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A Literary Critique of Harry Potter
by Robert Drake
Authors write many things. Some things they write are books. One such book is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In this magnificent tale an innocent child is revealed slowly to the dangers of fascism allegorically through “wizardry”. Jk Rowling subtly but distinctly shares with us a world filled with dangerous nuance. Such a feat would not be possible without the addition of minor characters that are created with a very specific purpose in mind. These characters are impersonal flat characters so the reader has no bias for or against what they say or do. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter is not just a minor character, but actually thee most minor character in the book. Indeed I will go so far as to say the most minor character in all literature.
Mr.Ollivander says to Harry Potter “I think it is clear that we can expect great things from you.” Fortunately Harry Potter does absolutely nothing through the entire miniseries thus preserving himself as a minor character. Hagrid says to Harry, “You're a wizard, Harry! And Harry answers, “I’m a what?” Wizards are fascism. Harry is too innocent to know that Hogwartz is actually a fictional representation of a North Korean work camp except with slightly more magic. Jk Rowling wishes us to stand strong against fascism. Her representation of a diabolical yet lovable fascist dictator is the aloof Professor Snape who teaches alchemy. While not related to the primary theme, having Professor Snape teach alchemy connects the dangers of drug use to tyrannical paranoid behavior. Misuse of drugs is also a primary theme of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The sorcerer stone represents atomic weapons. Harry Potter does not realize the danger of nuclear proliferation and as such seeks to find the “atomic weapon”. Professor Snape reveals his tyranny in many ways. Professor Severus Snape says “And what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?” Harry answers, “I don’t know, sir.” Snape answers, “ Pity... clearly, fame isn't everything, is it, Mr. Potter?”. This is clearly libel and indicative of the abuse and propaganda fascist leaders use daily to enthrall the masses. The “Sorting Hat” is another tool of fascism. Only commies deny the individuality of the citizenry and force them into arbitrary groups. Most telling of all is the troll and giant dog that are kept in Hogwartz. If these two beasts don’t represent mental and physical oppression than I don’t know what two fantasy creatures do, perhaps a manticor and dwarven zeppelin captain wearing +5 adamantium battle armor. The other prisoners include Drako Malfoy, Ron, Hermione, and a host of other significant characters who do infinitely more than the inconsequential Harry Potter. Hermione is a “fem-nazi” who “lords it over” her male counterparts. She represents oppression of the sexes. Drako Malfoy is the main character. Through his ingenuity the evils of wizardry are removed. Drako Malfoy is heavily influenced by Harry Potter, but ever so indirectly. Harry Potter’s scar reminds Drako Malfoy of the incredible difficulty he had growing up in an affluent “pureblood” family of leaders and archwizards. Ron is to Drako Malfoy what Murcutio is to Benvolio, A FOIL! Malfoy says to Ron, “ Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask you yours. Red hair... and a hand-me-down robe... you must be a Weasley.” This passage is the key to understanding Jk Rowling's theme. The name represents individuality. “No need to ask you yours.” Secures Malfoy as an enemy of fascism in his apathy towards even knowing the name of the tyrant he faces. The next line is the most famous in all literature. RED HAIR! AND A HAND ME DOWN ROBE! YOU MUST BE A WEASLEY. Red hair is a sign of evil. A hand me down robe shows the deceptiveness of evil such as Satan posing as a snake in the Garden of Eden. The final part is Malfoy naming Ron as evil. This setting the stage for an apocalyptic battle of good vs evil on a level not seen in literature since Ragnorok of Norse mythology. Only via Harry Potter would Drako Malfoy be able to name Ron as a Weasley, Weasley being his incantory true name. Harry Potter allows Drako Malfoy to set himself against the forces of evil. This fact makes Harry Potter an insignificant character who greatly forwards the theme of the novel.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the most important work written in the last hundred years by far. Just as the Book of Revelations speaks of an apocalyptic end time, Harry Potter demands we look to the end days and make sure we are all steadfast against evil. Just as Shakespeare speaks to the human soul with his deft talent utilizing the vernacular so to does Jk Rowling grabs hold of the collective human consciousness and turns our fears as a society inside out. She challenges tyranny. She satirizes North Korean prison camps. She comments on the modern drug culture. She does all this and more through Harry Potter. Harry Potter isn’t just a key to the theme of the story. Harry Potter IS the story of Harry potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
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