[HPforGrownups] DH as Christian Allegory (was Classical & Biblical Quotations)

[Maeg]

No: HPFGUIDX 173166

MelroseDarjeeling wrote:

> Everyone might not agree that *all* of these are intended as a
> Christian allegory, but I suspect most would agree that the central
> point of the book, and indeed the whole series, is Harry sacrificing
> his life for others in a dead-on parallel to Christ's crucifixion. It
> now seems clear to me that this is JKR's main theme in telling
> Harry's story.
>
> For me this theme is, meh, not so interesting, but it helps explain
> why she made some of the choices she did, and that I, for one, found
> disappointing (and that others have already pointed out in different
> posts).
>
> Curious to know what others think. If this was her goal, was she
> successful?

You make a compelling argument that JKR successfully incorporated  
Christian mythology for many plot points, and perhaps several overall  
themes of the series. It didn't make for a successful final book, in  
my opinion, but perhaps that's because I'm no fan of Christianity.  
Does my negative reaction mean that it was successful for those who  
approve of the Christian message? If I ever reread DH, I'll be trying  
to work out whether or not the ungainly portions exist because she  
was forcing things to some external framework.

Maeg

My mind isn't always in the gutter -- sometimes it comes out to feed.