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| Year 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince |
| "Seldom, very seldom does complete truth belong to any human disclosure;seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken." |
| Emma, Jane Austen |
| Symbols |
There are many theories floating around as to what will happen
in Book 7. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some key points
easy to overlook.
in Book 7. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some key points
easy to overlook.
Hermione is the symbol of intelligence, of friendship, of
loyalty, of love, and she is the symbol of the future. This is
key here.
When Harry makes any sort of decision, or is trying to, when he
takes action, rather rashly most of the time, there’s only one
person he turns to, one person he wants and needs at his side.
It ain’t Ginny, and it sure as heck isn’t Ron.
Hermione is the path to success, to enlightenment, to
understanding. She needs to be present in order for any of them
to progress further. A very prominent, influential role. It may
even put her in a spot of danger. But here’s the catch...the
symbol of the future is just about the one character in the
story that can’t die.
The symbol of the future dies, the future is dead, there’s
nothing to move forward to, everybody go kill yourself.
The Symbol of the Future can be endangered, hurt, thought to be
dead, but cannot die. The Symbol of the Past dies, in paving
the way for the present and future. It’s a cyclical structure.
The relic, the wizened warrior, the reality instructor
(Dumbledore, in this case) dies.
The past dies to give way to the future...example, the newborn
baby survives...here, we have Harry, he would have been the
symbol of the future for Lily and James’ story. Think back even
to the Bible...Moses survives miraculously when the Pharaoh had
ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed. He lives to lead
his people to the future. Just one example, there are
bazillions throughout literature.
The story arc, the Hero’s journey, is that the Hero moves from
the past, through the present struggle and into the future.
Luke hates his existence as a moisture farmer, he seeks
adventure and has one fall on his lap. Obi-Wan takes Luke to
help rescue Leia and trains him in the Force. Obi-Wan dies
leaving Luke to prove he’s learned from the master and can
become a Jedi. Defeats the enemy, at least for the present
(because evil never really does die), and moves on into the
future with Leia, Han, Chewy and the droids. Happily ever after.
The Hero only dies if he has been compromised in some way – if
he has partaken in the evil or engendered it – then he must pay
for his crimes (i.e., King Arthur, and Dr. Frankenstein).
Arthur had an affair with his sister and begat the evil the
country was facing. It was his fault. He had to pay for his
crimes. Dr. Frankenstein birthed the monster and then abandoned
him to the mercies of this world. He was responsible; he had to
pay for his sins. Even Frodo, indulged in the powers of the
Ring and because he had tainted himself, he had to go off to
live with the Elves.
For fun, let’s take a look at what the others might be symbols
of:
Harry: the hero, he is the symbol of light, hope and purity,
goodness in the world. He is the Symbol of Justice.
The Weasley’s: the entire clan, but specifically Ron and Ginny,
is used to represent family. They provide for Harry what he has
never had and has always wished for...security, warmth,
acceptance and support.
Luna is the Symbol of Faith. She believes in things that have
little or no proof. And though she seems scatter-brained, she
is alarmingly accurate with her assessments of situations and
people.
loyalty, of love, and she is the symbol of the future. This is
key here.
When Harry makes any sort of decision, or is trying to, when he
takes action, rather rashly most of the time, there’s only one
person he turns to, one person he wants and needs at his side.
It ain’t Ginny, and it sure as heck isn’t Ron.
Hermione is the path to success, to enlightenment, to
understanding. She needs to be present in order for any of them
to progress further. A very prominent, influential role. It may
even put her in a spot of danger. But here’s the catch...the
symbol of the future is just about the one character in the
story that can’t die.
The symbol of the future dies, the future is dead, there’s
nothing to move forward to, everybody go kill yourself.
The Symbol of the Future can be endangered, hurt, thought to be
dead, but cannot die. The Symbol of the Past dies, in paving
the way for the present and future. It’s a cyclical structure.
The relic, the wizened warrior, the reality instructor
(Dumbledore, in this case) dies.
The past dies to give way to the future...example, the newborn
baby survives...here, we have Harry, he would have been the
symbol of the future for Lily and James’ story. Think back even
to the Bible...Moses survives miraculously when the Pharaoh had
ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed. He lives to lead
his people to the future. Just one example, there are
bazillions throughout literature.
The story arc, the Hero’s journey, is that the Hero moves from
the past, through the present struggle and into the future.
Luke hates his existence as a moisture farmer, he seeks
adventure and has one fall on his lap. Obi-Wan takes Luke to
help rescue Leia and trains him in the Force. Obi-Wan dies
leaving Luke to prove he’s learned from the master and can
become a Jedi. Defeats the enemy, at least for the present
(because evil never really does die), and moves on into the
future with Leia, Han, Chewy and the droids. Happily ever after.
The Hero only dies if he has been compromised in some way – if
he has partaken in the evil or engendered it – then he must pay
for his crimes (i.e., King Arthur, and Dr. Frankenstein).
Arthur had an affair with his sister and begat the evil the
country was facing. It was his fault. He had to pay for his
crimes. Dr. Frankenstein birthed the monster and then abandoned
him to the mercies of this world. He was responsible; he had to
pay for his sins. Even Frodo, indulged in the powers of the
Ring and because he had tainted himself, he had to go off to
live with the Elves.
For fun, let’s take a look at what the others might be symbols
of:
Harry: the hero, he is the symbol of light, hope and purity,
goodness in the world. He is the Symbol of Justice.
The Weasley’s: the entire clan, but specifically Ron and Ginny,
is used to represent family. They provide for Harry what he has
never had and has always wished for...security, warmth,
acceptance and support.
Luna is the Symbol of Faith. She believes in things that have
little or no proof. And though she seems scatter-brained, she
is alarmingly accurate with her assessments of situations and
people.
- “He says very funny things sometimes, doesn’t he?”
“But he can be a bit unkind. I noticed that last year.
- “I s’pose,” said Harry. Luna was demonstrating her
never met anyone quite like her.
| Half-Blood Prince Chapter 15 |
Neville: the runner-up as it were, he is the symbol of heart,
perseverance, determination and overcoming obstacles. As much
as this is Harry’s fight, Neville is very closely entwined in
it, spurred on by it and driven to be better than he thought
possible. He achieves things no one could have guessed for him,
mastering a charm before anyone else in the DA, save for
Hermione.
And both Prophesy Boys are signs of choosing what is right over
what is easy. The choice is to fight or take flight...they both
choose to fight. It might mean a little more from Neville
because he is the unlikeliest candidate to stand against
Voldemort and yet he is there, fighting.
perseverance, determination and overcoming obstacles. As much
as this is Harry’s fight, Neville is very closely entwined in
it, spurred on by it and driven to be better than he thought
possible. He achieves things no one could have guessed for him,
mastering a charm before anyone else in the DA, save for
Hermione.
And both Prophesy Boys are signs of choosing what is right over
what is easy. The choice is to fight or take flight...they both
choose to fight. It might mean a little more from Neville
because he is the unlikeliest candidate to stand against
Voldemort and yet he is there, fighting.
| Dumbledore’s Greatest Sin |
It remains to be seen whether Dumbledore’s greatest sin will be
that he cares too much and chooses to believe in people or his
hubris.
It is mentioned many times throughout the series that
Dumbledore is known for giving second chances and being very
understanding. We hear of it from Hagrid himself, who has been
saved by Dumbledore’s fabled trust in people and belief in the
goodness of humankind.
Dumbledore had suspected Riddle from the time they met at the
orphanage. He knew Hagrid hadn’t set Slytherin’s Serpent upon
the school, but he had no proof. Thus, a Third Year Hagrid
takes the blame from a crime Seventh Year Tom Riddle has
committed.
Except Hagrid was a half-giant with questionable manners,
magical skill and brain capacity...he’s a half-breed after all.
Headmaster Dippet and Head of House Slughorn were taken in by
Riddle’s charm and sympathetic back-story. Riddle knew just
what to say and do to get people to like him, Hagrid never had
the benefit of two-facedness.
Though it is easier to give someone a second chance when you
know they weren’t guilty (i.e., Hagrid), or need information
from them and don’t suppose they’re overly evil (i.e.,
Slughorn). Does Snape fit into one of these categories?
Is Harry sort of a second chance for Dumbledore – he couldn’t
save one orphan from the dark side, so he’ll try to redeem
himself by saving Harry?
From the first book, Dumbledore mentions his larger than
average brain. He is so clever in fact, he enchanted to Mirror
of Erised to give the Philosopher’s Stone to the one who didn’t
want to use it. (Yet he could not tell something was very
strange about Quirrell?)
He remarks on his own intelligence throughout Book 6, goes so
far as to admit, that since he is cleverer than most, his
mistakes tend to be that much “huger.” He displays the
characteristics of Hubris, that fatal flaw.
Hubris is the exaggerated pride in oneself, to go so far as to
put oneself on par with the gods, exacting terrible
retribution. Almost all of the Ancient Greek heroes (or are
they villains?) suffered from hubris, Achilles, Agamemnon,
Oedipus, Jason...there are too many to list.
Dumbledore’s self-assurance that he is just about the most
wonderful wizard alive, even better than Voldemort and way
better than the “underage and unqualified” Harry, seems to be
edging dangerously close to this fine line of self-confidence
and over-confidence.
Did he allow himself to be blinded by what he wanted to believe
instead of what was real?
that he cares too much and chooses to believe in people or his
hubris.
It is mentioned many times throughout the series that
Dumbledore is known for giving second chances and being very
understanding. We hear of it from Hagrid himself, who has been
saved by Dumbledore’s fabled trust in people and belief in the
goodness of humankind.
Dumbledore had suspected Riddle from the time they met at the
orphanage. He knew Hagrid hadn’t set Slytherin’s Serpent upon
the school, but he had no proof. Thus, a Third Year Hagrid
takes the blame from a crime Seventh Year Tom Riddle has
committed.
Except Hagrid was a half-giant with questionable manners,
magical skill and brain capacity...he’s a half-breed after all.
Headmaster Dippet and Head of House Slughorn were taken in by
Riddle’s charm and sympathetic back-story. Riddle knew just
what to say and do to get people to like him, Hagrid never had
the benefit of two-facedness.
Though it is easier to give someone a second chance when you
know they weren’t guilty (i.e., Hagrid), or need information
from them and don’t suppose they’re overly evil (i.e.,
Slughorn). Does Snape fit into one of these categories?
Is Harry sort of a second chance for Dumbledore – he couldn’t
save one orphan from the dark side, so he’ll try to redeem
himself by saving Harry?
From the first book, Dumbledore mentions his larger than
average brain. He is so clever in fact, he enchanted to Mirror
of Erised to give the Philosopher’s Stone to the one who didn’t
want to use it. (Yet he could not tell something was very
strange about Quirrell?)
He remarks on his own intelligence throughout Book 6, goes so
far as to admit, that since he is cleverer than most, his
mistakes tend to be that much “huger.” He displays the
characteristics of Hubris, that fatal flaw.
Hubris is the exaggerated pride in oneself, to go so far as to
put oneself on par with the gods, exacting terrible
retribution. Almost all of the Ancient Greek heroes (or are
they villains?) suffered from hubris, Achilles, Agamemnon,
Oedipus, Jason...there are too many to list.
Dumbledore’s self-assurance that he is just about the most
wonderful wizard alive, even better than Voldemort and way
better than the “underage and unqualified” Harry, seems to be
edging dangerously close to this fine line of self-confidence
and over-confidence.
Did he allow himself to be blinded by what he wanted to believe
instead of what was real?
| Possession and Horcruxes |
Voldemort possess Nagini (a Horcrux) – but the object of the possession
clearly does not need to be a Horcrux because Voldemort has possessed
Ginny. She had in her possession a Horcrux but was not one herself.
Voldemort doesn’t seem to have a problem possessing someone even if it’s a
fraction of his soul long since removed and un-stimulated or trained in
years. It is interesting that he had no difficulty sustaining the
possession even from a 50 year old fragment of himself stuck in a book
without a body or wand of his own.
Yet Harry, a supposed Horcrux throws Voldemort off with one wave of love?
It seems to me that if Harry was a Horcrux, or his scar was a Horcrux,
there would be no reason Voldemort couldn’t’ occupy his mind, or body
even, unconditionally and without constraint. I find it hard to believe
that Harry’s errant feelings of love throws a powerful wizard like
Voldemort for such a loop he releases his prey.
If Harry was a Horcrux, Voldemort would be able to withstand it. There
would be that little piece of himself into which he could retreat. He can
control a large reptile without struggle. And this possession comes after
Voldemort has returned to full power with the help of Harry’s own blood.
Voldemort can touch Harry’s skin now, there’s seemingly nothing standing
in the way – not Lily, her love, or ancient magic.
It’s not a fragment of soul. It’s not a reptile lacking human
intelligence. It’s a young boy who’s supposedly already got a bit of the
ole’ LV soul in him because of the Horcrux. So why can’t Voldemort occupy
Harry’s body for long?
For me, this means that he must not be a Horcrux…or I just really want to
believe that anyway. With all the odds in his favor, Voldemort can’t stand
up to a despairing feeling of love.
Plus, we know that making a Horcrux is not only very dark magic, but it’s
also very complicated. There’s a special incantation that has to be said
to place your bit of severed soul into the receptacle. It doesn’t seem
like something that could be done by accident: having intended to make
Harry’s death into the sacrifice required of a Horcrux, Voldemort would
have had the object with him.
That maybe true, but no one was around to say the incantation to place his
soul inside Harry. He “was less than a spirit, less than the meanest
ghost.” He did not have the power, the time, nor the body or wand to make
an incantation.
clearly does not need to be a Horcrux because Voldemort has possessed
Ginny. She had in her possession a Horcrux but was not one herself.
Voldemort doesn’t seem to have a problem possessing someone even if it’s a
fraction of his soul long since removed and un-stimulated or trained in
years. It is interesting that he had no difficulty sustaining the
possession even from a 50 year old fragment of himself stuck in a book
without a body or wand of his own.
Yet Harry, a supposed Horcrux throws Voldemort off with one wave of love?
It seems to me that if Harry was a Horcrux, or his scar was a Horcrux,
there would be no reason Voldemort couldn’t’ occupy his mind, or body
even, unconditionally and without constraint. I find it hard to believe
that Harry’s errant feelings of love throws a powerful wizard like
Voldemort for such a loop he releases his prey.
If Harry was a Horcrux, Voldemort would be able to withstand it. There
would be that little piece of himself into which he could retreat. He can
control a large reptile without struggle. And this possession comes after
Voldemort has returned to full power with the help of Harry’s own blood.
Voldemort can touch Harry’s skin now, there’s seemingly nothing standing
in the way – not Lily, her love, or ancient magic.
It’s not a fragment of soul. It’s not a reptile lacking human
intelligence. It’s a young boy who’s supposedly already got a bit of the
ole’ LV soul in him because of the Horcrux. So why can’t Voldemort occupy
Harry’s body for long?
For me, this means that he must not be a Horcrux…or I just really want to
believe that anyway. With all the odds in his favor, Voldemort can’t stand
up to a despairing feeling of love.
Plus, we know that making a Horcrux is not only very dark magic, but it’s
also very complicated. There’s a special incantation that has to be said
to place your bit of severed soul into the receptacle. It doesn’t seem
like something that could be done by accident: having intended to make
Harry’s death into the sacrifice required of a Horcrux, Voldemort would
have had the object with him.
That maybe true, but no one was around to say the incantation to place his
soul inside Harry. He “was less than a spirit, less than the meanest
ghost.” He did not have the power, the time, nor the body or wand to make
an incantation.
| Horcruxes and their Symbolism |
Voldemort has proven himself to have a symbolic sense about him with a
strong understanding of history and historical importance (a trait he
shares with many megalomaniac psychotic leaders, incidentally). So when
looking for an object in which he could store his very soul, it is safe to
presume he’d look for objects of significance: Personal possessions of the
Founders of Hogwarts.
strong understanding of history and historical importance (a trait he
shares with many megalomaniac psychotic leaders, incidentally). So when
looking for an object in which he could store his very soul, it is safe to
presume he’d look for objects of significance: Personal possessions of the
Founders of Hogwarts.
Marvolo Gaunt's Ring:
a family heirloom as it turns out. It is a symbol
of wealth, status and greed, materialism and
lineage (which is very fitting considered he’d
never had a family and the importance the Pure
Bloods place on it).
of wealth, status and greed, materialism and
lineage (which is very fitting considered he’d
never had a family and the importance the Pure
Bloods place on it).
| Destroyed |
Slytherin's Locket:
again it stresses the connection to his family, a
long line of great wizards. Slytherin himself has a
achieved immortality by living within the history
records and in people’s memories.
Riddle is the bastard son of Muggle, which is
something that disgusts him. He’d want to stress
his connection to a Wizarding line and one of the
oldest and greatest around....It gives him power
and a legitimacy that he’s never had before.
long line of great wizards. Slytherin himself has a
achieved immortality by living within the history
records and in people’s memories.
Riddle is the bastard son of Muggle, which is
something that disgusts him. He’d want to stress
his connection to a Wizarding line and one of the
oldest and greatest around....It gives him power
and a legitimacy that he’s never had before.
| At Large |
Hufflepuff’s Chalice:
it’s a yonic symbol of femininity; a receptacle; a
bearer of things, life-giving things like water and
food.
Hufflepuff’s are known for their loyalty,
unpretentious attitude, for being helpful “play-by-
the-rules” fair. They are “straight shooters.”
The Head of House right now is Pomona Sprout –
Master of Herbology which is the study of plants,
living things, growth, nurturing nature (all
traditionally feminine attributes).
bearer of things, life-giving things like water and
food.
Hufflepuff’s are known for their loyalty,
unpretentious attitude, for being helpful “play-by-
the-rules” fair. They are “straight shooters.”
The Head of House right now is Pomona Sprout –
Master of Herbology which is the study of plants,
living things, growth, nurturing nature (all
traditionally feminine attributes).
| At Large |
His Personal Diary:
it’s a preservation of youth-remembrance, conceit.
It’s putting himself on par with the Founders.
A book is a symbol of education. Blank pages can
represent lack of experience, life yet to be
lived…or erasure.
It could be a symbol of his old self – the little
orphan boy, powerless and alone. It was something
he was moving away from: the weakness of being Tom
Marvolo Riddle, named for a filthy muggle man who
abandoned him and his mother, and a mother weak
enough to give in to death.
At the time he had the diary, he was already
planning on breaking away from that past and
becoming something so much more, something far
greater in his mind.
It’s putting himself on par with the Founders.
A book is a symbol of education. Blank pages can
represent lack of experience, life yet to be
lived…or erasure.
It could be a symbol of his old self – the little
orphan boy, powerless and alone. It was something
he was moving away from: the weakness of being Tom
Marvolo Riddle, named for a filthy muggle man who
abandoned him and his mother, and a mother weak
enough to give in to death.
At the time he had the diary, he was already
planning on breaking away from that past and
becoming something so much more, something far
greater in his mind.
| Destroyed |
The Snake:
Nagini. Why would he make something that could die
on its own be a receptacle of is soul?
Nagini is an animal; she represents raw power,
hunger, she is poisonous and a personification of
his parselmouth gift. A symbol of what he’s become.
on its own be a receptacle of is soul?
Nagini is an animal; she represents raw power,
hunger, she is poisonous and a personification of
his parselmouth gift. A symbol of what he’s become.
| At Large |
Something of Ranveclaw’s
OR Gryffindor’s:
OR Gryffindor’s:
It would be a depiction of what they represent.
Ravenclaws = Intelligence
Gryffindors = Courage
As we don't know much about any of the Founders
it is hard to speculate what heirlooms of
theirs might have been preserved all these
years.
Ravenclaws = Intelligence
Gryffindors = Courage
As we don't know much about any of the Founders
it is hard to speculate what heirlooms of
theirs might have been preserved all these
years.
| At Large |
I think it's safe to say that Harry's certainly got his work cut out for
him in his next adventure...
him in his next adventure...
