Harry as Tragic Hero (was Re: JKR borrows from heroic literature)

[kljohnson7868]

No: HPFGUIDX 154649

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "whirledgirl" <blink_883 at ...> 
wrote: 
> Obviously, it's a bit of a 50/50 question, and one we can only
> speculate on. IMO, who chooses to believe Harry will live, chooses
> to put faith in JKR as an author of inspirational books, because 
how
> can you be inspired by a hero who dies? 

Because there ARE examples in literature of the hero as martyr. 
Aristotle described the "tragic hero", which fits Harry. Some 
characteristics of the tragic hero include:

He must suffer more than he deserves. 

He must be doomed from the start, but bear no responsibility for 
possessing his flaw. 

He must be noble in nature, but imperfect so that the audience can 
see themselves in him. 
 
Physically or spiritually wounded by his experiences, often 
resulting in his death. 

Ideally, he should be a king or some sort of leader, so that his 
people experience his fall with him. 

I can see Harry fitting the description of the tragic hero...

The wonderful think about the HP series is that it can go into so 
many different directions. I'm sure we could each successfully 
debate arguments for/against Harry's death.

:-)

Kathi