Blog Prompt #3: The Deathly Hallows: The Alpha and the Omega

The end of the series was simultaneously euphoric, enigmatic, and evincing. I had heard that at least one of the major characters dies in the last book and I was worried that it could be Ron, Hermoine, or even Harry (although I figured that it was highly unlikely and would upset too many people).With the deaths of Severus Snape, Fred Weasley and Remus Lupin I was saddened and relieved. I was saddened after Snape’s revelation of fidelity to and protection of Harry as few, perhaps only Harry, would understand the sacrifices and commitment that he made to do so. Likewise I was saddened by the death of Fred Weasley as the closeness of the Weasley twins is evident throughout the book and together they are greater than the sum of their parts. Lastly, I was saddened by the death of Remus, perhaps one of the last two father figures (the other being Arthur Weasley), and probably his last major connection to his parents past. At the same time, this severing of ties to his past, although traumatic, could also be beneficial and therapeutic as it would allow Harry to move on and not swell on the past. While these three deaths made me sad, it also allowed me to enjoy Harry, Ron, and Hermoine triumph over death and Voldemort. Additionally, I felt that the beheading of Nagini by Neville was very poignant and symbolic. As with the defense of “The Prophesy” in book 5 where Neville and Harry are the last two standing, this moment reflects the capacity that both he and Harry had to defeat Voldemort but arguably only Voldemort’s choice and impartation of power into Harry is what sets them apart.

In a larger social and cultural context the finale of the series I feel can be summed up in the phrase: “the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” This phrase has multiple meanings and representations in relation to the series. First and foremost, the parallel between Christ and his resurrection and the Christ-like resurrection of Harry both to overcome death and Satan/Voldemort is evident. With his treatment as a savior before and after the death of Voldemort, Harry’s character, actions, and thoughts are continually shaped and altered by what he perceives society wants him to be. Additionally, the death of Voldemort represents the final chapter in the saga of Harry Potter and his school years at Hogwarts but the Deathly Hallows also represents the first exploration of Rowlings diegetic beyond the chronology of Harry’s youth. Similarly it represents the end of an old era and the beginning of a new era of tolerance and can be viewed as paralleling the acceptance of half-bloods and muggles with the social debate about race and ethnicity that our societies are exploring today.