AN INTRODUCTION TO PLOTS, ISSUES AND THEMES.ppt

The Harry Potter Saga Story of young boy who discovers he is a wizard, destined to fight evil, covering the seven years (age 11-18) that he spends at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. First Six books published to date (1997, 1999, 2000, 2000, 2003, 2005.) Seventh book rumoured by fans for July 2007 release (but unlikely - J.K. Rowling only began writing it January 2006) J.K. Rowling J.K. Rowling (b. 1965) 2004, US dollar billionaire (1st person ever to become a billionaire by writing books). Degree in Classics and French, worked for Amnesty International, later unemployed. Idea for Harry Potter came to her on a train, she wrote first book on lunch breaks and while unemployed. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone Plot: Harry discovers he’s a wizard; goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; makes friends and enemies; thwarts Voldemort’s plan to return to power; is saved from death by power of Mother’s Love. Religious Themes: special birth, marked destiny, good vs evil, sacrificial love, trial by fire (purification of the soul) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Plot: Harry returns to Hogwarts, discovers the Chamber of Secrets, battles Tom Riddle/Voldemort, is saved by Ffawkes (phoenix) Religious Themes: good vs evil, demonic possession, sacrificial love, death/resurrection symbolism… Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Plot: Sirius Black escapes from Azkaban, hunts Harry; Dementors hunt Black (and Harry); true traitor is revealed Religious Themes: good vs evil, dangers of doing/using evil for “good” purposes, spiritual defense against “demons” of hopelessness, despair… Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Plot: Voldemort has returned, Death Eaters grow in power, Harry’s name entered into TriWizard Tournament, battles Voldemort in graveyard, saved by ghosts of parents. Religious themes: good vs evil, spiritual champion, sacrificial love, grace... Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Plot: The Order of the Phoenix res