"Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling. Contains Use of Allusionment and Controversial Views from the Public.

Essay by sweetcheeks925High School, 11th gradeA+, May 2006

download word file, 2 pages 3.7

HARRY POTTER

"MAGIC HAS UNIVERSAL APPEAL. I'D LOVE IT TO BE REAL."

J.K. ROWLING

J.K. Rowling introduces great amounts of allusion to her writing making references to biblical characters and events. Through her word choice and selection of detail, Rowling is able to submit religious symbols into the entire Harry Potter series. Most commonly, these symbols originate from Greek Mythology, but a few are simple play on words. Also, the theme of Harry Potter is filled with a number of Christian symbols. However, some Christians are under the impression that J.K. Rowling books have negative, satanic influence over young children.

From the very beginning, the story of Harry Potter has been built upon a variety of symbols, including many from Greek, Latin, and Old English. There are complex name origins in Harry Potter; a few consist of Dumbledore and Gryffindor. Dumbledore actually means 'Bumblebee' in Old English. J.K.

Rowling said that she chose the name because she imagined Dumbledore walking around the castle humming to himself. Gryffindor originated from 'griffin', a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. In French, "d'or" means 'of gold,' gold being one of the Gryffindor House colors. In addition, lions are characterized as brave and courageous. On the other hand, a group of these symbols are rather simple and derive from different languages. 'Harry' is Anglo-Saxon for 'power' and "Alastor' (Professor Moody's first name), is the Scottish form of 'Alexander,' meaning 'defender of mankind.' Seeing as Moody is an Auror and responsible for protecting the magical world, the name fits well.

The theme of Harry Potter is packed of Christian symbols. It is the epic battle between good and evil. In the magical world, Harry is deemed 'The Golden Child' and is the only one...