Hello, faithful readers! I’m looking for a little help from you. Many of you know I’m taking a Harry Potter class. We are presented with the task to write either two 5 page papers or one 10 page paper. I sketched out an introductory paragraph for the two 5 page papers, but neither will fit into 5 pages, so I have to choose between them. I’m leaning heavily towards one, because it better fits the course material, but before I lock in the decision permanently, I thought I’d put the two options before you and get your opinions. Which of these two papers do you think I should pursue? [Please forgive the bad formatting. I couldn't get the subpoints indented properly for some reason].
Proposal #1
The Meaning of the Phoenix: Love’s Victory over Death in Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling has said that death is probably the most important theme of the series. But what does she want us to learn about death? She has given us the symbol of the phoenix, as well as plot developments, examples, and words of wisdom about the issue of death. Ultimately, she wants us to learn that a life lived by sacrificial love makes death something not to be feared, but “the next great adventure.”
I. Introduction
A. “The Most Important Theme”
B. The Most Important Symbol – the Phoenix
II. Perspectives on Death
A. Albus Dumbledore
1. Words of Wisdom
2. Connection with the Phoenix
B. Voldemort
1. “Fleeing Death”
2. Horcruxes
III. Harry’s Life and Learning
A. Lily’s Sacrifice
B. Harry’s Figurative Death and Resurrection
IV. Power the Dark Lord Knows Not
Proposal #2
Harry as a Philosopher’s Stone: Alchemy in the Harry Potter Novels
Alchemical principles have frequently beenused as a powerful literary tool, employed by some of the greatest authors of history for the past several centuries. We see its use prominently in Shakespeare, and we can find it in more recent authors such as C.S. Lewis. It is also the framework upon which J.K. Rowling has built the Harry Potter novels. In short, Harry Potter himself is a “philosopher’s stone” in progress, and the seven books of the series are built on the framework of the process of alchemy.
I. Introduction – Thesis
II. Alchemy
A. Philosopher’s Stone
B. The Process of Purification
III. Alchemy in Literature
III. Alchemy in Harry Potter
A. Dumbledore as Alchemist
1. Work with Flamel
2. Transfiguration – Change in Harry Potter
B. Harry as Philosopher’s Stone
1. Ron and Heriome as “Quarrelling Couple”
2. The Three Stages of Alchemy
a. Black – Order of the Phoenix
b. White – Half-Blood Prince
c. Red – Book 7
IV. Harry’s Transformation, Book by Book
Whichever of the two I choose, I will post here when it’s finished. Let me know what you think!
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I would choose the second one, cecause of my interest in literal alchemy.
Travis,
I prefer proposal #1.
Scott
Travis:
Both topics are great, so I can see where you are having a hard time choosing! You can’t go wrong, so go with your heart if you really are leaning in a certain direction. Who knows, if you are really ambitious and have the time, maybe you could write both and let us vote.
(I’m sure your family wouldn’t like that one though.)
As for my personal preference, I would go with the one that isn’t going to be covered by the other students, or less thought of if at all possible: My guess is that would be the one on Harry being a Philosophors stone in the making. Not only is it the less obvious of the 2 to most readers, but it better fits an attempt on JKR’s part to “never tickle sleeping dragons”. It’s bound to impress your teacher more.
Good luck!
Loves Victory Over Death, the ultimate theme!
I like both ideas, but I have to vote for #1. You might want to check out the Song of Solomon for the Phoenix connection, “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” (8:6) Come to think of it, Song of Somolon is a virtual treasure chest of alchemical symbols: towers, mountains, waters, silver, gold, wine, sun, lilies, etc.
Number 1 for fun.
Number 2 for meatiness. Numebr 2 will be harder work and I think you’ll be challenged more greatly and sounds like your lecturer’s pet topic. ie. more marks (Halo Factor)
Matt
Thanks for all your input, folks! I have decided to go with #1. It’s more relevant to the course material, and I’m better prepared to write that one in a crunch (which is what I’ve got, timewise).
That said, I have actually written papers for fun before, so I may pursue the second option over the summer. I may even send it along to the professor long after I’m done with the course. She said that she was not incredibly strong on that topic and, if I wrote the paper, would become the “student” in many ways.