Blog Post #2-Befriending Empathy

Harry Potter—one of the most empathetic characters I have ever come across in a series of novels. Harry’s empathy comes from his actions and, most importantly, his heart and soul. From the beginning of to the end, Harry Potter’s empathetic tendencies allow him to overcome the traumatic events he is constantly up against and befriend people that other’s see unworthy of the Boy-Who-Lived.

In Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry has lived with the horrid Dursleys all his life and they treat him like a piece of dirt in attempt to rid him of his magic. They also force Harry to sleep in a cupboard under the stairs, while succumbing to the Dursleys' every wish. Even though Harry has had such an awful “home” life, he manages to overcome his traumatic past and be normal, even for a teenage wizard. On the Hogwarts Express, Harry encounters Ron Weasley and offers Ron some of his candy goods. “Harry who had never had anything to share before or, indeed, anyone to share with. It was a nice feeling, sitting there with Ron, eating their way all Harry’s pasties,”(102). Harry knows how Ron is feeling and wants to help him out. This is the first time Harry has actually had money of his own and he is proud to be able to help and share his wealth with his friends. Ron becomes Harry’s best mate and assists Harry in every adventure throughout the rest of the series.

A character we see Harry be most empathetic towards is Neville Longbottom. Neville is a fellow Gryffindor and Draco Malfoy constantly picks him on. Harry sees himself in Neville when Malfoy says nasty things to him. In Sorcerer’s Stone, he tells Neville that he is worth twelve of Malfoy when Neville is on the verge of tears (218). Harry Potter understands how Neville feels because he has felt the same way when Dudley bullies him. In Order of the Phoenix, Harry works with Neville every D.A. meeting to ensure he acquires the ability to protect himself and fight the Death Eaters when the time comes. Harry knows Neville might not be the best in the class, but he trusts Neville and gives Neville the strength to become a brave wizard who can stand and fight for himself!

Through all of Harry’s hardships in life, he some how became a magnificent person just like his parents. Harry has grown to see that he isn’t different from everyone else, and, even though he sometimes struggles to remember this, Harry’s empathy towards others constantly shines through allowing him to have friends that are loyal to him and that is the exact opposite of what Voldemort wants.