Rhetoric Analysis in the Harry Potter Series
Harry Potter series is among the most-watched series viewed by both children and adults in the world. It also acts as a case of economic and social conditions suitable for children’s literature. The three final series in the book shift from children’s books to young adult books of magical literature because as the series continues, the story grows darker, unsuitable for children to watch and comprehend. The themes in the series also become complicated and more serious for kids to grasp. Initially, the series begins as an adventurous fairy tale, but the expected happy ending ends up in death and despair. Therefore, because the series is well known, it is essential to analyze what it entails, including the meaning behind some of the quotes from characters in the Harry Potter series. Children and adults are influenced by what they see and read, and it is crucial to understand why some passages are influential.
What Dumbledore Means in his Quote and Why I Agree with the Phrase ‘The Most Inexhaustible Source of Magic is Language’
Dumbledore’s phrase, ‘words are in my not so humble opinion, the most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting it and remedying it’ means that language, in the form of words, are equally significant to magic. Words come from the heart and are driven by happy or sad feelings from a person to the other. The meaning that Dumbledore wanted to achieve is that words can build and destroy because reality is generated through the use of language. Magically playing with words is similar to playing with elements of energies that comprise of words diving into the serious side of reality.
I agree with Dumbledore’s quote because historically, the most powerful armies that conquered battles not only trained to win but were motivated by the use of a speech before going into battle. Thus, words are beacons of encouragement, enthusiasm, and inspiration when positive language is selected to address people. Contrary, words can also be used to impact people negatively. This is seen in the second part of Dumbledore’s quote ‘capable of both inflicting and remedying it’. I agree with Zahed that there exist specific rules that guide communication among people (1). It is therefore recommended to avoid exaggerations and use words that are consistent with the intended meaning. Zahed further uses metaphor to describe words as either seeds or bullets, similar to what Dumbledore implies when saying that words can either inflict or remedy.
How Dumbledore’s Quote Applies to the Study of Rhetoric
Rhetoric could be misused to criticize language as unfair. However, the use of rhetoric techniques is to discover different types of persuasion, either for positive or negative outcomes. Being familiar with rhetoric techniques enables one to identify the methods used by the speaker and the kind of outcome the speaker anticipates from their audience. Dumbledore’s quote can be rhetorically analyzed to suggest that he uses his quote to advise and warn the audience about using language by equating it to magic, which can be used for good or bad motives. The quote can also be considered as conflicting because Dumbledore is not biased and does not tell the audience which side to lie. Thus, his quote leaves the audience to analyze and decide what to absorb and what to disregard.
Dumbledore’s quote could have a variety of meanings as it seen to have rhetorical techniques because the quote influences the reader to take a specific action, such as changing the way one thinks and communicates through the use of language. In his quote, Dumbledore uses rhetorical devices such as antanagoge to show a compliment and criticism together. He praises and condemns the term ‘word’ by stating how impactful words can be if uttered wrongly or used for ill intentions. The rhetoric study reflects with Dumbledore’s quote because it is persuasive and is meant to advise individuals. It is clear that the quote provokes a response from students and scholars as to why it was spoken and what it means.
How my Magical Abilities Have Improved or Changed Through the Study of Rhetorical Concepts and How I will Use the Skills in Future
Currently, before speaking either publicly or to an individual, I carefully select the choice of words to use in a conversation taking note of their influence on people. Through rhetoric study, I believe that my job applications will have persuasive elements learned throughout the semester. Currently, I can also analyze and understand the deeper meaning of a phrase or word that seems obvious when read. My presentation skills have also improved by having sharper critique when interpreting a text.
Having to write rhetorically will help me after university in writing proposals, promotional materials, emails, invitations, and reports at my workplace that will persuade my seniors into the action I am proposing to be taken. Furthermore, in the current world where almost everything is done digitally, persuasion entails more than spoken or written words. The use of visual rhetoric, such as design principles and persuasion of symbols and images, will also be useful when marketing my company. I will also be able to personally interact with different people in the office, taking note of my use of words to avoid raising conflicts that may arise from insensitive comments.
Works Cited
Zahed Hyder. The Power of Spoken Words. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-power-of-
spoken-words_b_6324786?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABnGmPGbsYarq7IhePoQNdLKQqegpTcNYi_IWxtGUokoc-Ae8MDEFWbIoLkL0QSOv9vYj7HIs_3Jg67HBQdzZ63dfMfFRNC2eXUYQOllBukr-lnkt-l29avixLnADC1RQEYyq6C_cXOmaqBOJsdQB1JqKUNIP4kEENhiHbwVR8en. Accessed on February 13, 2015.