Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Rowling, J.K. (2005). Harry Potter and the half-blood prince. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

LS5360: Challenged, Best Seller, Notable. Only two copies of this one in the house, and I was happy to have an excuse to finally read another HP book, though I am still a bit behind.  The books, as is almost always the case, are so much better than the movies - though I will admit I love the movies, too.

Exposition:  The story begins in the wizarding world of present day in England – told through third person point of view - with a bit of a catch-up from the last book, where it seems Lord Voldemort is gaining strength;  the main characters of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Albus Dumbledore are reintroduced.

Conflict: With Voldemort’s steadily increasing power, Harry and Dumbledore must find and destroy the Horcruxes belonging to Voldemort, in order to make Voldemort mortal again.

Rising Action:  A Hogwart’s student, Katie Bell, is cursed and Ron is poisoned, but both incidents were intended to affect others; Harry is sure that Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape are involved.

Climax: Dumbledore is murdered.

Falling Action:  The loss of Dumbledore leaves the future of Hogwarts uncertain; Harry discovers the true identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Resolution:  Dumbledore’s Army of those faithful to Hogwart’s and fighting evil re-group and the strength of their bond, their love, and their commitment is emphasized as Harry says he will find the Horcruxes and not return to Hogwarts, and the stage is set for the next book.

Literary Elements:  Symbolism is heavily used in The Half-Blood Prince (Merope’s locket, for example, symbolizes Voldemort’s only remaining connection to his mother), as is foreshadowing (for example, Harry’s paralysis both in the train car and as Dumbledore is killed).