Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Chapter 19 Analysis

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K Rowling artfully intertwines symbolism and imagery throughout the novel. One specific example of this is in Chapter 19, "The Silver Doe." During this chapter, Harry is sent on a quest with Hermoine to find the Horcrux that Harry believes to have been hidden inside the forest. During this, Harry encounters a silver doe, which he is led to believe is a protector from dementors sent by Dumbledore to lead him in the direction of the Horcrux he is looking for. Rowling uses the visual description of the Silver Doe to catch the reader's attention, along with tying in the idea that it was sent from Dumbledore adding mystery to this section of the passage. Rowling goes on to describe the “snow-covered forest” adding even more elements of imagery for

Seeing this Silver Doe in the forest is a symbol of not only guidance to the Horcrux but a symbol of hope for not only Harry but the wizarding world as a whole. Harry, following through with this quest in Chapter 19, highlights other themes such as perseverance, courage, and loyalty to others, which are prevalent throughout the series. In a theological sense, this silver doe can be interpreted as a symbol of divine intervention. Many religions, Christianity included, interpret animals as the “messengers of the divine.” This silver doe is doing just that by leading the wizards in the correct direction. A deer is often used as a symbol of purity in religion. The stag as a symbol of the soul’s thirst for God is derived from Psalm 42:1 “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.” Because of the stag’s association with water described in the Book of Psalms, it became associated with the soul’s desire for purification through Baptism. Also, Rowling colors the doe silver, silver can be seen as a symbol that most likely represents helping others and