Kathy Kelly

RS101DL

Frank Farrell

April 20, 2003

Cultus paper

 

 

            Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an imaginative and creative film about witchcraft and wizardry. The film is based on the book written by J. K. Rowling. The author has created an entire world of wizards with new languages, customs, and environments.

            Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, the school of wizardry where Harry Potter is a student, is very similar to a stereotypical British boarding school with one exception; instead of academics, magic is the major curriculum. There is a hierarchy of school administrators and upper and lower classmen. There are rules for conduct, rules for curfew and rules for magic.

The school is divided into four main houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. These houses are similar to fraternities and sororities. But instead of ‘rushing’ or ‘pledging’ a house each and every new student at Hogwarts must be presented to the headmaster, whereby each student sits on a high stool and a magical talking hat is placed on the student’s head. The hat ponders the student’s character and then decides the student’s house placement. Harry Potter is placed with the House of Gryffindor. This ritual is repeated again and again until all of the new students have been placed into one of the four houses.

            Within the story there are many references to ancient Greek mythology. For example, In this story there is Phoenix named Fawkes. The headmaster tells Harry Potter that the Phoenix is a wondrous creature who burst into flames only to rise from the ashes of destruction. They are extremely loyal, and possess healing powers through their tears. This is a beautiful lesson for Harry to learn.  

            Throughout the story there are numerous examples of cultus celebrations. The viewer will be treated to a new world. You will be able to see into the world of wizardry where spells are cast, evil is fought, and lessons in morality are learned. The story is full of symbolism and pearls of wisdom not just for children but also for adults.

           

Works cited

 

Rowling, JK: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, film.