Saturday, February 6, 2010

Heroes of All Sorts


We have explored Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and The Golden Compass. We compared the heroes of these stories and how they are similar and different. One similarity even found in the Wizard of Earthsea as well, was the fact that all these heroic characters had companions that were people as well as animals. I feel that animals are easy for readers to relate to because most of us have grown up caring for a pet.  The pet in return bring unconditional love and happiness to the owner. Ged had Otec, Harry had Hedwig, and Lyra had Pen.  While the relationships between these heros and their human friends differed from author to author the animal theme was more consistent.
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1 comment:

  1. AimeeFebruary 8, 2010 at 12:05 AM

    I find Pullman's conception of the daemon completely brilliant, because while Ged's Otak and Harry's Hedwig can be killed, Pan's life can't be extinguished unless Lyra also dies. Pantalaimon is not simply a pet or a best friend, he is a part of Lyra, completely indispensable. He reveals things about Lyra's character and shows the moments when she is conflicted. He gives voice to the arguments in her head. Children can recognize and understand having a special relationship with an animal, and so Lyra remains accessible to young readers while also being fiercely independent and often on her own. Pantalaimon allows Lyra to be her own best friend.

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