Prompt:Fantasy of this type is pointed at young adults to help instruct them in the complexities of navigating the world. In what way were complex moral issues and spiritual challenges presented in the work you read for this week?
Response:
For this week, instead of reading Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, I went way back and revisited the first Harry Potter book by J.K Rowling. It had been so long ago since I had read that book that I am fairly certain I was young enough my parents actually read it for me. So, after having grown up and read the rest of the series by myself, I decided it was time to go back and revisit The Sorcerers Stone with a fresh eye. The first thing I noticed was that the book was a lot more whimsical than I remembered, and the characters so young. This really drove home the concept of growing up with the series, the characters plot and writing matured as I matured creating such an sort of uncanny bond with my generation that will probably never go away.
Putting aside the heavy dose of nostalgia for a second, looking back as a more mature and analytical reader it becomes apparent that The Sorcerers Stone, as well as the rest of the Harry Potter series, is just chalk full of moral lessons. It's practically a how to guide for our young and half formed moral barometers as children and this comes as no surprise seeing as the entire series is essentially an amalgamation of various folklore and myths across the globe used to teach lessons. At the very heart of the series is the message "love trumps evil" repeated over and over again, as seen through the power embedded in the sacrifices Harry's family and friends make for him, most notably his mother's love saving him from the death curse. The importance of family and friends are emphasized as well as the innate value in all people, regardless of bloodline or financial status, and that courage comes in all forms (Thank you Neville). All together the messages paint a pretty wholesome picture and are a great way to drive home love and acceptance in all who read the books.
