Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Book Review Template
– Advanced Language Arts

Title of Book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowling

From whose Point of View is the novel written? (1st person narrator [from whose eyes and mind], 3rd person omniscient, or 3rd person limited?) Explain why this point of view is effective, or not, for this novel.

3rd person limited- The usage of this point of view, allows the reader to grow accustomed to and get to know the main character Harry and the minor yet significant characters Ron and Hermione.

List Four Characters and explain their importance or significance to the novel as a whole. (At least four detailed sentences for each character are needed. Mention character traits!) Don’t tell me information like Johnny is the main character and there wouldn’t be a novel if it weren’t for Johnny. That is empty analysis. This is also empty writing: Johnny loves to eat pancakes, and he has a dog named Spot. So what??? Make sure you tell me character traits that impact the novel significantly. How is this person a catalyst for the action or themes of the novel?
1. Harry Potter- The protagonist of the novel, who turns seventeen during the course of the book. Harry is an audacious and determined young wizard who has decided not to return to Hogwarts school, instead to pursue a quest that Dumbledore left him; to find and destroy Horcruxes. Horcruxes are magic items that keep Lord Voldemort on Earth. Harry is consistently faithful to his quest throughout the book, though he struggles with self-doubt and spectates whether Dumbledore truly loved him. He is accompanied on his quest by Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Harry ultimately brings the demise of the Dark Lord and saves the wizarding world.

2. Ron Weasley - Harry Potter’s best friend and companion for most of the book. Ron is the same age as Harry and has left Hogwarts to accompany Harry on his quest. He displays bravery, resourcefulness, and loyalty to Harry, though he also has to overcome his own immaturity and his self-doubt at playing second fiddle to Harry Ron at one point runs away, but he later returned because he put his priorities first and committed himself to defeating Voldemort once and for all. In the latter portion of the book Ron confesses he is in love with Hermione Granger.

3. Lord Voldemort - The most destructive and malicious wizard who ever lived and he recently restored his body and full powers after fourteen years of struggling. When Harry was one year old, Voldemort murdered Harry’s parents and strained to murder Harry, but his curse rebounded upon him and tore his soul from his body, and forced him to lose most of his powers. Voldemort comes to control the Ministry of Magic and causes the death of untold numbers of Muggles and wizards. He is obsessed with figuring out why Harry keeps defeating him or slipping out of his grasp, and will stop at nothing to find a way to kill Harry. At the end of the book, Voldemort’s death spell rebounds and finally puts an end to his wicked life.

4. Hermione Granger - Harry and Ron’s classmate and companion, and Ron’s girlfriend towards the end of the novel. Hermione is the canniest and most focused of the three friends, and her meticulous planning and meticulous research into the quest benefits them time and time again. She is also surprisingly resourceful under pressure, rescuing them from scrapes in thoughtful and farsighted ways. She is particularly hard on herself for the few mistakes she does make—as are Ron and Harry. Hermione is a so-called Mudblood, which is an offensive term meaning a witch or wizard born to non-magical parents and Voldemort plans to torture her for being so.

Main Conflict or Challenge in the novel for the protagonist (main character):
(Three – Four sentences)

The primary conflict was presented in the 6th novel of the series and was a task delivered upon to Harry after Dumbledore’s untimely death. The task was to eliminate Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Horcruxes proved to be indestructible unless struck by Basilisk venom or injected with the substance and Horcruxes were Voldemort’s source of immortality because part of his soul thrived in the Horcruxes. It was detrimental to destroy the Horcruxes if Voldemort was to be put to justice.

Climax of the novel (the main turning point): (Three to Four sentences) The climax of the novel arose at the point in which Harry was allegedly murdered by Voldemort. Harry realized that he himself was a Horcruxes so he submitted himself to Voldemort to be murdered in order to put everyone a step closer to killing Voldemort. Voldemort hit him with a death spell called “avada kadavra” but Harry wasn’t dead... The spell failed again. Harry pretended to be dead in order to get closer to the last Horcrux: Voldemort’s snake.

How the main conflict or challenge is resolved by the end of the novel: (Five sentences)

The conflict resolved the moment Harry indicated to Voldemort that he was still alive. At that point Neville slayed Voldemort’s snake which set up the ultimate position for Harry to put an end to their plight against Voldemort. Harry then plunged into an epic battle scene where he and Voldemort fought for just the slightest advantage over the other during which he told Voldemort all he knew of his atrocious crimes and he then whitewashed Voldemort in combat thus ending the tyranny of the Dark Lord.

State two main themes of the novel, and explain why they are themes of the story, using specifics of the story to justify your point. Remember: “Hatred” is not a theme. Themes are universal observations about humankind, or life lessons, stated as a sentence. Ex: “Hatred often springs from jealousy and bias.” (at least 3-4 sentences needed for each theme):

1. The strain of letting go of the dead – Harry throughout the novel struggled to move on from Dumbledore’s death and focus on the task at hand. He also reveled in the past he never knew and visited his parent’s home just to feel a sense of connection to a life he never had. Harry had an object called the “resurrection stone” that would bring back lives from the void, but the life could only be an Earthly apparition and could never truly be interacted with. Harry was tormented by the stone and in the end realized that the past needn’t be dwelled in for it may never be altered but that we a human race must devote our attention to now and the future that entails what can be and not what was.

2. The importance of second chances – Harry and his companions refused to believe Severus Snape was truly a good human not the nasty, vile, and cruel being they perceived him as. Snape revealed to Harry the validity of his actions thus showing that Snape had respect for Harry and only rejoined the Death Eaters in order to smite Voldemort only through Dumbledore’s command and that Snape killed Dumbledore only to win Voldemort’s trust so he could aid in the fight with Hogwartz. Snape was a worthy man and Harry named one of his sons after him. Harry never gave Snape a second chance for Snape died too soon after the truth came out but Harry ensured the legacy of the misjudged man lived on in decency instead of infamy. Second chances are necessary for forgiveness.

Name three literary devices from the following list that the author used to help make this novel meaningful and effective and explain how and where they are used in the novel and SPECIFICALLY WHY the use of this literary device enhances the meaning of the novel. Cite two specific examples from the novel where these literary devices are used. (include page numbers) Literary devices include: symbolism, foreshadowing, flashbacks, irony, figurative language, creative/realistic imagery, satire.

(The following is not effective analysis: Good imagery makes the novel more interesting. That is empty writing. Don’t even think about writing like that.)

1. Literary Device One: _______________________Foreshadowing________________________

___

First example where this device is used: Page number: ___154_____________

Why does the use of this particular device in this particular part of the novel add to the effectiveness of the novel? Deep analysis required here.

The foreshadowing simply stated “I open at the close.” This prophetical phrase made diminutive sense at the time that Harry first read it yet he knew it foretold something terrible. The snitch preempted Harry’s death. Dumbledore was attempting to inform Harry ahead of time that he may need to die in order to defeat Voldemort but the message would only explain itself when Harry realized that the future matters, not the past and that death awaits everyone so why not die for anything but a just cause? The snitch enclosed the resurrection stone that Harry threw aside because he knew that he would join the dead one day and that he needed to savor his time with the living. Harry went to Voldemort to die and the stone revealed itself at the “close” of Harry’s life and Harry prepared to enter the void because the snitch foretold reality. Harry miraculously survived and the learned the value of life and the living.

Second example where this device is used: Page number: 517_______________

Why does the use of this particular device in this particular part of the novel add to the effectiveness of the novel? Deep analysis required here.

The quote “never cheat a goblin,” foretold that Harry planned on hoodwinking the goblins after he got what he wanted from them, but at a terrible price. Harry ignored the tip and set out to trick the goblins in order to steal a Horcrux from their vaults at their bank. Harry stole the Horcrux but many innocent lives were taken from the goblins due to Voldemort’s rage after he discovered his Horcrux was stolen. Harry also revealed to Voldemort that he knew of the Horcruxes and he planned on eliminating them. Harry did not heed the advice and it could have cost him his life.

2. Literary Device Two: ________________________________Symbolism__________________

First example where this device is used: Page number: __ majority Chp 32________640-657____

Why does the use of this particular device in this particular part of the novel add to the effectiveness of the novel? Deep analysis required here.

The Elder Wand, the first of the three Hallows, is a wand that ensures that its master will win any duel. No one may utilize it without overwhelming its former owner. Since defeating the owner in a duel is impossible, this feat is always accomplished by stealth, murder, or surprise attacks. Thus, the wand symbolizes both the thirst for unbridled power, bloodlust, and the folly of believing that power and violence can keep you safe. From the first proprietor of the wand onward, the wand has brought imminent death.

Second example where this device is used: Page number: 342________________

Why does the use of this particular device in this particular part of the novel add to the effectiveness of the novel? Deep analysis required here.

The locket Horcrux that Harry and his friends pilfer from Umbridge is, like all of the Horcruxes, cursed with the devilish attributes of the wicked soul it retains. It attempts to kill Harry by asphyxiating him while he’s underwater, it scalds itself into his flesh when he’s fighting against Voldemort’s snake Nagini, and it stifles him from summoning his patronus by exerting an almost imperceptible negative influence on the emotions of those who wear it. Yet its main function in the plot is not as a dark and devious magical item or even one that may produce serious ramifications. Instead, it symbolizes whatever is within each of the characters that may be deemed a fatal flaw. A locket can tell time or hold an image that reflects who someone is at heart and in this case it shows the character’s flaws that can be used against them. With Ron, it helps exacerbate his discomfort and immaturity until he abandons Harry. When Umbridge has it on, it brings out her own characteristic flaw—her penchant for lying. And with Harry the locket ascertains his ramped emotions that have been bottled inside of him for 17 years.

3. Literary Device Three: Chiasmus

First example where this device is used: Page number: __the entirety of chp. 3______________

Why does the use of this particular device in this particular part of the novel add to the effectiveness of the novel? Deep analysis required here. There are a lot of similarities between books 1 and 7, such as Hagrid driving Harry on Sirius’s motor bike to deliver him to the Dursley’s in book one and then leaving on the motorcycle in book seven, and so on. But the main difference lies in the seriousness of the books. For example Neville through his courage in book one, he earned Gryffindor the House Cup, thus beating Slytherin. This is paralleled in book seven, but this time it is serious, it is war and it is a matter of life and death. This time he uses the Sword of Gryffindor and gives Voldemort, the heir of Slytherin, the last blow, destroying the last Horcrux, Nagini which gave Harry the opportunity to defeat Voldemort once and for all.

Second example where this device is used: Page number: ____676____________

Why does the use of this particular device in this particular part of the novel add to the effectiveness of the novel? Deep analysis required here.

Neither can live while the other survives. This is a textbook example of chiastic structure by matching the definition which is a figure of speech in which two or more clauses are related to each other through a reversal of structures in order to make a larger point. Neither can live while the other survives; this connects the lives of good vs. evil (Harry vs. Voldemort.) So, as long as Voldemort rules in tyranny and strikes fear in all humans wizards and muggles alike, Harry could never live a life where he isn’t hunted and being forced to have all happiness stripped from him. Voldemort could never live as long as Harry survived because Harry is the only human who lived through his death spells, thwarts him time after time, and Harry is the icon of the rebellion. Their lives came down to one had to die in order for the other to live a normal life and it was Voldemort who died.

Choose two quotes from the novel, write them down, AND the page number, and explain how these quotes are especially meaningful or significant to the novel’s themes or to the development of character. (At least 4 Sentences of analysis for each)

1. Quote: Page:717
“It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well.” – Dumbledore

In essence this quote is saying that people who manipulate and bend other to their will do not deserve the power they acquired. True leaders do not seek power, but have the power thrust upon them. True leaders may never have wanted greatness, but in times of need, they were turned to in hope and desperation. Leaders continue on because they know what needs to be done and this quote reflected upon all have Harry’s mental transformations. Harry was no longer who he once was, he had become a leader.

2. Quote: “Do not pity the dead, Harry, pity the living. Above all, pity those who live without love. By returning you may ensure that fewer souls are maimed and fewer families are torn apart. If that seems to you a worthy goal, then we say goodbye for the present.” - Dumbledore Page:716 Analysis:

This quote from Dumbledore emanated directly after Harry submitted himself to Voldemort in order to destroy the Horcrux that he had become. Harry had just learned the importance of letting go of the past and once he went unconscious, he saw his old family and lost loved ones and he knew he could not remain in the state of mind forever. He needed to return and kill Voldemort. Harry discovered that everyone has lost loved one and in order to stop more deaths and end the torturing, Voldemort must die. Harry knew that he had to prevent others from living the lonely life he possessed so he left his coma and set out to end things the way it all started; an attempt on a life.

Analyze the author’s use of tone in the novel. Is the tone satiric, suspenseful, ironic, sarcastic, ominous, playful, witty, macabre, understated, hyperbolic, didactic, earnest, serious, tragic, tender, frightening, etc. etc. etc. Why is this tone especially effective in this novel? How does this tone affect the characters, themes, or action? You can choose a tone in a specific section of the novel, or for the novel as a whole. Five sentences of analysis needed here.

J.K. Rowling utilized a brooding and suspenseful tone. The tone assisted the reader in comprehending the severity of every situation. The tone also allowed for some understatement by using a troubled view that could not produce any happiness until the characters were a step closer to the death of Voldemort. The tone makes the characters suspenseful and emotional because they know every move they make is part of the giant chess game of life and they were all out of pawns. The tone helps create the theme of letting go of the past through the connection of their emotional receptions.

Analyze the author’s use of diction (word choice) in a passage of the novel, or in the novel as a whole. How does the use of diction make the novel especially effective? Five sentences of analysis needed.

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Rowling often chose the perfect words for the perfect situation. She did her best to say the most possible in the fewest words possible and when she didn’t, she was having a character say something prophetical that rendered deep meanings and could be interpreted many ways. The diction allows for the reader to indulge themselves in the novel and picture themselves as the characters and the diction creates at some points an intellectual view on life when riddles and quick silvered quotes appear. The diction is unique to each character and their speech patterns which makes the novel all more effective.

Analyze the author’s use of syntax (the sentence structure, and/or the variety of sentences) in a passage of the novel, or in the novel as a whole. How does the author’s use of syntax make the novel especially effective? Five sentences of analysis needed.

During the final showdown with Harry and Voldemort, Harry reveled on all the facts that could have kept Voldemort alive just to toy with the mind of his prey. Harry said, “Yes, Dumbledore is dead. You didn’t have him killed, he chose his own manner of death, choosing it months before he died, arranging it all with the man you thought was your servant.” This conversation opened with a punch and n pronounced death but then used compound sentences and complex sentences in an articulate and thorough fashion that wove the discussion into a full rendering of all the confusion of the recent events that proved to be the Dark Lord’s demise. The talk between the two wizards developed into a mind game between the two geniuses that Harry won. This takes place on pgs 737-742 and the variety of sentences and parallel structures was the work of a great writer.

Compare this novel’s themes, characters, or story line to a movie, or to another novel you have read, and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each relative to the other. In other words, compare and contrast the merits of each. (5-6 sentences needed).

The Deathly Hallows movies (part 1 and2) and book versions are remarkably similar. One differentiation that makes the book far better is the tone. The movie had an exciting and riveting tone while the book had a brooding and emotional tone. The book’s tone helped the reader to understand the enormity of every move and situation, but the movie…not so much. The movie had one scene that was different from the book by a long shot and that was the death of Nagini. In the book, Nagini was killed by Neville immediately after Harry’s alleged death, but in the movie, Nagini wasn’t killed until Harry started battling Voldemort once and for all. The movie was excellent and was the stereotype of a million dollar budget blockbuster but, I will always prefer the novel.

In 8-10 sentences, explain why you would or would not recommend this book to others: (Please spell the word recommend correctly. ) Be analytical and specific – Do not say: “because this book was exciting” or “because it was a good book”…) Mention how this book relates to your life…how has it inspired you…with what character do you most identify… strengths and weaknesses of the novel…etc. Use PROOF from the novel to back up your assertions.

This mini-critique should be written as a 3.8 (A P E) paragraph, and will be evaluated as such. This is a blended prompt – both Informational and Narrative, so you may use first person “I” when needed - (The assertion is not persuasive or Argument). Make your Assertion, Defend your Position with Proof, and Evaluate your position in light of the proof and evidence you offer from the novel. Use the back of this page for your analysis.

I would recommend this gift to the literary world to readers of all ages. This epic series finale includes lost loves, riveting battles, magic, treachery, and as much nonstop excitement that 759 pages could ever dream of holding. Rowling created a book with everything it needs to thrive: incredible writing, honesty, and an uncompromising view on the human nature to manipulate and dream of power. Rowling throughout the years has attracted adults, adolescents, and even children. The fantasy and interwoven plots pull the reader in and they can’t stop until they’ve read the entire series. Rowling has not only written successful sequels, but sequels that improve off of each other are unheard of! She has set the bar high for all future writers. Th