Theory on book titles (was: Book titles: do they show Harry's challenge)

[hydradream]

No: HPFGUIDX 111201

romuluslupin1:

When the title for book 5 was announced, someone said that so far all 
titles had shown Harry's challenge of the year and wondered if the 
Order would show the same pattern.

While on first reading the Order seems to be on Harry's side (and 
it's certainly a positive thing in itself), it could also be seen as 
having negative effects for Harry...

snip

I was wondering in what possible way the HBP, whoever he turns out to 
be, could be bad news for our boy. Any help from the theorists among 
us? If (God forbid) the HBP is Snape (I've seen some posts 
speculating he might be a half blood) I could see that happening ;-)

Now Hydra:

Hello everyone
This is my first post here and I would not call myself a theorist, 
but I do have some thoughts on the titles of the books and this seems 
like a good place to start my career as a poster :)

Here goes.
I was trying to look for a pattern in the titles and what I found out 
was this. As you said, every title refers to a challenge or (I think) 
more specifically to part of the challenge that Harry must face 
during his school year.

And as part of the challenge, the *thing* can be either on his side 
or against him, playing a more or less active role in his favor or 
against him. In other words, there are those elements that do not 
threaten or worsen his situation but are just part of the challenge 
and those that play an active role in the danger that he faces.

So there seem to be two categories of titles: the ones that reflect 
a "simple" non hostile part of the challenge and the outright hostile 
element.

HP & the Philosopher's Stone: the Stone is part of the challenge, but 
is neither a threat nor an aggravating factor in the quest.

HP & the Chamber of Secrets: the Chamber is a hostile place that is 
not only hard to find, but conceals great dangers.

HP & the Prisonner of Azkaban: although initially a potential threat, 
Sirius is definitely on Harry's side and a great asset on his side 
after that.

HP & the Goblet of Fire: the Goblet helps Crouch-Moody enter Harry in 
the Tournament and even though it was only an unwitting accomplice it 
contributed to Crouch-Moody's evil plan

HP & the Order of the Phoenix: the Order is definitely on Harry's 
side and its members are working tirelessly to protect Harry and 
fight Voldemort.

As a conclusion (I hope I haven't lost too many readers "en route"), 
it seems that in every other book, the title refers to something 
positive or non-threatening to Harry and every other one designates a 
negative thing.

If I follow that logic, the HalfBlood Prince should be an instrument 
against Harry or worst something outrightly hostile to him.

Well, I hope my small theory interested someone (anyone??!!) and I 
would love to hear your opinions on it :)

Hydra
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