Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Analysis

959 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Harry potter symbolism thesis

Within the book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling, characters and stories between Voldemort and Harry’s continuous struggle allude to stories from the Bible. Voldemort, who represents the evil in the struggle, fights against Harry Potter, who is the “good” representative within the book. In the fight against Harry, Voldemort has a pet snake by the name of “Nagini.” Nagini, at one point in the book, possesses over a good character in the book, Bathilda Bagshot. Bathilda is an author and a historian, who Hermione and Harry trust and visit. Bathilda eventually dies and the evil snake, Nagini, uses her body to attract Harry and Hermione. Nagini eventually reveals itself through Bathilda’s body and attacks Harry. However, Hermione …show more content…

Within the Bible, the demons use two bodies of two innocent men. The men, in the story, are in the forest, but it can be assumed they were normal people beforehand. Likewise, within Harry Potter’s situation, Nagini uses the innocent body of Bathilda. Bathilda had been an innocent historian and author before her death. Also, the two demonic figures possess two men and use their bodies to bring evil into their town. The people continually avoid the possessed men, and keep them towards the “Tombs.” In J.K. Rowling’s story, the snake brings evil to Harry and Hermione as it deliberately tries to kill Harry. Clearly, the demonic and possessing figures in both stories have similarities. However, there are differences within the situations. For example, in the Bible, the demonic figures have no physical appearance. On the other hand, Nagini is in the shape of a giant snake. Finally, the demons in the Bible are not trying to kill Jesus, but are merely terrified of Him. On the other hand, Nagini tries to kill Harry through Bathilda’s body. Overall, despite a few differences, the Bible and Harry Potter’s situation involves similarities between evil figures possessing another person’s …show more content…

Rowling, Harry has to expel the evil figure of a snake from the innocent body of Bathilda. The snake possess the body to lure Harry towards him, and Harry falls for the trick. Once Harry realizes the snake is inside Bathilda, Harry defends against him and defeats the snake in trying to kill the hero. Finally, the fight against the snake foreshadows Harry will always defend against evil and preside over the evil figures. The story alludes to the Biblical passage of “Matthew 8: 28-34” where Jesus expels the demons from two innocent men. The two demons possess the body of two men to bring evil into the town. However, Jesus arrives and uses his spiritual power to expel the evil demons from the men. The exorcism demonstrates Jesus will always reign over evil, and have the absolute last judgment. Overall, between both stories, there is possession of a body, a hero fighting off the evil figures, and foreshadowing for the final meeting between evil and

Show More
Related

  • Free College Essays - Religious Symbols and Symbolism in Sweat

    471 Words  | 1 Pages

    Sykes at one point uses a whip to scare Delia by rubbing it on her and making her think it was a snake. Also, later in the story, Sykes places a real snake just outside the door of their house for the sole purpose of scaring Delia. These two examples could be seen as a biblical allusion as in the story of Adam and Eve when Satan took the form of a snake. The symbolism of snakes in "Sweat" subtly and cleverly illustrates Sykes as being an evil antagonist character. The pattern of good vs.

    Read More

  • 'Sweat' by Zora Neal Hurston and Religion

    1560 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...n with her day to day life and endure her mistreatment at the hands of her husband knowing that she will one day be free from it all, and her wicked lout of a husband Sykes. After a day of worship in church on Sunday, Delia finds the strength to stand up to Sykes by not taking any action to save him from his fatal snakebite, which was caused ultimately by his own evil actions. How fitting that this man who was portrayed as a slimy snake was killed by an actual snake, one of God’s creatures.

    Read More

  • The Use Of Figurative Language In The Genesis Book From The Bible

    1773 Words  | 4 Pages

    In order for a written work to be considered as Literature; it should portray any element of literature such as: figurative language, irony, simile, symbolism, personification, metaphor, etc. Some of these elements are portrayed in the book of Genesis. As for example in its third chapter, there is a use of figurative language. The term figurative language refers to a word or a phrase that an author uses to extend the meaning of the language which is exactly what the author of the Genesis 3 did by using the serpent as a character. In the text, the serpent is not only a normal serpent; it also happens to be a representation of the devil. As professor Dafni in his article “Genesis 2–3 and Alcibiades’s Speech in Plato’s Symposium” points out, “the serpent changes fundamentally the meaning of the divine command and bears malice toward Yahweh, God the Creator… So the talking serpent as a devil articulates its most decisive argument (Gn 3:5): ‘God knows in fact that the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, knowing good from evil’. The serpent concealed and suppressed completely the possibility of death and makes God seem a liar and a fraud”(Dafni,2015). When the author of Genesis, portrays the serpent talking and making God looks like a liar makes a deviation from the literal meaning of the word serpent because is something that a regular serpent

    Read More

  • Grendel

    704 Words  | 2 Pages

    One of Grendel’s archenemies is the human. Humans refuse to look beyond Grendel’s unattractive exterior, and spend most of their days trying to kill Grendel. One night when Grendel is watching their mead hall, he sees them “treating their sword-blades with snake’s venom”(Gardner 29). Another conflict between humans and serpents develops when Grendel is watching the Shaper for the first time. As he listens, he “snatche[s] up a snake from beside [his] foot”(40), and holds it in his fist as he listens to the Shaper sing. The snake represents the deceptive weaving of history that the Shaper performs in Hrothgar’s mead hall. Grendel interacts with one of the priests, Ork, in the circle of Gods, by pretending to be the Great Destroyer. Ork predicts that the Great Destroyer will eventually fall, foreshadowing Grendel’s battle with Beowulf. Ork tells his fellow priests about his conversation with the Great Destroyer, but they just “look down at him as they would at a wounded snake”(118). In Grendel’s eyes, all humans are evil, because they refuse to take the time to understand him. Because of this, Grendel battles the humans throughout the novel until one of them finally takes his life.

    Read More

  • Harry Potter Controversy

    988 Words  | 2 Pages

    The first main controversy of the Harry Potter series is the argument that Rowling’s stories promote paganism, which is against Christian beliefs. The Bible specifically states in Leviticus 20:26, “You shall not practice augury or witchcraft” (“Reading Matters”). Furthermore, the Bible supports the resentment towards paganism in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, stating that those found practicing witchcraft, casting spells, or contacting spirits are a disgrace to the Lord and will be driven out (qtd. in Mahoney). In Rowling’s book, witchcraft is an alluring practice. For instance, Hogwarts is described as a magical place one might wish to visit if the school existed. Consequently, many parents fear children who read these books will become intrigued by wizardry and attempt to learn these practices (Wilder Gish). Even J. K. Rowling has admitted that some readers are so convinced by the books that they believe the wizard world is real. These readers have sent...

    Read More

  • Developing Characterizations of Satan

    1006 Words  | 3 Pages

    Across these three works Satan was transformed from a seductive, but flat, character, to a suffering monster, to a complex, multidimensional antagonist. Within the Christian world, Satan provides an interesting representation of evil. He can be used to demonstrate the charms of sin or its consequences. The these three works demonstrate a changing and increasingly complex understanding of evil and sin.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Deception In John Milton's The Temptation Of Eve

    323 Words  | 1 Pages

    Perhaps the most ironic technique used in Satan’s argument, which ultimately leads to Eve’s deception, is that of personification. Especially that of the Snake, which Milton attributes humans “gentle dumb expression” (line 215) to a snake that would ordinarily not be capable of such mannerisms. This technique, despite its ironic undertone, furthers Satan’s psychological assault on Eve. Even so, Eve is suspicious of the snakes unusual capabilities wondering “How cam’st thou speak/of mute?” (Line 251), contemplating why God would grant such a “[subtle] beast” (line 248) the gifts of speech. It is, presumably, through this personification of the snake that Eve is persuaded to eat the “alluring fruit” (line 276) from the Tree of Prohibition.

    Read More

  • Archetypes In Fahrenheit 451 Essay

    424 Words  | 1 Pages

    The archetype of snakes has been included in the novel numerous times to enhance the presence of evil that lies in the society. Although this society is viewed as perfect, it has many flaws. The idea that everyone in the society is happy is ironic due to Mildred overdosing and the doctors saying they get these type of cases multiple times in a night, which highlights that the people are feeling dull and lifeless. Since this society is supposedly to be viewed as joyful and unflawed, books are banned in order to keep the people happy. The snakes hissing are the firemen. The firemen kill the books. On the other hand, in this passage the hissing vacuum symbolizes society. As Montag had released his hatred on the parlor walls, the vacuum had hissed. This society is viewed to be evil: books are banned and the people are overly distracted where their their thoughts are blinded.

    Read More

  • The Ways of Sin

    743 Words  | 2 Pages

    woman, and man. The serpent’s punishment was that it had to slither the rest of its life and that serpent would be inferior to mankind. The woman’s punishment entailed becoming the

    Read More

  • An Analysis of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

    1088 Words  | 3 Pages

    Before we delve into the temptation of LWW, let’s observe its prolegomena as found in The Magician’s Nephew: In the Genesis’ creation story, there are two rudiments of evil found—Adam and Eve’s direct disobedience to God's commandment (Gen 2-3), and the deception of the serpent (Gen 3). The Witch in The Magician's Nephew may be seen as a representation of the introduction of sin, but also, later in the story, as a figure representing the character of the serpent. This marks a move away from the theme of creation and a step towards the theme of temptation in the Narnia Chronicles. The theme of temptation is present in both the Bible and the Narnia Chronicles, and Lewis often models his presentations of temptation after stories and characters from the Bible. A good example of this is found ...

    Read More

  • Zora Neale Hurston Sweat Summary

    781 Words  | 2 Pages

    Sykes has been abusing Delia since they first became husband and wife and the entire town is aware of it. Years of Sykes abuse has caused Delia to become extremely thin and she is no longer as beautiful as she once was. The people in their town feel sorry for Delia and many of them dislike Sykes. Elijah Moseley says, “He done beat huh ‘nough tuh kill three women, let ‘lone change they looks” (1024). This phrase is symbolic of the abuse Delia has endured and the toll it has taken on her physical appearance. No matter how Delia’s appearance changes she continues to stay with Sykes. In the beginning, Sykes uses a whip to scare Delia because he knows she is terrified of snakes. He later brings a real snake into their home in an attempt to scare Delia and force her to leave the home. The snake is symbolic of the evilness of Sykes which is completely opposite of Delia’s purity and strong faith. The snake is a biblical allusion to the story of Adam and Eve when Satan took the form of a snake to lure Eve to eat the apple in the Garden of Eden. Sykes sole purpose in bringing the snake into the home was to force Delia to leave so that he could move his mistress in Delia’s house. But Delia’s strength would not allow her to leave her home nor would she give in to Sykes childish

    Read More

  • Choice Essay On Eve's Choice: No Freedom

    1002 Words  | 3 Pages

    Since dawn, Satan, now in the form of a snake, has been searching for the two people that represented the future of all mankind. Satan is looking for mankind to destroy them just for revenge, to get back at God. Satan is full of envy and thirst for revenge. Obviously he would want to find the weaker person first, Eve. Satan would like to find Eve by herself, but he didn 't think it was likely. But Satan actually found Eve all by herself working. Satan in the form of a snake approached Eve and complimented her. Of course Eve was amazed and flattered. She was not amazed because of the compliments he gave her. Eve was amazed on how the snake (Satan) was talking. She thought animals couldn 't talk but Satan told her he how he was dumb as the other animals but as he ate the apple from the tree he became smarter. He was able to think high thoughts, and speak. Satan was slick and Eve was naive. When Satan was telling her about this tree she thought he was talking about a random tree, not being the tree of knowledge. Satan took her to the “tree”. Eve told him she could have saved him the trouble. She told Satan “But of this Tree we may not taste nor touch; God so commanded” (Book IX, lines 651-652). Eve tried to be smart and tell him how they couldn 't eat from the tree of knowledge because God told them not to. She knew it was trouble if she did. She had no freedom to eat from the tree nor touch

    Read More

  • This Present Darkness Is An Eye Opening Book About Spiritual Warfare

    1072 Words  | 3 Pages

    In scripture, we can see that more than once Jesus cast out demons from people and had the power to shut their mouths. In Luke 11:14 one can see the power of Christ over demons, “And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed.” Another place in scripture that we can see where evil gets its power from is in the book of Job. Satan had to ask for God’s permission to torment Job. We know by this that any authority Satan has, has been given to him by God. God has given him the authority over worldly things as mentioned in John 14:20; however, it is important to remember that Satan cannot do anything that is outside of God’s will and purposes. In 1 John 4:4 we are reminded that as long as we have Christ in us, we ...

    Read More

  • Covey's Guilt

    221 Words  | 1 Pages

    Covey considers himself a religious man, yet he commits a sin by forcing his slave into adultery. Douglass hints that these cruel slaveholders must hold onto religion and a pious nature, to cover up the real sins they are living and convince themselves of their own moral sanity. Since Covey is considered one of the more harsh and cruel slaveholders, he has more guilt than any. He uses religion to cover up the cruelty he displays because if he didn't have this excuse, the guilt would eat him up and he wouldn't be able to continue with the use of power he has over his slaves. Douglass and the other slaves referred to Covey as “the snake” because he caught them with the element of surprise often (56). The snake in the Garden of Eden refers to

    Read More

  • Role Of Satan In Paradise Lost

    766 Words  | 2 Pages

    His pride, his envy and his manipulative nature all cause him to rebel against God and lead to his own downfall. Not unlike Achilles or Oedipus, Satan is portrayed as the engineer of his own misery. This heroic characterisation of the first few books highlights the scope of his fall, from a dashing angel to a deceitful snake, and shows the audience the sneaky ways evil can be tempting. As Russell writes: “Milton also deliberately made Satan appear magnificent at the beginning so that his audience might feel all the glamour of evil” (Russell, chap.12, p.15). And magnificent he is indeed! He is described as princely and godly, a clearly unnatural being of great power. He is compared to Teneriff and Atlas, and is said to reach the sky to emphasise his grandeur. Everything about his description at the start is tempting and glamourous. Quickly though, as the poem progresses, so do the images associated with him and soon, Satan’s evil deeds are reflected even through his physical appearance. When he is

    Read More

More about Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Analysis

Open Document