Before we continue with our analysis of Book 1, I would like to take a step back and outline my general approach to the Harry Potter series.

Each book focuses on a specific theme or idea. This idea always begins with Harry himself, usually at the Dursley�s. We then follow Harry to Hogwarts, where he is confronted with real-life challenges based on this theme, often through the behind-the-scenes orchestrations of Dumbledore. The new characters in each book are designed to highlight a particular facet of this theme. Some recurring characters (Draco and Snape, for example) are in general used as examples of the wrong way of approaching a theme. Others (Hermione and Neville) are always shown approaching the theme from a redemptive perspective.

We have already begun discussing the theme of Book 1. The whole book, rather than a conglomeration of colorful anecdotes, is a constant re-visitation of the same theme; the power we are given, and how we use it. We will continue our analysis forthwith, but I wanted to lay down the general structure of all the books for you. Let�s briefly highlight the themes from the rest of the books (for the basic outline of Book 1, see the previous post):

In Chamber of Secrets, Harry begins life at the Dursley�s alone and feeling dejected. All of his friends seem to have forgotten that he exists. He is forced to spend the evening of the Mason�s visit in his room, �making no noise and pretending I�m not there.� In short, Harry is confounded by his lack of identity. He longs for Hogwarts, where he is known, where he is famous.

Once at Hogwarts, Harry must confront the perils of identity, how we define ourselves, and what we do with those definitions. We will look at this more in depth later, but if you read through Chamber of Secrets carefully, you find this theme explored not only repeatedly, but exhaustively.

Prisoner of Azkaban (I am still working through this one, so bear with me) is about controlling our emotions, specifically anger and fear. We begin with Harry losing control and inflating Aunt Marge. We end with Harry conquering his anger and turning towards mercy in sparing Pettigrew. In between, we explore how the characters handle their emotions, including Dumbledore, Hermione, Snape and Lupin. Harry must learn to handle his emotions, and not be ruled by them. By the end of the book, mission accomplished.

Goblet of Fire is really the best example yet. We begin with Harry ashamed of his burning scar, unwilling to admit his weakness. In a word, pride. We are then immersed in a set of situation all exploring pride and the weaknesses that result from it, when it is good, and when it is bad. More generally, this book is about how we deal with the weaknesses that we have, and what we can do to make ourselves stronger.

As I said before, we will explore each one of these ideas further. It is important to understand this context when approaching the Harry Potter series and trying to discern an overall impression of what is good and what is evil. Without the context of the particular theme, the characters actions can seem somewhat arbitrary and not make sense. Within the greater theme, they can be viewed as exploring the various facets of the idea under discussion. Certain characters we think of as bad; when Draco complains of the �famous Harry Potter,� we understand it as jealously of Harry�s identity, and subsequently as evil. When Hermione stands up for house-elf pride, we understand it as a rational position, albeit lacking in a certain connection to reality (this approach IS Hermione, by the way; more later).

We will continue with our analysis of Book 1.