by Janice Suchoski

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

The allure of the Harry Potter series lies largely in the fact that despite its totally impossible venue, the loves, hates and humors of its characters are believable and real. Whatever age the "Potter" reader, there is emotional identification with the lives of those in the story. Death is a reality of life; the one thing no mortal can avoid and is the most powerful emotional event of human experience. Fictional characters gain depth and believability when their emotions parallel reality.

Death is something which raises fear; fear of the unknown and fear of leaving life which is held dear. Death separates relationships and blocks mortal progress. In the fight between good and evil in the Harry Potter series, death separates Harry from normal life with his parents, changing forever his relationships with others. The possibility of death by evil hangs between Harry and his future. Death engenders the fear in the entire wizarding world for Lord Voldemort. Even the ending of the Dark Lord's name, "mort," means death and people fear to speak the name.

In the struggle between good and evil (which is the constant theme of the series,) the possibility of death hangs over all those connected with good. To hold fast to the ideals of good and right, freedom and truth, the characters on Harry's side are all willing to risk death for their beliefs. For the good to prevail, the ultimate sacrifice must be made and that requires total commitment. In this series, there is no middle ground and so death is the hovering companion of all until the struggle is finally resolved.

The deaths of good characters pull the emotions of the reader into closer alignment with Harry's feelings and ultimate goal of ridding the world of Voldemort. The loss of Sirius; Harry's last possibility of a parent - figure, creates great sympathy in a reader. Everyone has lost to death someone to whom they feel close. The death of Dumbledore, Harry's mentor, again deepens emotional alliance with Harry and those dedicated to good. Dumbledore's loss brings the possibility of death closer to everyone else because he was the one person the Dark Lord feared.

The death of Severus Snape brings revelation to the reader about truths long held dark. Harry discovers in his enemy, love and courage and learns to forgive what he never would have learned if Snape had lived. This death was necessary to complete a circle of understanding in which Harry...and the reader find peace.

The death of Voldemort brings vindication for the sacrifice of so many others and relief to the reader for his or her hopes that Harry would somehow prevail. This death brings both joy and sorrow. The wizarding world was finally freed from the Dark Lord's evil but at the cost of the lives of Lupin, Tonks, Fred and others. Again, death severs relationships, affects the future of Teddy Lupin and others and makes a mark upon the lives of those left behind to carry on. But the stream of life does go on... regardless of death, even in fiction.

Learn more about this author, Janice Suchoski.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.