Blog Post #2, Prompt 2

I am an English major so I have found the Harry Potter books very relevant to my studies. In the English department, you learn how to analyze text and how text influences culture. I have learned how to analyze literary characters through their dialogue and action. This information has helped me better understand the Harry Potter series.

For example, when I first read in Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix, I was very frustrated with the character of Cho Chang. I understood that she was sad but I did not understand some of the lashing out that she did, such as supporting Marietta Edgecombe or being jealous of Harry and Hermione when there is no romantic interest between them. I understand character analysis more now so I am more sympathetic toward Cho. Cho’s sadness was simply an undercurrent of her loneliness. Her boyfriend died and the only person who was there when he died (Harry) wouldn’t talk to her about it.

However, Harry did talk to Hermione. Harry does not see Hermione as a romantic interest but he supports her in a way that he never supported Cho. Plus, Marietta remained Cho’s friend in a time when very few supported her. I would want to defend a friend like that if I was in Cho’s situation as well.

The study of literature teaches one to look at characters more objectively. Instead of thinking about if you like the character or not, you think about the character’s actions impact the overall view of the story. I like Cho Chang more now because I can more objectively understand how she got swept up in the traumatic events in the Harry Potter world.