Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows
I thought it was just me. But it’s not. Someone else has spotted it. See Sarah Barnett’s comments http://your.sydneyanglicans.net/culture/reading/harry_potter_and_the_deathly_hallows/.
If you’ve not read the book and you don’t want me to spoil it then don’t read on!
But I couldn’t believe the cheek of it. J.K. Rowling does Christianity. Without wishing to attract a law suit I’ll steer clear of accusations of plagiarism. And it might be a little strong to suggest that the final instalment of the unfolding Potter narrative is parasitical on another bestseller. But you can’t fail to spot that parallels with the Bible. In the wonderful final volume of her seven book series there are strong hints that Rowling is familiar with at least some of the dominant themes of the gospel. They’re never explicit but to those with more than a passing familiarity with the scriptures the illusions are as plain as the nose on your face. Choosing not to give the references she even quotes scripture on two occasions [Matthew 6:21 & 1 Corinthians 15:26].
Unconvinced? Consider this. The hopes of a world rest on an increasingly isolated young man. He obediently and willingly goes to his death. He leaves behind his faithful group of disciples. He must fight alone. His self sacrificial death ensures the defeat of his enemy. He dies but is resurrected back to life to redeem the world. The ultimate confrontation between good and evil, between love and death takes place at the end of his life. In his death he destroys his enemy once and for all. Yet he remains innocent of crime. He’s not responsible for the death of his opponent. The ‘happily ever after’ is the eradication of evil, the establishment of relational bonds and the enjoyment of a world free from wickedness.
You’ve got to ask, ‘does that remind you of anyone?’
I won’t pretend to have exhausted the complexities of the plot or to have understood every literary nuance. But, to my mind, the similarities are incontrovertible.
In case you’re wondering, I loved it!
Plot outline here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows
Not to mention the fact that there is a really significant chapter called King’s Cross. Hard to be more blatant than that!
Comment by ros — August 2, 2007 @ 2:38 am
http://i.thefairest.info/funniest_thumbs/QaDdYu.jpeg
Comment by simeon — August 4, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
I must admit - I’m not a big Harry Potter fan. For one reason or another I’ve avoided the books. I guess I find that whatever way it’s presented i still find it odd to read a book that makes witchcraft look like a good thing. Isn’t it clearly spoken out against in the Bible? I guess this is pretty much an old argument - but I’ve only recently started reading your blog and am curious as to why you think it’s so good. Thanks.
Comment by Mark — August 26, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
Hi there,
Stumbled on your site looking for my friends, the Judkins. Fascinating Potter parallels - great stuff.
Rob Baker (working in Benin)
PS In response to the previous comment, I’m an evangelical Christian and a big fan too! I don’t feel the books glorify witchcraft, but more the fight of good against evil. My experience is that evangelicals are divided more or less 50/50 on HP!)
Comment by Rob Baker — September 11, 2007 @ 10:27 am