Digest Number 3979 (Harry as tragedy)

[nineve_laguna]

No: HPFGUIDX 85263

 John writes: (edited)
> Harry Potter hardly classifies as a Shakespearian tragedy. Having 
said that,there may be some evidence that Harry is slated to die in 
the series as he does fit Joseph Campbell's model in some respects.  
> Harry appears to be born with a single purpose - to defeat 
Voldemort. Many characters that have a "destiny" end up dying - 
Anakin Skywalker and Neo(sorry for those who haven't seen the movie 
yet) are just a couple of recent examples.
But I think there are other evidences that Harry will not die. He's a
survivor - he's the boy who lived. He has a fairly positive outlook 
on life, and he enjoys life. Characters who sacrifice themselves 
often have a gloomy outlook, or have nothing to live for.  
> Regardless, I'll be extremely unhappy if Harry dies. Extremely.
> > John

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I agree with you, John, and I will add for all the others who are 
following this thread and contributed with so many diferent opinions, 
that if Harry dies, so does all hope for kids who try to be a true 
Gryfindor: brave, loyal and righteous. 
I think the whole point of Voldemort is that doesn't matter how 
powerfull you are, if you are not united you do not win (as DD says), 
and it is loyalty, courage and persistence that will defeat Voldi at 
the end. 
If Harry dies, Voldemort must die too. He cannot win. What kind of 
example for modern kids, with all terrorism and war and crime going 
around this days, would JKR set if Voldi is to win at the end? With 
all sufering and anxiety LV has caused to Harry and many others, it 
would not be fair if he triunphs at the end. It would just make 
millions of kids give up, turn to the Dark Side themselves, after 
all, if you fight so much for nothing, what is the point?
What would be the point of the entire books, if Voldi was to win?
The moral of the story for me? If Harry dies, it must be an ultimate 
sacrifice to save his beloved ones, something that will make me hold 
the book 7 tight to my chest and cry for at least 4 hours, but still 
admiring Harry for his righteous heart that stood always unblinkingly 
on the right side where so many would have bowed to Lord Voldemort.
Nineve