Voldemort (although we can easily argue that he
wasn't really "dead", I think incoporeal qualifies). Is this the only
character we will see who will, like Fawkes, rise from the  proverbial
(an literal) ashes? It is very tempting to speculate about other
characters who will wind up on Harry's doorstep (I've seen everyone
from James and Lily to Cedric Diggory come back in fanfiction). I've
never given these possiblities any serious thought until the symbol of
the phoenix was thrown in my face yet again in this book. I just can't
help thinking: what is Rowling really getting at? Why is the group of
witches/wizards opposing Voldemort called the Order of the "Phoenix",
anyway, when Voldemort is the only one so far who has pulled off a
rebirth? Are they striving simply for Voldemort's downfall, or for the
return of someone else? 

Sayuri