*Note: The below reading response was handed in on time as a hard copy.
The book “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” by J.K. Rowling really makes me question justice in the world, especially considering people in high positions of power, such as teachers, bosses, government, etc. This novel engraves the idea in my head that many times in life, workers' and/or students' sides of the story may be overlooked in favor of their bosses and/or teachers due to the latter holding more respect over them. J.K. Rowling portrays this through Professor Umbridge, Professor Dumbledore, and Cornelius Fudge.
First of all, the use of Professor Umbridge is meant to show the unfairness of many punishments some teachers inflict upon their students. For example, often Professor Umbridge will deduct House Points if a student voices their own opinion. This is unfair because it demonstrates the mentality that people must not question authority, or raise any suspicions against the higher power, and everyone must think alike. In many schools, teachers will discourage debate in classrooms to prevent questioning of rules and regulations. In reality, it offers students the chance to behave like adults, and, in turn, be treated like adults. Another example is Professor Umbridge physically abusing Harry. Aside from being against the law, this is a psychological override of power. Harry feels as if he cannot come clean about what Dolores is doing to him for fear of her finally having power over him. This is very interesting, yet also quite disturbing. It shows that she has complete control over him; he's stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Second, Professor Dumbledore is used to demonstrate the disregard of a student's desire to be treated like an adult. For example, although mainly for his own safety (and for others'), Dumbledore refused to speak to Harry for many months, even though Harry pursued him. This shows that sometimes authority figures will wrongly assume children are too young or are in too much danger to be in the know on things that greatly concern them, and it degrades them. It is an injustice. Another example is Dumbledore then showing up at the Hearing to help Harry with his case. This shows that, although he thinks Harry in too much danger to know what's going on, he will still have Harry rely on him to get him out of his various predicaments. This is damaging psychologically, though Dumbledore does have the best of intentions.
Finally, Cornelius Fudge is painted as the idiotic government official. For example, he completely refuses to acknowledge the return of Lord Voldemort. This shows that many people in high positions in politics will lie to the public to protect themselves, and it is an injustice to the citizens. Another example is his blatant demeaning of Harry Potter. This proves that politicians will not only lie but turn on their friends and/or coworkers to further their own success. It's an awful thing to do.
In conclusion, this book perfectly depicts real-life injustices through the use of wonderfully portrayed characters, such as Dolores Umbridge, Albus Dumbledore, and Cornelius Fudge. It does this by having Umbridge play the unfair teacher, Dumbledore the well-meaning but inconsiderate parent/guardian type, and Fudge the greedy politician. These are all stereotypes we see in our daily lives, yet it is only now, through the use of literature, that they are brought into question. What can we do to bring about justice in our world?
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