Orphans in the Literature of J.K. Rowling

Etta Priest 15 December 2009 Major Literary Figures Orphans in Rowlings fire ceramicist serial An orphan is a child per human raceently bereaved of his or her parents by means of decease. UNICEF reports that there are amid angiotensin converting enzyme hundred and forty-three cardinal and two hundred and ten million orphans foundationwide and, further more, that five cardinal seven-hundred and sixty minors become parentless daily. With the gargantuan quantity of bereft children, it is no surprise that literary protagonists are frequently orphaned. From Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien to Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz by L.Frank Baum, victims of parent loss take for been m one-time(a)ed into key portions. One of the to the highest degree recent, and most famous, orphans in publications is J. K. Rowlings b separate thrower. However, in her seven book series, Rowling chose to bereave the antagonist of his parents as well, divulgeing an interesting line bet ween the choices that are made that lead to well be constructd and evil. A common Afri potty proverb states that it takes a connection to b unrivalled a child. The English term community originates from the Latin word communitatus, which basis be divided into three essential features. Com- is a Latin prefix that indicates togetherness. Public duties are associated with the root, munis. The suffix, -tatus refers to something little or watchntial. Localities in which people reside under star government with common interests are comm provided know as communities. While the organisms within these groups will posses differentiating qualities, a homogenous share that bonds the people together must exist. In the chivy ceramicist fabrications, the wizarding world is set apart from the common humans, muggles, by dint of the magnate to perform legerdemain and the passion to get word its potential.Within the network of wizards, individual communities exist ground on geographica l locations, rude(a) abilities, and a desire for improvement. Rowling emphasizes the necessity of community in decree to mature repetitively. Within the school, Hogwarts, putter near experiences the bonds of brotherhood. Furthermore, he encounters relationships with fatherly figures, as well as connections with the general public of the wizarding society. These associations are in general beneficial, especi ein truth(prenominal)y for an orphan in adolescence however, certain connections prove to be curve and drop ultimately negative dissolvents.She displays these negative results through churchman Voldemort and his failure to create connections with others, other than the mark he left on the one he tried to shoot down Displayed since infancy, harasss personal sign is inscribed by the evil sorcerer Voldemort in a murderous rampage that leaves gravels parents unawares and the go bad an orphan. elicits mark permits a public sign of recognition non only of his virtuous (distinguished, abandoned) identity, keep up in every case of the burden imposed by being special (Robertson 201).From the moment Rowling published irritate ceramicist and The Sorcerers Stone, it has been eliminate that chivy lived in miser commensurate conditions. Being forced to live in a cupboard, eat minimal amounts of nasty food, and put up with a spoiled brat all became normal to the son who lost his parents at the age of one. Rowling begins almost apiece of her series with a strong admonisher of call forths misery and how he is dummy up suffering from the loss of his mother and father. perverted to the development of Harry through aside his experiences at Hogwarts, Voldemort is portrayed an evil spirit, overly weak to possess his own body.By the second book readers att bar his true name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, humanizing him minimally. Knowing that he once had a name suggests that he did non unceasingly have goals of being a dark lord. Lord Voldemorts birth or igins are non unraveled until the sixth book, Harry muck about and the Half Blood Prince. It is interesting that Rowling paves a demeanor to understand that this man was a child once who has made his own endings towards the end of the series, while the readers experience Harrys growth during each year he spent at Hogwarts.While Harry neer had to opportunity to know his parents, crowd and Lilly, very well, his unconditional get it on for them is show spendly, especially in Harry potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Rowling describes Harry as having anger he had never felt in all his lifetime when Aunt Marge uncouthly criticizes his parents. While he lashes out, accidentally performs magic in the presence of muggles, and leaves the Dursleys compliance, these actions were rattling courageous steps for a thirteen year old boy to take, which are followed by many more throughout the course of this circumstance novel.Showing his growing independence, Harry buys his on school supplies and finished his planning alone in Diagon Alley. While students such as Ron have parents that dish up them gather essential items and encourage them to study, the Potter boy knows he owes something to his parents and desires to be the stovepipe wizard he possible can. The protagonists desire to succeed is not met with the easiest circumstances. When Harry ensures that the directed-to-be-killer of Lilly and James is Sirius Black, a seed is planted inside of him that face to stem from his desire for revenge.This stem grows due to his chilling encounters with dementors. His vulnerability is displayed greatly when he was the only student on the Hogwarts Express to faint in the presence of these deathly creatures. However, during extended visits with Professor lupin, a bond is form that is more profound that a simple student-teacher relationship. Through this connection, Lupin is able to explain why Harry was the only person to pass out on the train. The explanation was t hat he had seen death . Furthermore, Harry projects how Lupin was a true friend to James.The mutual honesty between them resembles the candor that Harry could unfortunately never experience with his parents. While is in inarguable orphaned, missing privileges that most students possess, this connection with his teacher is unlike anything he has felt with an adult before. As a parent would desire to entertain his or her child, Lupin agrees to teach Harry how to fight off dementors and stay strong in the presence of emotionless creatures. As he practices the anti-dementor spell, he can real hear the voices of his mother and father.Lupin helps him to cope with the face that they are unfeignedly deceased and listening to echoes of them wont bring them back (Azkaban 243). Thanks to his continued meetings with Lupin, Harry gains courage in his abilities, knowledge of the Patronus Charm, and admiration of a parent-like figure. Not all of Harrys decisions are marked with maturity as R owling reveals when Severus Snape brutally criticizes James for being exceedingly arrogant and going where he wants to, with no thought of consequences (Azkaban 394).In response, the preadolescent boy burns with rage such as he had not felt since his last night at Privet Drive (394). As he continues to disrespectfully shout as his despised professor, Harrys outburst only seems to give more credit to Snapes accusations. Had he maintained a level-headed and degrade disposition in the face of adversity, this mark of immaturity would not be so apparent. Lupin gives Harry the advice that takes transfers his life of vicarious resentment into the man his parents would hope to see on page fourteen, Your parents gave their lives to keep you alive, Harry.A forgetful way to repay themgambling their dedicate. As previously mentioned, the talk of Sirius Blacks crop has infiltrated Harrys mind and tempted him with revenge. At this render in the novel, he has bottled up his feelings of veng eance, but how he would use them would be a test of his maturity. The long await encounter with Black concludingly takes place, and while it seemed that Harry had every intention of taking his life, he made a very wise decision by listening to his elders.Lupin and Blacks explanations resonate in Harrys mind and percipient up yet another window into the lives of Lilly and James. Without question, every word concerning the trueness and abilities of James gave his son a feel of pride and deep love. When face up with an opportunity to see the indisputable killer of his parents be put to death, Harry thought of what his father would do. This killer is revealed to be Peter Pettigrew. Just as Lupin and Black raise their wands to condemn him, Harry interjects, I dont take care my dad wouldve wanted them to become killers (Azkaban 275).Not only did he protect the memory of James Potter, but he upheld the integrity of his fathers dearest friends, a remarkable trait in such a young wiza rd. The play loony toons of Harrys growth takes place at the end of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, when he and Hermione travel backwards in time and save innocent lives. In real time Harry and Sirius were attacked by a flurry of dementors, and a patronus in stag form had barely deliver the boy. Most likely due to the fact that Harry wishes for visions of his parents, he believes that his very father had cast the charm to save him.However, when he arrives on the outskirts of this scene, a realization unlike any of his discoveries thus far overtakes him. Initiative, bravery, advanced skill, and collar combine in Harrys body within a matter seconds. In this moment, he understood that he has created the magnificent stag that saved the life of Black and pushed away the dementors. While Lupins wisdom poured into the protagonists development during his third year, Harrys fifth part year was influenced through the many aspects of community.As the new year at Hogwarts resumes in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, headmaster Albus Dumbledore is proud to inform a friendly competition between the three largest European Schools of superstar Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang which would be a most excellent way of establishing ties between young witches and wizards of different nationalities (Goblet 187). The Triwizard Tournament was an instrument with the capability of introducing three unique circles to each other, giving them an opportunity to reach out of their comfort zones and adopt a willingness to be accepting.Potters close friend, Hermione Granger, was unsurprisingly excited about this event, arguing that the tournaments supposed to be about getting to know foreign wizards and making friends with them (Goblet 423). Her maturity contrasts Ron Weasleys depute of view immensely as he looks down up the boys of Durmstrang, referring to a champion of the competition as an enemy. Because of Grangers status as an only child, readers whitethorn expect that she would be more inclined to scorn outsiders. Unfortunately, Weasley was trapped in his jealous world, and he ignored his best friends tolerance of the other schools as well.He furnished the schools desire to host exchange students to pull apart his best friends. Ron Weasleys unfavorable treatment was not the only situation to put a damper on Potters attitude. The knowledge that he had been so close to reinforcement with his godfather forever, whence being stripped of this paternal affinity, was detrimental. Sirius Black, Potter learned at the age of fourteen, was the closest friend of his deceased parents. Growing up with cruel treatment from muggles, this would have been the boys prototypic chance to live in one of the most intimate communities a child requires family.As a result of Blacks actions, his godson knows he is dearly loved however, he must maintain quiet for his own freedom and life. During most of the novel, Potter rarely communicates with his godfather thr ough the schnozzle Post. As soon as Black learned of the pain in the boys scar, he made immediate plans of paying a visit, a natural reaction any devoted parent would have. Potter displays his mutual feelings towards him in his attempt to retract his claim, hoping that this father figure would remain in privateness until they could live without being in fear of the Ministry of Magic and Lord Voldemort.space from loved ones breeds suffering, yet simultaneously elicits a sense of comfort. Potter had lacked this sense for almost fifteen years. Among various encounters with Cedric Diggory, Potter experienced new bonds of brotherhood, which provided him a new source of well-being. Although these two students lived in divergent houses at Hogwarts, they were twin together as chosen participants in the Triwizard Tournament. Naturally, circumstances did not allow them to be the best of friends. The majority of their peers believed that Potter was a cheat who did not deserve to be titled a champion.Experiencing ill treatment, he still revealed insider discipline concerning the first task Cedric, the task is dragons (Goblet 340). when Potters intentions were questioned, he responded, Its just fit isnt it? We all know now were on even footing (341). Later, Potters pietism is rewarded. Diggory returns the favor by offering his competition advice in order to be active in the second task successfully. The younger competitor found it intemperate to trust his opponent, not knowing if he would just make a further fool of himself. Potter realized that worrying about being foolish would not keep him alive.By the final and most perilous challenge, the perspective of every man for himself would be expected from the contestants. This was absolutely not the case. They discovered that two people have the ability to exceed that which one person would be able to accomplish when they concurrently stupefy their spiderly assailant. Potter proves that friendship is greater than wi nning by rescuing his opponent in the maze and even allowing him to simultaneously touch the loot, which would have resulted in a tie. The outcome of this tie was nothing comparable to what Potter could have imagined.When the trophy turned out to be a magical method of tape transport that hurled him into an oppressive graveyard, he witnessed the most negative form of any community, the death eaters. After Lord Voldemorts resurrection, he explained how he took the life of his own father, then summoned his true family (Goblet 646). ironically, his group of inconspicuous followers consisted of the very wizards who believed he vanished forever. hale unions do not ignore supposed love ones for years on end. Furthermore, Voldemort forces his death eaters to plead for his re-acceptance.The antagonist disregarded a womans foolish sacrifice years before and ignored the superlative evidence of kinship. Lilly Potters love for her baby protected him from the killing curse, Avada Kedavra. Wi thout this relationship, his life would have been terminated (Goblet 297). From the beginning of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to the end, the protagonist constantly uses discernment to learn from the various associations surrounding him. Instances exist in the first half of the novel in which Potters immature reactions were a result of the cruelty encompassing him.For example, he cruelly mocked Mrs. Malfoy and even cursed Draco Malfoy for taunting Granger. Evidence proves that Potter developed patience and wisdom He remained dedicated when thwarted with media claims of his ill and dangerous nature (Goblet 611). additionally, he purposely forfeited winning first place in the second task of the Triwizard Tournament in order to ensure the safety of other students. Had compassionate friendships and concerned leaders not poured into the life of the Potter boy he may never have understood the consequences of conceit and the benefits of generous ambition.Nothing could be successful ly cultivated in solitary and awareness of community was imperative. Not until Rowlings sixth novel, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is the true story of Tom Riddle, or Lord Voldemort, established. In multiple chapters, Dumbledore shows Harry a series of memories all pertaining to the history of Riddle. The pensieve explains that Merope bony used her power to force the muggle Tom Riddle, Senior to fall in love with her. Sadly, he abandoned her prior to their sons birth. Gaunt clears soon later having the baby, who is sent to an orphanage where Dumbledore eventually invites him to Hogwarts.While Riddle proves to be a talented wizard, he used his acquired skills to hurt those around him. eve though Dumbledore reached out to him, his revenge was too much to handle and he off his own father. Perhaps because he was conceived under the influence of love potion, Voldemort never gained the ability to love or be loved. Maybe because Harry died for love, he was destined to be lo ved all along. However, Voldemort and Harry are more than mere consequences of fate. The role of free will in the Harry Potter series is analogous to the way human beings function according to their beliefs.Fundamentally, a higher power has knowledge of what is to come however, it is the choices that people make that book them to that conclusion. A specific example of this occurs when Dumbledore witnesses Trelawneys prophecy. This prediction only becomes reality because Voldemort believes the plain is Harry, causing the latters life to be altered greatly. Voluntary decision also stems from this prophecy base on Harrys decision to fight back against his enemy. In, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, he discovers that neither can live while the other survives (501).Both the hero and his opponent choose to react to the prophesy based on their own beliefs and interpretation of one witchs world. The greatest variance between these two powerful orphans by the end of the series is the different applications of discernment. In a speech Rowling delivered at Harvard entitled The periphery Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination, she stated, dissimilar any other creature on this planet, humans can learn and understand, without having experienced. They can think themselves into other peoples minds, imagine themselves into other peoples places. Separated from any other creatures, humans have the capacity to discern. Harry role this ability frequently while Voldemort continued to do the opposite, causing his ultimate demise. Their difference in judgement is displayed through the unexpected banter that accompanies Severus Snape during the entire Potter series, and especially The Deathly Hallows. As the final novel commences, Snape is depicted as a ruthless Death Eater, revealing insider information to the despicable Lord Voldemort. Snape gives the Dark Lord the date that Harry Potter would be transported from the residence at Privet Drive.Rowling d onates a few chapters that allow her readers to question the motives of Snape however, in Chapter Five, this insider information is proved to be true. For the Death Eaters attack the brigade of Harry Potter look-a-likes and aurors, managing to sever hope, from the beginning, that Snape has a method to his madness. Due to this initial negative sensation that flows from this slimy character and further events throughout Rowlings seventh novel, not until afterward Snapes death pushs the irony that he represents come into the light.Throughout The Deathly Hallows, the glimpses the readers buzz off of Snape further display that he is a Death Eater. One moment occurs when it seems that Lord Voldemort has finally pervaded the one establishment that always upheld good Hogwarts. Snape is becoming the schools headmaster which could only mean that it was doomed, for at this point he seems to be the right hand man of the Dark Lord. His cruelty is also displayed when he bumps into Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood in their dangerous excursion through their old school.From under the cloak of invisibility, Harry had forgotten the details of Snapes appearance in the magnitude of his crimes, forgotten how his greasy black hair hung in curtains around his thin face, how his black eyes had a dead, cold look (Hallows 597). His thoughts display that Snape is still as vile as he always has been with no hints of remorse or room for improvement. Ultimately, this results in the rushing of Professors Sprout and Flitwick to encounter Snape, forcing him to flee. Why would he have cowardly run away from these wizards unless he was a true villain?In chapter thirty-two, The Elder Wand, Voldemort and Snape have their final encounter with one another. The Dark Lord concludes he must kill the latter to ensure the success of his plans of being the true master of the most powerful wand ever crafted. Therefore, Voldemort orders Nagini to bite Snape, leaving him alone to die by deadly venom. Neith er of these men knew that Harry had witnessed this event from underneath his cloak of invisibility. Feeling urged to approach the dying wizard, Harry went up to Snape as he gargled out his last words, Take it take it (Hallows 57). It was at this point that he realized memories were pouring out of him, not only blood. formerly again the pensieve reveals new background information through the memories of other characters. In this instance, the old visions of Snape that Harry views change his perspective immediately. For the first time, the reader can understand the intricacy that Rowling crafted this character with. Therefore, The Princes Tale, is a monumental turning point in the character development of not only Snape, but the protagonist and antagonist as well, for they are directly connected to this man.In this chapter, Harry visits multiple memories concerning the childhood of the deceased which all include his mother, Lilly. While Snape always seemed to have a shady persona , his attraction to Harrys mother was never cloaked. Even though he did become a Death Eater for a span of his life, it becomes apparent that the death of his childhood love leads him back into the light. If you love Lilly Evans, if you truly loved her, then your way forward is clear is Dumbledores claim as Snape is suffering greatly when he learns that this childhood friend has been bump off by Voldemort (Hallows 678).More of these specific situations bring sense to everything that once seemed contradictory. It is clear that Snape had no purpose of severing George Weasleys ear, but he was truly scrimping Lupins life. Also, even though he did divulge the date of Harrys departure, it was Snapes idea for his friends to take in polyjuice potion in order to divert the Death Eaters. Significantly, Harry learns that the silver doe Patronus belonged to Snape all along, therefore, it was he who led him to the Sword of Gryffindor in the Forest of Dean.The irony is that his actions all alo ng were all caused by his love for Lily, not aversion of her son. Due to Voldemorts inability to feel love, he believed that Snape acted for the latter purpose, hatred. If Rowlings main character and his greatest rival had not been orphans, the significance of their lack of parents and influence from others would not have been as powerful. While both Potter and Voldemort gained the strength to bring on such advanced magic that all fully grown wizards crusade with, they both dealt with this gift in different manners.In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Albus Dumbledore suggests, Curiosity is not a sin But we should exercise caution with our curiosity (598). Through Harry, it is clear that following this advice is crucial through Voldemort it is apparent that forsaking this advice is devastating. On the subject of orphans, Mother Teresa of Calcutta stated, I have come to realize more and more that the greatest disease and the greatest suffering is to be unwanted, unloved, uncar ed for, to be shunned by everybody, to be just nonexistence (to no one) (Frangsmyr 5).While the key orphans in the Potter series experienced all of these terrible feelings, their ultimate destiny lay in the way they chose to discern. Keep in mind that Harry endured with generous ambition. Works Cited The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination Harvard Magazine. Harvard Alumni Magazine. N. p. , 5 June 2008. Web. 2 Dec. 2009. . Nobel Lectures, Peace 1971-1980, editor-in-Charge Tore Frangsmyr, Editor Irwin Abrams, World Scientific Publishing Co. , Singapore, 1997. Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. bleak York bookworm Paperbacks, 2007. PrintRowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York bookworm Paperbacks, 2002. Print Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. New York Scholastic Paperbacks, 2005. Print. Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. New York Scholastic Paperbacks, 2001. Print. Rowling, J . K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. New York Scholastic Inc, 1997. Print. Unite For Children. UNICEF. N. p. , n. d. Web. 9 Dec. 2009. What Happens to Our Wishes Magical Thinking in Harry Potter. swan Muse. Childrens Literature Association Quarterly, n. d. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. .