Symbolism, Imagery, and Motif of Harry Potter

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Harry Potter is a fascinating tale of sorcerers, wands, broomsticks, dragons, and magic. The story begins with a young boy named Harry Potter who lives at number four Privit Drive, Surray, England. His journey begins after the death of his parents at the hands of the evil Lord Voldemort. Harry learns of his past and his future as a wizard from Hagrid, the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He travels to Hogwarts where he learns spells and enchantments, makes new friends, finds enemies, and discovers fantastic secretes. J.K. Rowling weaves a web of impeccable storytelling with this critically acclaimed novel. In the tale of Harry Potter imagery, symbolism, and motif take central focus.

Symbolism is one of the key literary aids in telling the story of Harry Potter. Platform nine and three quarters, the train station from which Harry's adventures begin, could be attributed to Harry symbolically and literally “leaving a troublesome world behind and venturing forth into a fantastic new one.” (Anson “The Trouble With Harry”). The platform is symbolic of a transition, a deliverance from evil and suffering into peace, excitement, happiness, and new horizons. The platform is shrouded in mystery. When Harry first arrives at the train station, he asks a nearby conductor where he can find the oddly numbered platform. The conductor thinks Harry is making a joke, because one knows where it is unless they are a wizard. “But Hagrid, there's no such thing, is there?” (Rowling 89). It is lucky for Harry that he stumbles upon another wizard family on their way to the platform. They show him where the secret platform is hidden.

The broomstick, used as transportation by witches and wizards, could also be cons...

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