Harry and Snape's redemption

[Don L.]

No: HPFGUIDX 150937

Geoff,

"..I feel that these three characters are very different in what and 
who they are and comparisons between them must take this on board and 
be carefully balanced." 

- Agreed! -  Here are my further thoughts.

I generally understand and agree with the Christ – Aslan & Gandolf 
arguments, however some arguments often weaken as each reader 
attributes and associates specific details.  My argument generally 
focuses on the transition from mentor (A, G & D) to hero (Peter, 
Susan, etc, Frodo and Harry), and how each hero progresses from the 
demise of their mentor toward their ultimate goal, and how each 
follows transition follows a common theme.  (You could add another 
mentor/hero relationship as well – that of Obi Wan/Yoda and Luke for 
Star Wars.)

Relative to there kind, the mentors are older than there peers and 
respective heros.  Each while sage admit at some point to withholding 
valuable information, keeping their thoughts, plans and devices to 
them selves or others.  G & D on numerous occasions are very 
selective almost to the point of perceived disaster with whom they 
give information.  I believe in large part this is a writer's method 
of keeping the hero (Harry and Frodo) and the readers in the dark 
(suspense) but allowing for the plot to progress logically – at least 
as it unfolds at the conclusion.  

Frodo and Harry are depicted early on as unable to understand or act 
correctly by G & D if given information.  The mentors often 
disappear, cut short discussions and generally only answer questions 
when the hero is "ready" to accept the answer.  This is a typical 
mentor/parent – adept/child relationship.  However they are quite 
ready to explain there plans to others, often to the frustration of 
the hero.  This frustration and uncertainty through the eyes of the 
hero and reader again provides the suspense of the story.

Aslan, Gandolf and Dumbledore (and Obi-Wan), truly understood their 
own individual importance and destiny relative to their respective 
heros, as means for determining the outcome.  Each understood that 
their demise would strengthen their heros, certainly forcing them to 
rely on themselves and friends, and to accept their destinies.  
Interestingly, each mentor anticipates their sacrifice, but not the 
time or place, but as the story progresses the mentors develop the 
circumstance and prepare the hero, and at the moment of sacrifice 
without hesitation accept their demise, understanding their time has 
come to an end. 

Each hero upon the deaths of A, G & D understood at that point they 
were basically on their own after a short period of shock, denial, 
anger and acceptance.  Peter, Frodo and Harry all quickly began to 
make important decisions almost immediately upon their respective 
mentor's deaths, albeit not correct at first.  Yes, later Aslan and 
Gandolf were instrumental to the outcomes, but from that point each 
hero began to act as a decision maker.  Each relied on family and 
friends, but from that point all other primary characters, i.e. 
Susan, Aragon, Han Solo & Liea and I expect the Order defer to the 
decisions of the hero.  I believe the mentors, Gandolf, Aslan, Obi-
wan and Dumbledore specifically understood, anticipated and intended 
this as part of their anticipated sacrifice – having done enough to 
prepare the hero and for that matter others for the inevitable 
destiny of the Hero.

This is where I believe the relationship between Aslan, Gandolf, 
Dumbledore, Obi-Wan (and if you can add in Christ) share a common 
bond.

Don L.