Thursday, January 16, 2014

Melodrama in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:

QUOTE: 
“We bow to each other, Harry,” said Voldemort, bending a litter, but keeping his snake like face upturned to Harry. “Come, the niceties must be observed…Dumbledore would like you to show manners…Bow to death, Harry…”
    The Death Eaters were laughing again. Voldemort’s lipless mouth was smiling. Harry did not bow. He was not going to let Voldemort play with him before killing him…he was not going to give him that satisfaction….
    “I said, bow,” Voldemort said, raising his wand--- and Harry felt his spine curve as though a huge invisible hand were bending him ruthlessly forward, and the Death Eaters laughed harder than ever. (Rowling, 660)

EXPLAIN: 
This part depicts Harry’s direct confrontation with Voldemort after Wormtail rebuilds Voldemort’s body. The comparison between pure good and pure evil here is an instance of melodrama. Though tortured, Harry, being the victim hero, adheres to his belief that he won’t surrender to Voldemort’s intimidating evil force. Portrayed as the ruthless villain, Voldemort violently bullies Harry, both physically and verbally. Voldemort’s “snake like” face also pertains to the ugly appearances that always correspond to villains in melodrama.

REWRITE:
“We bow to each other, Harry,” said Voldemort and he bent a litter, but keeping his face upturned to Harry. “Dumbledore would like you to show manners…Bow, Harry…”
    The Death Eaters were laughing again. Voldemort was smiling. Harry did not bow. He was not going to let Voldemort play with him before he was killed. Harry did not want to give him that satisfaction.
    “I said, bow,” Voldemort said and raised his wand. Harry felt his spine curve, and the Death Eaters laughed harder than ever.

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