I had read The Harry Potter series about three times prior to
this. The first book was the beginning to a long, amazing, and enthralling adventure
that had it’s audience hooked on every book and movie. It was the first book
series that I had ever really read and been into. My favorite part of the whole
series and what mainly intrigued me was the fantastical element to everything.
Hence, why I’m even majoring in computer animation. Witchcraft and wizardry are
central devices in this story. And they are presented in a very stereotypical
manner. For example, Harry's school supply list includes "three sets of
plain work robes (black) … one pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or
similar) … one wand, one cauldron and books like "The Standard Book of
Spell, Magical Theory and One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi."
References to dark magic and other evils that pertain to
the "dark side" are included, but they are never presented as
desirable. Every character who is allied with these forces is an enemy or at
least a tormentor to the hero of the story.
Another powerful concept that runs though the entire
series is Harry's parent’s unconditional love for him, even sacrificially. The
message is clear about the effects of this kind of love: Voldemort says,
"I killed your father first, and he put up a courageous fight … but your
mother needn't have died. … She was trying to protect you." Later,
Dumbledore says, "Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing
Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as
powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible
sign.
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