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NOVEMBER 13, 2008 at 5:28 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: Guardian Unlimited
J.K. Rowling, author of the popular Harry Potter series, revealed
her favorite scene from the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows novel when she contributed to The Birthday Book, published to mark the 60th birthday of the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles.
An excerpt of the contribution is below:
I admit that, at first glance, the extract I've chosen for The Birthday Book might not seem particularly celebratory, given that it has for its subject my hero walking to what he believes will be certain death. But when Harry takes his last, long walk into the heart of the Dark Forest, he is choosing to accept a burden that fell on him when still a tiny child, in spite of the fact that he never sought the role for which he has been cast, never wanted the scar with which he has been marked. As his mentor, Albus Dumbledore, has tried to make clear to Harry, he could have refused to follow the path marked out for him. In spite of the weight of opinion and expectation that singles him out as the "Chosen One", it is Harry's own will that takes him into the Forest to meet Voldemort, prepared to suffer the fate that he escaped sixteen years before.
The destinies of wizards and princes might seem more certain than those carved out for the rest of us, yet we all have to choose the manner in which we meet life: whether to live up (or down) to the expectations placed upon us; whether to act selfishly, or for the common good; whether to steer the course of our lives ourselves, or to allow ourselves to be buffeted around by chance and circumstance. Birthdays are often moments for reflection, moments when we pause, look around, and take stock of where we are; children gleefully contemplate how far they have come, whereas adults look forwards into the trees, wondering how much further they have to go. This extract from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is my favourite part of the seventh book; it might even be my favourite part of the entire series, and in it, Harry demonstrates his truly heroic nature, because he overcomes his own terror to protect the people he loves from death, and the whole of his society from tyranny.
All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to benefit The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts and can be purchased on Amazon and Amazon UK.
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Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1862
Bright Eyes says:
One of the best HP moments :)
Posted Nov 14, 2008 at 6:43 PM EST
Student
Points: 285
NicoleHalliwell says:
That was definitely one of my favorite scenes. Heart-breaking,deep,and to me inspiring.
Posted Nov 14, 2008 at 11:14 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3647
Anastasia Popovick says:
How ironic...that was the exact scene I thought of when I read the headline for this story. It is a truly powerful scene.
Posted Nov 14, 2008 at 11:37 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1383
Luna! says:
Oh my gosh. I got shivers when I read that!
I love Jo she speaks from the heart and means every word and nails it!
And I agree, that is my favourite part and I love the way she has interpreted it as well, perfect!
I LOVE YOU JO!
xD DEATHLY HALLOWS ROCKS!
Posted Nov 15, 2008 at 1:09 AM EST
Auror
Points: 3239
Tenshi says:
It's so.. philosophical and true. The way it's stated, it's both simple and complex. It's beautiful and elegant how she stated it.
HP is definitely a keeper, and I wonder if there will be kids in the future dissecting these books and *studying* them?
Hey, it's a life lesson to be learned from HP! :D
Posted Nov 15, 2008 at 1:38 AM EST
Chief Brain Washer
Points: 2874
Chogiiiirl says:
How profound! Jo certainly has a way with words.
Posted Nov 15, 2008 at 2:50 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1333
humes says:
Classic scene, but not one I would have included here.
Agree with her reasons, but probably would have substituted something else, like the will scene with Scrimgeour, or the moment Harry turns seventeen - a real coming of age moment.
I'm not disappointed, just not in agreement.
Posted Nov 15, 2008 at 3:02 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 18
pixiecookie93 says:
I know hardly anything about the Prince of Wales but I'm just happy for release.
Posted Nov 16, 2008 at 3:03 AM EST
Witch
Points: 830
darlingnikki says:
This is just one more example of why I love her so much! She is a brilliant writter. And that explination is very inspirational!
Posted Nov 16, 2008 at 1:47 PM EST
Lady of Godric's Hollow
Points: 5292
GodricsGirl says:
Without a doubt some of the most powerful words in the whole series takes place during that scene. I'm not surprised about her selecting that all.
Posted Nov 16, 2008 at 4:09 PM EST
Prof. Alfred W. Mandoore
Points: 2445
JAYSTARR says:
Brilliant scene...I hope they don't take it out of the movie.
Posted Nov 16, 2008 at 10:37 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2394
KissingDraco says:
I always like to hear about JK Rowling. That part she described made me cry so hard when I first read/listened to the last book!! I was sobbing like mad!
And she is right that we have to take charge. At least most of the time, sometimes you cant, sadly.
Posted Nov 17, 2008 at 3:56 PM EST
Student
Points: 208
gryffindorbabe says:
JKR is such an amazing writer (if she wasn't HPANA wouldn't even exist! haha). And I must agree, that was THE scene of the entire series: poetic, emotional, profound. And I agree with whoever said it, Jo must have had that scene in mind from the start. It must be fascinating to have a mind like hers ...
Posted Nov 18, 2008 at 1:24 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1819
zues says:
I loved that chapter. Just the way Harry walked into the forest. Knowing what and who was in there. Wow.
Posted Nov 18, 2008 at 12:23 PM EST
Delusional Army Soldier
Points: 4393
ILoveHP! says:
WOW... that was just - beautiful. And how on timing that I read it during my birthday (it's my birthday today!)! Thanks for those words J.K. :*
Posted Nov 19, 2008 at 8:06 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 337
Cindy Weasley says:
Wow, I would have never thought this was her favorute scene... It makes sense though, I understand why she picked it.
Posted Nov 20, 2008 at 2:36 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2852
H/HrShipper4Ever says:
Wow. Thats so cool. Its one of my favorite parts also. I never noticed how Harry and the role of a prince are similar.
Posted Nov 22, 2008 at 3:20 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1588
Severus' Advocate says:
It is one of the best scenes in the whole series because, as she said, shows his true bravery. It is the ultimate act of selflessness and love. However, I don't really know what my favourite scene in the whole series is...do any of you? what do you think the most memorable are? Certainly Snape's tale in the end, even Voldemort's past, I think his memories were really interesting.
Posted Dec 3, 2008 at 2:58 AM EST
Student
Points: 278
AurraPhoenix says:
JKR is truly eloquent here. Harry chooses to go forward, to save his friends and his world--going on in spite of his fear. A hero.
Posted Dec 15, 2008 at 11:03 PM EST
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