The Power of Fairness and Justice

Here is my second reading journal for my seminar class....

As children, there is no greater desire than the desire for fairness.  In a seemingly rule-filled world in which they feel powerless, children seek justice and freedom.  An evident theme in the Harry Potter series is rules vs. justice.  It is no secret that Harry Potter is given more freedom and control in his life at Hogwarts.  The fairness Harry receives at Hogwarts is an empowering discovery for young readers and one in which valuable lessons can be learned.  There is a clear distinction between the two lives Harry lives and how he is treated in each.

When we meet Harry in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, we find Harry in the muggle world overpowered by his bossy and unforgiving aunt and uncle.  At this time, Harry seems hopeless that he will ever have power and influence in his life.  He appears lonely and lacking the strength and confidence to be happy and successful.  His cousin also does not have any respect for Harry, always picking fights with him and getting jealous when all the attention isn’t on him.  As readers, we are sympathetic for Harry as he goes about his day-to-day life with no one to treat him with respect and be grateful for his companionship.

Once Harry discovers the secret that he is a wizard and enters the wizarding world of Hogwarts, we see a sudden transformation in his life.  The whole school is in awe of Harry overcoming an attack from Voldemort when he was just a baby.  Harry also makes two great friends, Hermione and Ron, who respect and appreciate him.  During his time at Hogwarts, Harry also finds opportunities to gain respect and show that he is a strong wizard.  In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry, with the help of his friends, discovers the Sorcerer’s Stone and prevents it from getting in the hands of Voldemort, who is inhabiting Professor Quirrell.  Harry is awarded for his great success, earning Gryffindor the House Cup.  Not only does Harry gain fame, but he shows that he is not the shy, frail boy he appears to be in the muggle world.  It is because of Harry’s strength and bravery that he saved the Sorcerer’s stone from falling into the wrong hands.

Harry gets the opportunity to gain fame and further prove his strength in the second book Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  With Hogwarts on the brink of closing after a series of attacks, Harry and his friends discover the location of the Chamber of Secrets.  Inside the Chamber, Harry confronts Tom Riddle, the 16 year old version of Voldemort, who was trapped in a diary.  With a little help from a magical phoenix and the sorting hat, Harry again comes out on top.  Harry is rewarded for using his courage and power to defeat Voldemort again and saving the school.  Points are awarded to Gryffindor and once again they win the House Cup.

Despite breaking the rules during his heroic missions, Harry is not punished, but rather rewarded for his valiant efforts.  His successes are celebrated and many students and professors have his back and cheer him on.  In the world of Hogwarts, not only is Harry treated with fairness, but justice seems to be served to all who do him wrong in Hogwarts.  It is this justice and respect that gives young readers hope that they will soon find a place in life where they are appreciated and treated fairly too.