Harry Potter And Redwall Comparison Essay

Harry Potter and Redwall Compare and Contrast

The books Redwall by: Brian Jacques and the Harry Potter Series by: J.K. Rowling share many similar and different character traits, themes and symbols. Redwall takes place place during a medieval time in an abbey and the characters are woodland animals. The Harry Potter series takes place in modern day England primarily in school of magic where teenagers learn how to harness their magical powers and abilities. The two may not be similar in terms of plot, but Redwall and Harry Potter both share the themes and symbols of courage, compassion and evil.

Both stories involve the theme of courage throughout. Matthias; the main character of Redwall, initially lives a comfortable life in an abbey with no worries. Harry Potter lives with his Uncle and Aunt who abuse him and prioritize his cousin. Despite the differences in their initial situations, neither of the protagonists have any worries of life-threatening

danger. This all changes once they are confronted with conflict. Mathias, with the threat of the evil rat Cluny the Scourge and Harry, with the antagonist: Voldemort. This forces the young characters to step up and take the role of the hero, rather than the helpless adolescent. “You are brave, Matthias. Already you have done great things for one so young. I am only a simple country-bred fieldmouse, but even I can see the courage and leadership in you. A burning brand shows the way, and each day your flame grows brighter. There is none like you, Matthias. You have the sign of greatness upon you. One day Redwall and all the land will be indebted to you. Matthias, you are a true Warrior.”(57) This shows how support from friends in the Abbey allows Matthias to gather the courage to take on the dangers. Similarly, with the help of his friends and professors Harry Potter also attempts to confront Voldemort. This theme is consistent in both novels showing that support from those who you love allows for confidence and courage to grow. But this trait is not the only one emphasized.
The characters in the stories are generally portrayed as naïve children turned strong adults, but the more underplayed theme is compassion. Throughout the Harry Potter series the idea of compassion is present. Harry constantly displays his kind nature and this is reciprocated by his friends. Similarly, Mathias dreams of adventure and battle but never ceases to show his compassion to his allies. “Even the strongest and bravest must sometimes weep. It shows they have a great heart, one that can feel compassion for others.”(57) Cornflower, a friend of Mathias, states this during a time of distress for Mathias, exemplifying the idea that a hero need not constantly be viewed as an individual that never falters in strength or shows weakness.
Another similarity between the stories is the symbolism of evil.

Both stories use snakes as a symbol of evil and danger. In Harry Potter the snake, Nagini is seen as malicious and even revealed to contain a part of the evil wizard: Voldemort. In Redwall one of the villains is the adder(a type of viper): Asmodeus Poisonteeth. Furthermore, the main villain in Redwall is Cluny the Scourge who is known for having a poison barb on the back of his tail. The recurring idea of evil associated with poison and snakes is evident in both stories. The link with poison is with death and suffering making it an ideal symbol for a malevolent force. “...I know you, Cluny, better than you know yourself. There is not a scrap of pity or mercy in your heart, only a burning desire for vengeance. Therefore, I will not kneel to one who is consumed by evil.” This also reveals the idea that one should never be submissive to those who are evil. Similarly, Harry Potter does not give in to his enemy’s attempts at recruiting the powerful

wizard.
Because of the traits and symbolism that the two stories share it can be concluded that the themes are very similar between Redwall and Harry Potter. The stories’ protagonists show that not only should a hero be courageous and brave but also have compassion and have a refusal to give in to those who are immoral.