Tolerance In Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Tolerance of People who are Different

The idea of tolerance within a community is highly important in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The plot of the novel explores this idea through Salazar Slytherin's intention to wipe out "mudbloods," or wizards with non- magical ancestors, from Hogwarts. Harry himself is only half-wizard, and Hermione's parents are both "Muggles," non-magical people. However, Harry and Hermione are better wizards than Malfoy, who is from a family of generations of pure wizard blood, showing that dedication and work, rather than genetic heritage, are the important factors in guaranteeing success. Rowling describes the Slytherin students as inbred: all are oversized, strange-looking, mean and unintelligent. But their blood is pure, and that is what matters most to them, their final torch of victory when they have nothing else in their favor. The Dursleys too add to this theme with

This motif of framing reminds us that rarely are things as easy as they may appear. The wizard world is full of secrets and deception, requiring Harry to be careful in his research and accusations. These framings also teach the main characters to be persistent; when they reach a dead end they back up and try again.

Names

Some of the most fascinating and colorful aspects of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets reside in the names of the characters. Some of the names the names have clear origins of significance. Lucius Malfoy's name suggests evil; "mal" is a latin root meaning "bad," and Lucius, echoes Lucifer. Lockhart's name describes his locked heart, or secret identity. Other names, like Dumbledore, are actual words; "dumbledore" is an old English word for bumblebee. Dumbledore, who is an ancient, wise wizard, works hard to sustain his community, at Hogwarts.