OOP: Re: the phoenix as thematic device

[goodfeelinggal23]

No: HPFGUIDX 63216

> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Mary" <marycter at e...> wrote:
<<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?>>

:: hi, first-time poster here. one of my english professors actually 
had some things to say about the imagery of the phoenix. it's in an 
article on the college website; the link is below.  i wasn't aware of 
the phoenix's involvement with alchemy, but i'm sure that's been 
mentioned on the list here before.  i also think his main idea of the 
phoenix being associated with adolescence is very interesting, as 
harry's growth is discussed in equal (if not more) detail than the 
actual order of the phoenix. as we're learning things from harry's 
pov, this isn't really surprising, but you know. still an interesting 
parallel to draw. what i found most amazing was the reference to the 
religious poem, comparing the phoenix's fire to the fires of Judgment 
Day, which would cleanse the earth of the sinful. imho, this seems to 
foreshadow a victory for the ootp, since, if the phoenix is their 
ally and their symbol, and the flames of the phoenix represent a 
positive rebirth, then it could follow that the members of the Order 
will succeed in getting rid of the death eaters. perhaps this is 
partly fueled by my sincere hope that jkr will not let evil defeat 
good, but anyway, still some interesting ideas. 

here's the link :: 
http://www.gettysburg.edu/administration/public_relations/news/2003/ha
rry_potter03.html

mandi :)