I was just wondering if anyone else noticed this. I found it a strange connection to the world outside Pottermania. On page 738 Harry and Voldermort have a conversation that follows as this,
"I was ready to die to stop you from hurting these people-"
"But you did not!"
"- I meant to, and that's what did it. I've done what my mother did. They're protected from you..."
Basically he's saying he died to protect them, to SAVE them. I may be reading into this too much, but doesn't this remind you of how Jesus died on the cross to SAVE us. He scarificed himself to give us protection just as Harry did to protect people against Voldermort. Again it may just be how in interperted this, but did anyone else notice this?? Just curious!!!
2007-07-23 16:19:49 · 16 answers · asked by Kay 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I see many of you refered to Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia, yes that was indeed a bit difficult to understand [end of 7th book for those of you who don't know] but it did make sense. Aslan had created that world and everything in it making him a god-like figure. I agree with those of you who mentioned authors making their characters a Jesus/God-lik figure. I don't know if J.K intended to make these connections in her work, but it seems that many people caught them just as I did. That's one thing I love about books, they are open for interpertation.
2007-07-24 03:53:56 · update #1
One of the major elements of Harry's adventures has been the power of love and the power of sacrifice. Anyone can draw some Christian parallels with Harry if they feel like it. Whether or not Jo Rowling specifically intended a Christian interpretation is certainly open for question; I don't know myself; love and sacrifice are universal virtues.
If you really want to ponder a bit, think about the significance of "Kings Cross", not only in the series, but in the very revealing chapter in Deathly Hallows----a station where one finds a gateway to a magical world, a crossroads between life and death and the mind, or---perhaps a king's cross--one familiar to the Christian world....fascinating, wonderful books, fascinating, wonderful author, wonderful, amazing Harry.
2007-07-23 16:38:58 · answer #1 · answered by Palmerpath 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
Did you also note direct quotation of the New Testament. You'll see it (without a reference) at the graveyard in Godric's Hollow.
Having read a lot of interviews, etc with JK Rowling, I don't think you are far off the mark. It reminded me very much of Aslan.
For those of you who think Rowling didn't think of it~
"Rowling attended a Church of Scotland congregation while writing Harry Potter and her eldest daughter, Jessica, was baptised into that faith. When asked if she was a Christian by journalist Max Wyman of the Vancouver Sun, she replied:
Yes, I am, which seems to offend the religious right far worse than if I said I thought there was no God. Every time I've been asked if I believe in God, I've said yes, because I do, but no one ever really has gone any more deeply into it than that, and I have to say that does suit me, because if I talk too freely about that I think the intelligent reader, whether 10 or 60, will be able to guess what's coming in the books."
2007-07-23 16:28:40 · answer #2 · answered by tantiemeg 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Never thought about it for a moment and seriously doubt Rowling did either. People read many things into books that were never intended by the authors. Harry chose to die because he was a horcrux and it was the way to destroy Voldemort. His death would leave only the snake to be killed.
2007-07-23 16:29:32 · answer #3 · answered by Darke Angel 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Careful there. People banning HP books might think JKR is just redeeming herself to them. Personally I didn't see the connection (I am not a religious person), but yes, now that you mentioned it, kinda.
At least, this allegory of sorts is more easier to understand than C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia alleged allegory to Jesus Christ. I mean, I think the books are really great, but I just can't see it, can you?
2007-07-23 16:25:58 · answer #4 · answered by zachmir 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are a Christian, I could see where that could be a connection. I did not really think of that at the time, but you bring up a good point. Either way, Harry is a good person and was willing to die for his friends and family.
2007-07-23 16:25:10 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think there are a lot of similarities in this book to Christianity but also other things like Star Wars. LOTR and I'm sure other things. What a wonderful journey this has been.
2007-07-23 16:28:21 · answer #6 · answered by dager35 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow. That's cool. i was too involved in it too realize that at the time, but it makes since. plus Harry was dead(kinda), but then he was alive. The question is was did j.k Rowling do this on purpose or did it just kinda happen that way?
2007-07-23 16:28:06 · answer #7 · answered by Whoa!!Whoa!! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I think she was just showing that Harry, like Jesus, was a brave and kind-hearted man. But I don't think the connection was there purposely.
2007-07-23 16:25:27 · answer #8 · answered by verleybe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think jk rowling intentionally makes harry a christ figure.. it can be seen throughout the entire series. ron and hermione seem to be loyal disciples and all that. if you really want to see the theory you can find substantial evidence. it is not uncommon for an author to make his or her protagonist a christ figure.. good connection though!
the only difference here is that he survives.
2007-07-23 16:27:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I felt it as I was reading it. The moment you are describing in the book, in my opinion, very much mirrors a Christ-like sacrifice.
2007-07-23 16:38:24 · answer #10 · answered by crazymommy3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋