DH - Critical Review and Analysis

Not sure where to post this so I started a new topic. Here is my personal review of Deathly Hallows which I had written immediately after I finished reading the book.

The Review

The most unique aspect of the Potter series that endeared me is how the books grew up with the characters and readers. I would not classify Potter as a children's book, but an adolescent book. The series began with Harry Potter as an eleven your old and is filled with innocence and charm, but it rapily shows him coming of age over seven years as his world grows harsh and stark. While filled with light moments and fantasies that kids will revel in, it has its fair share of maturity, dark events that is more receptive to older audiences.

Deathly Hallows follows in that line and is perhaps the darkest book in the series. The book has met with mixed criticism. Some fans have loved it while others detested it. I think it is a fitting end to the series but I am personally still confused what I would rate it as. To be honest I was dissapointed with the premise and narrative chosen by JK Rowling. She shifts from her regular plot style to a 'quest' against the Dark Lord part which can be a tad challenging to digest after the 'schoolhouse' style of the previous books.

In Rowling's defense this was probably the best way to execute the book. Everything culminates together and all the loose ends, and missing pieces from the previous book seamlessly fit together to show the big picture. All this which will be very thrilling and engaging for the readers. Although the plot does slow down to a crawl at times and there is unecesscary babble occassionaly some of the chapters are tense taut and unputdownable.

A few fans have criticized the book to be very fanfiction line. But, this book is much darker and serious in the series, hence there is not much room for Rowling's signature wit and humor. She makes up for the dense atmosphere by attempting a more simplistic and subdued style. You have to give props to JK Rowling for managing to sprinkle in some cheer on occassion.

The book really skyrockets into an enthralling climax that will dazzle all readers.

I guess the book does dissapoint in several aspects which can be heartbreaking. But do not let that dishearten you. Do not read spoilers, do not sneak peek ahead. Read it sequentially for the best experience. The book grows on you and will definitely slowly but surely satiate the most critizal and thirsty of all fans. Definitely a most fitting end to the series. Two thumbs up.

The following section contains several spoilers. If you have not read the book, I reccomend you stop now and read the book first. Once you have read the book read on and ponder for more enjoyment.

Critical Analysis and Theory

The Hero - One thing I like most about the Harry Potter series is that Harry is honestly no extraordinary wizard. He really has no phenomenal powers or impressive skills. If not for being 'The Boy Who Lived' he could have well ended being average Joe. His personality is not heroic either, he is moody, shifty, bitchy, childish, selfish and is just like any other hot blooded teenager. His greatest strength is his courage and willingness to Sacrifice. Harry clicks with people because you do not have to have extraordinary skills or be angelic to be a hero. All you need is faith and willingness. Anyone can be a hero.

Christian Allegory - Right after I deny the necessity of angelic or saintly qualities to be a hero. I move onto the fact that Harry Potter indeed has another Christian allegory embedded within its story. Just like Christ loved humanity and willingly sacrificed his innocent self in order to save humanity, Harry Potter loves his friends and supporters and willingly sacrifices himself in order to protect them. Then he resurrects and comes back for his friends. I am not religious and do not see this as religious dogma or a comparion of Harry to Christ. I view it as a mesage to the young readers that somethings are worth sacrificing for. I think religious critics of the book ought to open their minds and give the book a re-read.

The Gospel of Judas - After mentioning a Christian allegory, I move onto another religious matter that can be touchy. The character or Snape reminded me of the gospel of Judas. Just like Judas, Snape is the bad guy. He was Dumbledore's trusted aide, but he betrayed and killed him. However, when truth is revealed you find that Snape is not a villian but one who vindicated himself for the sake of Dumbledore and Harry, just like the Judas Gospel claims that Judas betrayed Christ because he had to. I do not know what the truth about Judas is. But in Snape's matter it is truly a food for thought before judging a person.

The Grey Line - The 7th book finally reveals a darker side of Dumbledore's personality and a softer side of Dudley and Snape. It reamphasizes the fact that there is no black and white. It is impossible to expect anyone to be flawless or all good, nor is anyone all evil. We are all human, we make mistakes, we make grave errors. We learn and live and strive to be better.

Unconditional Love - The book reveals Snape's love for Lilly Potter that compels him to support Dumbledore and Harry. One of my friends thought this was a downer as after everything you find out that Snape is not against Voldemort in principle and nor does he have problems torturing people. He does not care to be good, but does so only for Lilly's sake. Had it been anyone else he could not have cared. It just ruins the fact that Snape is a good man. He is not good, but picks side just for a woman. For me it had a different affect. It strengthens one premise of the book - the greatest magic of all is - Love. Love can do amazing things. To me it matters that Snape chose love. It may have not been as noble as honestly choosing to be on the good side. To be real how many of us are truly noble, we all have our own affections and loyalties that bring out the best and worst in people.

History and Politics - Throughout the series JK Rowling has had knack of making subtle thought provoking political and historic references. The rise of Voldemort is almost like that of Hitler. An illegitimate son, half blood, subdued introverted genius with a insatiable quest for glory and power. The conflict with mudbloods, blood traitors and the latest development muggle registration reminds of Nazi concentration camps, civil rights movements and recent gay rights movement. The Ministry of Magic shows various levels of political incompetency. False news, false fear, false reassurances, false heroes, false battles, just like the governments of today. It is interesting to read subtle references in the book.

Harry Part Deux - Teddy Lupin is an orphan whose parents died protecting him and the only family he has is a Godfather. Sound familiar?

Ugh!

The Epilogue was pointless. Too conformist, too sappy, too idealistic. A waste of a great series.

Harry should have died. Neville should have killed Nagini. I wanted a resolute death. I could have done with more resolute deaths.

Lupin and Tonks are just dead. Come on they are heroes, how did they die? Give us the detailed battle description.

Why don't we have more on what happened to Luna. As far as I know she is such an integral part of the DA!

We need a more resolute conclusion, after the climax the epilogue is simply painfully anticlimatic.

If Rowling ever writes again I want a good cannon or appendices to explain how things got fixed.

Points to Ponder!

The Elder Wand going from Dumbledore - Draco - Harry. How does the wandlore exactly work?

Why did Voldemort not read Harry's mind bent on finding horcruxes. Why did he never see through Snape?

How did the Sword of Godric Griffyndor appear in the sorting hat again.

Kudos!

Battle for Hogwarts

The sequence at Gringotts, Dragon and all.

Aberforth and his goat stag

McGonagall - Why would Harry go to the Ravenclaw house?

Mrs. Weasley - Not my daughter b**ch. (Mrs. Weasley does use the B word in book six)

Lovegood's for being who they are.

Rita Skeeter and the queer relationship between Harry and Dumbledore.

Fleur Delacour as transfigured into Harry hitting on Bill.

Dobby, MadEye and Fred - Fallen Heroes

Kreacher - The new leader of house elves.

Snape - Just Awww

Wow, such a indepth Analysis!
I really dont have much time to reply rite now!
But i will come edit this at a later time!
Oh and you used a bad word...its not allowed here in IF, so if you could just edit that, please!
😃

-Mahak-