Since the series is one of my favorites, I want to begin my Adoption in Fiction series by discussing the adoption themes within the Harry Potter series. I plan on sharing these books and movies with our child as soon as I can. I'll play the audiobooks for them when they're little (these are fantastic by the way), and graduate to the illustrated versions when they're a bit older. So, how to address the adoption themes within the story as they pertain to Harry?
The Dursleys
"[The Dursleys] are your family, after all, and I'm sure you are fond of each other — er — very deep down." ~ Cornelius Fudge
The Dursley's are forced to adopt their nephew Harry when his parents are murdered by Lord Voldemort. From the time he's dumped at their doorstep, the Dursley's treat him badly. They spoil their own son Dudley in over-the-top fashion (but boy was that magically bestowed pig tail scene satisfying), and even force Harry to live in a cupboard under the stairs!
This is a certainly a very negative adoption/guardianship portrayal, most likely stemming from his Aunt Petunia's harbored resentment toward her magically gifted sister.
Naturally, Harry returns their dislike, and lives a tortured existence “...in my room, making no noise and pretending I'm not there.” He endures lies about his parents, horrible Aunt Marge, and general Cinderella treatment. Luckily, Harry finds family beyond his kin.
The Weasleys
“[Harry’s]’s not your son,” said Sirius quietly. “He’s as good as,” said Mrs. Weasley fiercely. “Who else has he got?”
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| She will bewitch this pot if you mess with her kids. |
When Harry meets the Weasleys, he finally sees a real family and a real home. The family takes him under wing, and Molly even considers him a son (never enough sons for this woman!). Ron and his brothers treat him like he's one of them, and Arthur becomes a confidant and fatherly figure. And Ginny, well, sister is probably not the right way to think about her, haha! 😏
Sirius Black
Harry finds out he has a godfather the way most of us do: by finding out he exists because he was charged with murder and escaped from a maximum security prison, but in reality was just exacting revenge on the man who betrayed his best friend.
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| Sirius' cuddly side |
Sirius represents a link to Harry's father James, and the two quickly forge a strong bond that is not always strictly parental, but Sirius loves Harry fiercely, and would protect him at all costs. Harry dreams of living with Sirius and leaving the Dursley nightmare...but alas J.K. hates us and made us endure the torture of Sirius' death and leaving Harry once again without one of his father figures. Maybe fewer fleas though...
Dumbledore
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore (it actually does roll of the tongue) quickly becomes a parental, grandfatherly figure in Harry's life. He acts as a spiritual guide at first, helping Harry understand his place in the world, and directing his course through life in a variety of ways.
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| Don't forget that I dumped you at the Dursley's |
Harry begins to depend on Dumbledore as the story progresses, and his mentor gives him more challenges and responsibilities as the story progresses. And then, of course, he dies. Luckily, at this point, Harry has been given all the tools and support he needs to become an independent and strong person, and although this parental figure in his life is gone, he is able to carry on the tasks laid before him because of the guidance that Dumbledore provided.
My Thoughts
Because Harry's legal guardians are terrible people, he searches for family within his community, and finds many people who care for him. The adoption/guardianship aspect is negative at first. However, since Harry is able to find and bond with people who love him despite the fact that they share no blood means that there are positive adoptive themes within the story, and that the Dursley's mistreatment was due to a situation far beyond Harry's control. Through his resilience and willingness to be loved and to love in return, he finds family.
"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." ~ Albus Dumbledore
Stuff to consider
- What do you think about how adoption is portrayed in Harry Potter?
- How would you address the adoption themes in this book with your kids?
- What adoption themes did I miss?
Books in this post
Aren't these illustrated version gorgeous? If you'd like to add them to your library, you can find them at your local, independent bookstore, or on Amazon:
