|
NOVEMBER 4, 2003 at 1:13 PM
Posted by GRAE
Source: Touchstone via The Leaky Cauldron
John Granger, author of The Hidden Key to Harry Potter
, was one of the speakers at this year's Nimbus 2003 symposium, where his address was voted best paper by the participants. You can now read his article The Alchemist’s Tale online, where Granger explains how Rowling uses alchemy in the Harry Potter novels, and also includes some interesting predictions.
Here are some brief excerpts:
How does Rowling use alchemical symbolism in her books? To answer this question, two other questions must be answered: (1) Is she intentionally using alchemical imagery? (2) How does understanding the alchemical themes and images of the series improve our understanding of the books and their power to charm and delight young and old around the world?
To the first question. Although Rowling has not said that she is writing in the alchemical tradition of English literature, she has insisted that she is a Christian and that her faith is important in understanding her work. If the author has not said that alchemy is at least part of the Harry Potter books, how can we know if it is or isn’t?
The title of the first book is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (retitled Sorcerer’s Stone by the American publisher). And Warner Bros. has reserved the title Harry Potter and the Alchemist’s Cell for the sixth or seventh novel.
Harry’s two closest friends are Ron Weasley, the redheaded, passionate boy, and Hermione Granger, the brilliant, cool young woman. They are also living symbols of alchemical sulfur (Ron) and mercury (Hermione). Together, and more obviously, in their disagreements and separation, Harry’s friendships with Ron and Hermione transform him from lead to gold. Sulfur and quicksilver are frequently called "the quarreling couple," an apt name for Ron and Hermione.
His new friend Luna is another alchemical symbol. "Luna is the bride, the white queen, consort of King Sol. She is the moist, cold, receptive principle which must be united with Sol, the dry, hot, active principle in the chemical wedding." A girlfriend for the hot and dry—burned to a cinder—Harry? Luna "symbolizes the attainment of the perfect white stage, the albedo, where the matter of the Stone reaches absolute purity." (Look for Harry and Luna to be a couple in the sixth book—much to Hermione’s and Professor McGonagall’s disgust.)
Reader Comments (38)
click to read...
Your Thoughts
click to write...
Copyright © 2002-2010 HPANA. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. 
HPANA is an unofficial fan site, in no way affiliated with J.K. Rowling,
Scholastic Books, Bloomsbury Publishing or Warner Bros. Entertainment. All
trademarks and copyrighted material are the property of their respective owners.
About HPANA | Movie 6 | Send a news tip | Contact us | Privacy policy
Points: 7828
Rococoed says:
I have read his book the Hidden Key, and while Mr. Granger is rather desperate to prove his belief (as in finding the meaning of the name Gilderoy), some of his staements do raise eyebrows, like that of phoenix and the basilisk being symbolic of Christ triumphing over Satan. A very interesting, if rather long, essay that I enjoyed reading about alchemy, but, again, rather desperate. The history of alchemy and its use in literature has been a rather fascinating subject. This is very different from the previous artcle from a Christian....
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 1:32 PM EST
High Inquisitor
Points: 23488
KT Lady says:
O0o thats an interesting theory about Harry and Luna in the 6th book..I don't know how I feel about that though. But anyway, thats a really good thesis! I'm also ordering Grangers book on Amazon..hope its a good read! Ohyea- he has the same last name as Hermione!! ;) tee hee
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 1:47 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 397
Tarotx says:
I actually look for Harry and Luna to be close in the 6th book but for her to die because of her relationship with Harry. I think Harry won't be able to save her as she lies dying in his arms. He will becom distant from his friends because he doesn't want to hurt them. I think Luna's death will turn Harry onto wanting to work for the department of Mysteries in a combination of science and religion. Which is the basic principle of alchemy.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 2:56 PM EST
Witch
Points: 574
Tonks007 says:
Very interesting I dont know about the Luna thing but hey its a thought.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 2:59 PM EST
High Inquisitor
Points: 23488
KT Lady says:
Wow..did anyone actually read that whole thing!? WHOO...some big words in there let me tell ya! But the whole thing was really interesting...anyone whos planning to study chemistry or alchemy would like it!
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 4:03 PM EST
Student
Points: 286
FootBall73Chic says:
LUNA AND HARRY?!?!?!? That is just WRONG!
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 4:04 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 993
Muggle Wizard says:
Well, I don't pretend to know much at all about alchemy. I do agree that symbolism certainly exists in the book, and that is one reason it is popular particularly with adults; symbols are used which somehow ring true with our own experiences or beliefs.
However, there are certainly some conjectures here which may be wonderfully on the right track or completely off. I'm not sure anyone really predicted that OotP would be quite the way it was, and thus I'm not convinced that we are guaranteed to see a Luna romance or a book with the title "HP and the Alchemist's Cell", etc. Of course it's possible. And it's fun to guess.
Anyway, it's a well written essay. Certainly interesting. Maybe I'll have time later to go back and read it more thoroughly...
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 4:09 PM EST
Metamorphmagus
Points: 37946
tonks black says:
I dont think either of the last two books titles will have anything to do with what we know people have copyrighted.
It just wouldnt be right then, would it? to have all that time to guess what its about.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 4:33 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 548
alfonso llama says:
I never myself thought Harry would fall for Luna, but now I think that's an excellent idea. Of course, I was one of the few that thought Cho would have been ideal for him... up till book five, that is.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 4:49 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1826
snapelupinfan says:
I'm not sure about Harry and Luna, I don't believe it, but it is an interesting theory! I'm really looking forward to read all the different theories about what happens in book 6 and get to know in the end that obviously no one was right, as usual!
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 4:59 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2034
Professor Snape says:
Granger has some interesting theories. They are out there but they are none the less interesting. Harry and Luna?? I hope not.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 5:00 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1092
quidditch_queen says:
Mmmm...interesting. I never thought that Harry would fall for Luna neither.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 5:02 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1153
tokixjam says:
Also, The Philosopher's Stone was a real invention by an alchemist in the 1600s or so? I forgot the year, but some alchemist way back then tried to create "The Philosopher's Stone", which could transform any metal into gold (as said in the book). I saw that in a video in chemistry!
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 5:57 PM EST
Crookshanks Caretaker
Points: 3837
hermionefan1 says:
I want to read his book, it sounds interesting. Thats funny how he has Granger as his last name, considering its that same last name as Hermione .
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 6:00 PM EST
Animagus
Points: 19544
Sirius-Ella says:
OH wow, I might have to check that out sounds intersting for sure!!!!!
-sirius-ella-
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 6:13 PM EST
Student
Points: 257
Hellodoggy says:
Sounds interesting. I would like to read more he has to say.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 6:24 PM EST
Witch
Points: 697
kaela987 says:
It was an interesting article, but i'm not sure about the whole harry-luna thing...
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 6:26 PM EST
Witch
Points: 585
Joyce says:
This was a long article but very interesting.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 10:25 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 434
Tippytoes says:
Hmmmm..like everyone else, they are interesting theories. Harry and Luna, maybe. I still want Harry with Hermione but that won't happen.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 10:46 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2391
HPN4eveRon says:
I would have liekd to of been there. Than i think i would have an opinion. But so far i don't...
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 10:56 PM EST
Student
Points: 295
Astarte says:
Wow, I really want to read that...but somehow I don't think Luna and Harry will end up together...I'm still wishing hard for Ron and Hermione though...Harry and Hermoine wouldn't be too bad...Just as long as someone gets together...I am a relationshipper!
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 11:32 PM EST
Crookshanks Caretaker
Points: 3837
hermionefan1 says:
I don't think the H/L shipper would be a good thing. I just can't see it, but as for R/H....that CAN work.
Posted Nov 5, 2003 at 1:05 AM EST
Witch
Points: 611
Mdm Rosmerta says:
I don't know - this seems awfully farfetched to me. This Ron Hermoine Sulfur thing to me sounds just like a coincidence. I don't think that JK Rowling sat down and thought lets get the alchemy thing going on in this book.
Not buying it, nicely thought of though.
Posted Nov 5, 2003 at 3:21 AM EST
Transfiguration Professor
Points: 2990
Choralee says:
Harry and Luna - all senses revolt! Why would Harry be going for someone who is so spacy and disconnected with the world? Seems a long shot to me...
Excellent essay.
Posted Nov 5, 2003 at 11:37 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 954
DaUltimateHP&SportsWiz says:
Ok, harry and luna just ain't goin down. it'll be luna nad neville, just wait and see.
Posted Nov 5, 2003 at 6:15 PM EST
Snape's Woman
(Moderator)
Points: 5392
Prof. Andaxia Moonstar says:
That is very interesting. What a fascinating analysis. I never thought about using alchemy as a way to interpret the books. Stuff like this never ceases to amaze me; it definitely brings new things to light every time I read the series.
Posted Nov 5, 2003 at 11:21 PM EST
Back to top of page