Sucker Punched Again

This is my second time having read the Harry Potter series, and the first time I've read it from the perspective of a writer. My attempts at critical reading have been thwarted, however, by J.K. Rowling's emotional manipulation. The first time I read this series I did not remember this level of visceral connection to Harry Potter. I remember some doldrums in the final novel, not the emotional tension I found this time around.

One crucial, and very poignant scene I had forgotten altogether is Harry's march to Voldemort and to his death. I found myself with my hand to my face as Harry asked his dead parents and friends if it will "hurt" when he dies. Rowling tells you the "the childish question had fallen from his lips before he could stop it."(p.471, ebook version) However, this question isn't childish - it's just human. I think there is a natural curiosity about death that pervades us all and Harry's questions to his deceased family hit me where it smarts. It's reasonable for a character like Harry to question his mortality in the face of death, but the level at which I can relate to his question and the timing of his asking was more than I could take. When I reread this scene I had to put the book down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the sunlight for a moment. I had to remind myself that I was not Harry and I was not about to face my death(I hoped).

This is the scene that has really stuck to me and I've had difficulty chasing it from my mind since I've finished reading the series for the second time. I applaud Rowling her continued expert management of this reader's emotions.