Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know… every single Harry Potter book is, in some way, actually about love. But hold on – this one really is (we swear). Deathly Hallows brings this whole question of love into the clearest focus yet: love here isn't just about needing someone or missing someone or feeling butterflies in your stomach when you see someone (though it's fun that all that stuff happens). Instead, it's kind of a broader, more abstract concept; it's about being willing to give your whole self up to save the people you love. That's just what Harry's asked to do here, and, because of his great capacity to love, he's able to do it.
Questions About Identity
- Harry's identity struggle is tied to the main conflict between him and Voldemort. Do you see Voldemort undergoing a similar struggle?
- We see a lot of characters get over the hump between childhood and adulthood here – what are some notable examples of this coming-of-age, in your eyes?
- How does the question of Dumbledore's true identity inform the main conflict of the book?