Growing Pains

Coming of age is a common theme in literature.  And of the Harry Potter Series’ many themes, coming of age is one of the most important.

 Harry is the most obvious character who grows up.  In book one Harry is only a little boy suffering from an emotionally abusive home.  He then discovers that he suffered the very traumatizing experience of witnessing his mother die when he was only one year old.  Every year he is at Hogwarts he overcomes some sort of dark obstacle that strengthens him.  When he is eleven he saves the Sorcerer’s Stone.  When he is twelve he saves Ginny Weasley and kills a part of Voldemort’s soul without even realizing it.  When he is thirteen he accepts the fact that apparently a very dark wizard is after him.  When he is fourteen he takes part in a tournament meant for someone much older before witnessing yet another death and seeing Voldemort return to his body form.  He also begins noticing girls for the first time in this year.  His crush on Cho Chang shows that he is physically growing up and probably passing through puberty.  Finally in his fifth year he finds out his destiny.  After facing Death Eaters and bravely attempting to save his godfather, Dumbledore explains to Harry why his life has come to be what it is.  Harry finds out that he is destined to kill Voldemort or be killed by him.  This is quite a burden for a young teenager to carry.  Harry grows up immensely at this point.  He accepts what he cannot change and vows to try with all his might to win in the end.  He does not try to hide or run from the inevitable.   This is when Harry becomes a man. 

Another character to come of age in a significant way is Ginny Weasley.  In early books, she is shy and quiet.  She will not even talk in front of Harry because of her crush on him.  However, by book four she seems to be a completely different person.  She is confident, popular, and a talented student.  Harry eventually notices this and sees Ginny in a whole new light.  Ginny becoming a woman almost directly lines up with when Harry becomes a man.  This is a significant aspect of the love side of Harry Potter and is often overlooked.