Originally Posted by John the Boggart (Post 4336138)

Am I the only one who doesn't think it's going to be as simple Harry living or dying?

Jo's recent and past messages, to me, make it fairly clear that she's had something quite clever planned out for some time. Perhaps, even, as far back as when she started this whole wonderful endeavour.

Let's do a little digging, shall we?

1)
That's a strange way of phrasing something, especially for someone who chooses her words so carefully. Sure, it's ambiguous, but I'm trying to establish a context here.

2)
This to me indicates that she feels that she has created and ending that's either something ambiguous (which is highly unlikley, given her stated desire to cement her place in literary history) or something very clever that, while it likely wraps up that which requires wrapping may do so in such a way that will leave much open to interpretation.

Now, when viewing all of this in light of the over-arching story of "choices", the very-carefully-worded "Prophecy" and Harry's one ace-in-the-hole over Lord Voldything (his ability to love), this leads me to the conclusion that Jo will likely have Harry make a selfless act of sacrifice in order to end the Reign of HWMNBN... which may not have its denouement as something as simple as Harry and Voldymold living or dying.

Thematically, it makes sense, too, for it's not whether or not Harry actually survives that's important; no, it will be Harry making the conscious choice based on his capacity to love that will make or break the whole darn thing, IMHO.

Originally Posted by Dunedin (Post 4336302)

I've always been of the opinion that Harry will die in a magical sense. He'll physically be alive but will be rendered a Muggle.

Originally Posted by kash (Post 4335907)

her exact words"I always knew that Harry's story would end with the seventh book, but saying goodbye has been just as hard as I always knew it would be."
harrys story...? its doesnt make sense.. see the sentence construction. she didnt say i always knew the series would end with the 7th book.. she is great at mincing words. she has killed him.

Originally Posted by Spritey (Post 4336904)

It does make sense. Harry's story is technically over - she will never write him again, so he's done as a character. His character arc thingy is finished.

Originally Posted by lindaluna (Post 4337178)

Where's the joy of victory, the relief of a battle won?

I think Harry bites the dust.

Originally Posted by MAGICicalMUggle (Post 4337205)

:no: I think Harry will die!...But in a very noble way like sacrificing himself for the love he has for his friends!...I also think that the best way to end the series is with a hero's death!...But after all harry has been through he deserves to live a happy life with his friends.... I'm still hopeing that Harry was the one who got the reprieve!:tu:

Originally Posted by sickoftv (Post 4337363)

Deep down, I want Harry to die. Not that I have anything against the guy, it just seems apropriate. However, there are two solid reasons he will not:

1) It would break Point of View atrociously. Any writer who has been through an entry level workshop or had fiction edited by a professional will know that breaking POV is discoraged unless done well and for a good reason. To KILL the point of view character of a seven book series is tantamount to heresy. Rowling writes in a heavily traditional way with out any traces of avant garde or experimentalism. She simply won't kill the POV character.

2) Quiddich. Yup... that sport. There IS a point to it. I have spent seven books trying to figure out why the flitwick Rowling felt a game as preposterous as Quiddich should serve as an important piece of the story. The entire game goes on as points are scored for as long as it takes to find the snitch. Then a seeker gets the snitch. Then that seeker's team wins. It seems pointless to have so many players simply as a distraction. Then I realized it's more than a bit of a metaphor. Its not just a ritualized form of struggle in the wizarding world, it is the entire plot. In the end, the teams do not matter. It is Harry and Voldemort - the two seekers - that matter. Only one of them can get the snitch. It seems that snitch is the ability to survive, whatever form Rowling chooses to give it.

Originally Posted by magicalmysteryg (Post 4337315)

I dont know what classics you're talking about, but what about the many many tragedies? Shakespeare...greek tragedies...there are many stories that end with the hero's death. classic tragedies.