[OOP] : Theme of disillusionment / brighter times are ahead?

[sueeeyqbong]

No: HPFGUIDX 64209

Yes, I agree entirely that the theme of OoP is 'being trapped' 
and 'waiting' (see Donna Immaculata's reply below). And, to add to 
that, I think another overwhelming theme is that 
of 'disillusionment'. Looking back I guess that this theme was 
inevitable, since Harry is growing up, and part of his development 
is bound to reflect that of 'normal' teenagers ie realising that the 
world around you is not always fair, and that people you've always 
looked up to are not omniscient and will not always be there to 
protect you. At first reading I personally found the disillusionment 
theme a bit too relentless and unrelieved, and I missed 
the 'comfort'zone of the previous books, but my disatisfaction is 
gradually disappearing on a more leisurely second reading. As the 
intricacies of the text finally sink in, I think that the 'doom and 
gloom' will be strongest in this book, and in future books, there 
will be more hope and unity to relieve the gloom...people will have 
learned from their mistakes, Harry's immediate group has been 
widened by those friends who shared the OoP battle with him, and he 
will therefore be better supported, He now knows his purpose, which, 
whilst overwhelming at  first, will I think give him a sense of 
purpose missing in OoP.  I think the overall atmosphere in GoF was 
that of gradually emerging threat, in OoP it was anti climax and 
disillusionment, and in books 6 and 7 will emerge themes of unity, 
positive action, strength to fight...which will offset the 
inevitable themes of sadness , loss, sacrifice, lonliness, etc.  All 
in all, I think brighter times are ahead in books 6 and 7...not in 
the plot but in the tone of the books. Anyone agree?

Sueeeyqbong





--- In > Donna mmaculata wrote :
> Having written thus much, I've just come to the conclusion that 
OotP is about being trapped: Sirius is trapped in his house, Harry 
is trapped in his nightmares, Hogwarts is trapped in Umbridge's 
claws, and everyone is trapped in a more passive state than they 
could wish for. I bet, all throughout the book they all would 
welcome a real attack so they could finally be able to *do* 
something. And, indeed, as soon as Voldemort appears back on scene, 
the entire machinery of the side of Light can finally get in gear.
> 
> When I started writing this message, I actually intended to point 
out the character development. We get so much more insight into 
different characters and the ways they act and react: Harry in the 
first place; we learn so much about Sirius, Petunia, Ginny, Neville, 
Dudley (I'm looking forward to learning more of Big D's worst memory 
forced on him by the Dementor), Dumbledore, McGonagall, Molly... Not 
to mention all the new characters like Luna, Grawp, Tonks and 
Shacklebolt, who will hopefully be of more importance in future.
> 
> Donna Immaculata