Quiz 5 Makeup: The question of choices and environment

The question of choices and environment is a major theme in Rowling’s work. I think that perhaps Rowling leans more toward choices as being responsible for who we are rather than how we grew up. Harry and Voldemort are the perfect example of this, and they are also foils of each other. Harry grew up as an orphan, and was treated terribly by the Dursleys. He was forced to live in a cupboard for the majority of his childhood, and had to cook for them, and suffer some child abuse. Hogwarts was like his first true home, and one of the only places where he felt like he belonged. He was also offered comfort and support by his friends, and offered a guide through Diagon Alley. Voldemort grew up in an orphanage after his mother died, and he too had a miserable childhood (though arguably not as bad as Harry’s). Then, Hogwarts became Voldemort’s beacon of hope. Like Harry, Voldemort was offered a guide through Diagon Alley, although he rejected Dumbledore. It showed his determination to operate alone and be independent, unlike Harry who is aware that he needs help. This choice is one that splits Harry and Voldemort at the very start, and shows which path they are headed down. From the point forward, Voldemort made choices that isolated him, and didn’t allow his “friends” to truly know him and be important to him. Harry, however, thrives in his friendships. Love is the one thing that Harry has that Voldemort does not; the ability to take it, and the ability to give it. Dumbledore emphasizes the importance of this theme in Chamber of Secrets: “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” The point is that everyone is given a family, or lack of; everyone is given abilities and capabilities. What we should judge character by is what we do with what we’re given. I think that’s a very powerful message, and I agree with Rowling entirely. Voldemort ended up with a shriveled, weak soul, but it was by his own doing. He had no one to blame but himself and his quest for immortality. Harry came out of it strong and with a good head on his shoulders, ready to build a life, because he used what was available to him for the better. He could have easily ended up a snobbish fame seeker, or a depressed and desperate individual, but he leaned on his friends for support and in the end, his love paid off.