Looking Back Question...

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 182035

Beatrice: "Looking back at the Harry Potter series, what important
message(s) or themes do you think are the most important in the
novels? And along those lines which messages and themes do you hope
that readers take away from the series?

"...I hope that people get the message of forgiveness in these books.
I was particularly struck by the way in which Harry offered Voldemort
forgiveness and through forgiveness possible redemption for his
twisted, mangled soul."

Thanks for writing this. The powerful messages in JKR's story are by
far the most important thing she did beyond just a great story. The
entire series is a powerfully moral story.

I think your forgiveness theme is part of a larger one: love in all
its forms. Harry practices universal love and particularly love for
his friends. No matter what, he acts as love would dictate. Like
another character in another tale, Aslan, Harry gave himself to death
to protect others. He practically always acts as compassion would have
him act. The fact he isn't a plaster saint and struggles sometimes to
do the best thing only makes him greater to me: if it was easy, he'd
just be a flat goody two-shoes.

Jim Ferer