"He accused me of being "Dumbledore's man through and through,"."
"How very rude of him."
"I told him I was."
Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. Behind Harry, Fawkes the phoenix let out a low, soft, musical cry. To Harry's intense embarrassment, he suddenly realised that Dumbeldore's bright blue eyes looked rather watery, and stared hastily at his own knees." (J.K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood prince 334)
This part of the book shows us that Harry Potter, the hero of the Harry Potter series, proudly follows Albus Dumbledore. Generally, when someone follows someone they do it because they assume it will help them; this is what makes me believe that Albus Dumbledore is a mentor (as mentors are known for helping the hero). However, this isn't the only action that links Albus Dumbledore to that archetype. Albus Dumbledore is an older man, as most mentors are, with exceptional wisdom. Also, before the above quote, Albus Dumbledore was about to teach Harry Potter in the hope of helping him on his journey (to defeat Voldemort). Some might argue that that was done for a selfish reason; I personally don't think that matters. It is a mentor's purpose to aid the hero and through the whole Harry Potter series that is what Albus Dumbledore did.
Side Note: It has been pointed out to me that Albus Dumbledor is also a bit of a shape shifter. I have to agree with that now that I have read The Deathly Hallows. Albus Dumbledor wasn't always good. He used to help the previous dark lord gain power. Then, there is the small fact that he neglected to inform Harry that he had to die in the end.
Very good post! It expresses your opinion very well. Also, you have used very appropriate quotations. Are there any other connections to OTHER character archetypes that Dumbledore may have? For example, is he partially a shapeshifter?
ReplyDeleteNicely expressed post! I read Anna's comment and it got me thinking that Dumbledore isn't just the mentor he is in fact a shape shifter as well. He always helps Harry and gives him the proper teaching he needs to defeat Voldemort but Dumbledore keeps the fact that Harry (SPOILER ALERT) must die in order to truly destroy Voldemort. Of course Harry ends up living but he still kept that from him. It makes you unsure about what else Dumbledore kept from Harry. You could say this makes him the mentor, always looking out for his young hero but I believe he has some characteristics of a shape shifter.
ReplyDeleteReally good points and it was very easy to understand your opinion! You got your point across very well!