Love, English, and Harry Potter

[Bart Lidofsky]

No: HPFGUIDX 143156

	Since the theme of "love" has been used so much in discussions of Harry 
Potter, I'd like to mention that the English language is highly 
inadequate in the ability to describe the concept of love. For example, 
in Greek, there are at least 4 words for love (three of which are used 
in the Greek New Testament): eros, or sexual love, storge, or basic 
affection, philia, or brotherly love, and agape, which is used for the 
greater love of humanity; unselfish love.

	Now, it might be said that, somehow, Lily Potter's love for Harry 
transcended normal maternal love; the desire to protect Harry from Tommy 
was connected to the desire to protect all of humanity from him.  This 
is quite different than, for example, the more personal love that Harry 
has for his close friends and Dumbledore, the love he had for Cho Chang, 
or even the combined philia and eros he has for Ginny. In order to 
defeat Tommy Riddle, Harry has to go beyond the small picture, and go to 
the larger one; he must fight Riddle for the love of humanity, and not 
just his friends.

	I'm still trying to figure out how JKR plans to wind up the series in 
such a way as to remove any question of sequels or prequels.

	Bart