Note: This post discusses some of the details of the last Harry Potter book. If you don't want to know them, stop reading.
I have now finished Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows. It is a book, not surprisingly, greatly concerned with the fact of death and how we approach our own mortality. Those interested how J.K. Rowling handles these themes should go to Thomas Hibbs. I am sure I cannot improve on his essay. Here is the heart of his argument:
In the final book, Rowling makes explicit some of the most important philosophical and theological themes from the entire series. There is, for example, the project of controlling nature and overcoming death. As Alan Jacobs noted in his early essay on the Potter series, magic is not so much an attempt to seduce readers to the occult as it is an invitation to reflect on technology and the modern project of rendering humanity masters and possessors of nature — the goal, Descartes famously boasted, of his scientific method. From the very first book, in which the sorcerer’s, er, philosopher’s stone promises immortality and power, Rowling reflects on the dark arts and on the question of whether the pursuit of desirable ends justifies the use of any means whatsoever. In so doing, the books address both a) the uses and abuses of mere technique or technology and b) the ethical theory called utilitarianism, the calculation of means by reference to the “greater good.” If it were not clear from the previous books, it is made palpable here — utilitarianism, which is subject to the self-interest and self-delusions of those who wield power and who thus determine what is the “greater good,” is a source of great evil.
That out of the way, I will simply discuss the book in terms of its storytelling. Like all the Harry Potter books, it is a ripping good read. There is more action in this novel than the previous six, since there is now all out war with Voldemort. Rowling has made her main characters, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, into adults, and this is satisfying. Like the previous two books, the story bogs down a little in the middle. The "three amigos" are on the run from Voldemort, and the story slows down as they simply run from place to place attempting to avoid detection. As much as this bogs down the story, it should be noted that it actually creates a development in the plot as one character becomes frustrated at their lack of action.
The story develops another mystery, the Deathly Hallows. As there are plenty of twists and turns in the Potter stories already, it isn't clear to me one more mystery needed to be added. But she deals with it well, and this new mystery helps in tying up some loose ends.
The climax is thrilling and satisfying. We get the "final battle" between Voldemort and the "white hats." We finally see the faculty of Hogwarts showing us exactly how powerful they are. Rowling uses this battle to hammer home many of her themes, particularly the dangers of bigotry and prejudice. Just about the whole wizarding world gets in on this fight. There is great heroism, and even some minor redemptions.
I was largely pleased with how she dealt with many Potter mysteries (is Dumbledore really dead, is Snape really bad, what really happened when Voldemort tried to kill baby Harry, etc.). One could quibble here and there, but I think Potter aficionados will find their questions answered in a credible manner, and in such a way as adds to the grand themes of the series.
J.K. Rowling is not a great writer. Her characterization is limited. Characters tend to be one dimensional (although this final book improves upon that), and she simply tells us about characters rather than letting their actions speak for themselves. She is also not the master of mood. One might say she does not "set the scene" as well as a stronger writer would. But she does tell a damn good adventure story, and an edifying one at that. The question on everybody's mind has been, "Does Harry Potter die?" I won't answer that for you. But I will say this. Drawing on the themes Rowling has developed, especially over the last four books, it shouldn't really matter. There are worse things than death. For those who have experienced life and love, death is nothing to fear. Only those who have not lived a full life fear death. And as we all know, Harry Potter is The Boy Who Lived.
Recent Comments