Breaking Out (Blog #2)

            J.K. Rowling does an amazing job of developing the characters throughout the Harry Potter series.  Her characters grow not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well.  Through the development of the characters, we can all experience the story and its themes in new ways.  One character that I truly think has grown throughout the series so far is Hermione. 

When we first see Hermione, she is definitely a know-it-all.  She always wants to follow the rules, always wants to study, and is not afraid to tell someone what they should or should not be doing.  However, as the series progresses, Hermione grows out of her enclosed shell and begins to let loose.  In book one, she lies to her professors in order to keep Ron and Harry from getting in trouble after they stop the troll in the girl’s bathroom.  This is the moment we see Hermione finally loosen up and let herself become vulnerable.  In book two, we see her break the rules when making the polyjuice potion to help her, Harry, and Ron try to figure out who is opening the Chamber of Secrets.  Again, Hermione slowly lets loose and begins to learn that in order to do the right thing, it is okay to break the rules sometimes. 

Hermione shows a great deal of growth in the first two books, but even more throughout the rest of the series.  In book three, Hermione uses the Time Turner in order to save Sirius and Buckbeak.  She is taking a tool used for school and using it in a dangerous and life-altering way.  Messing with time and the future can have terrible consequences if something goes wrong.  Hermione is taking the risk in order to help her friends and does with outstanding leadership.  Lastly in book five, we see her take a leading role in preparing Dumbledore’s army.  She lends her skills and knowledge to her peers so they can learn and become better wizards and witches themselves.  Hermione takes big risks in participating in all of these events, but grows enormously in the process. 

Hermione starts out as know-it-all girl who never wants to take risks or break out from her comfort zone.  However, as the series progresses, Hermione breaks out of her shell and becomes a strong leader and individual.  She lets loose and learns that it is okay to break the rules to do the right thing.  Through Hermione’s growth, we learn more about the themes of leadership and coming-of-age.  Hermione represents these themes well and hopefully she will continue to do so through the rest of the series. 

Erin Bepler