Dumbledore's Development (D.D.)

Dumbledore’s development throughout the series shifts with my favorite aspect of the series, the tone. As readers, we really come to understand (or partially understand) who Dumbledore is through the eyes of his students, especially Harry. In the first chapter of The Sorcerer’s Stone, we first encounter Dumbledore’s purple boots and wisdom. The students are flabbergasted by his choice of words but honor his godlike status in the wizarding world. After all, he appears on a Chocolate Frog card. The tone remains relatively innocent in the first two books, and Dumbledore’s development remains in this godlike manner—sending help to Harry when he’s in trouble. The Mirror of Erised, Fawkes, and the Time-Turner are examples of this help. As Harry’s relationship with Dumbledore grows, however, he becomes more like a father figure. Not only is he Harry’s protector, but also he teaches Harry valuable lessons. He stands by Harry in The Goblet of Fire when everyone accuses him of putting in his own name, and he believes Harry about the return of Voldemort. In The Order of the Phoenix, when Dumbledore’s reputation is put at risk, Harry’s allegiance remains strong. I think it’s interesting to note that Harry’s opinion of Dumbledore changes when he takes on Voldemort’s perception. He wants to attack Dumbledore during these perception shifts. Dumbledore’s godlike status to Harry fades in the sixth book when Dumbledore is most vulnerable and destroyed by someone he trusts. His godlike status continues to fade into the seventh book when Harry hears the various rumors about Albus’ life. It brings up the discussion of “knowing” someone. Harry thinks he knows Dumbledore, but he begins to question his friendship when he learns about his past.

Dumbledore’s development in the series changes as Harry matures. He begins to form a friendship with his professor, who gives him personal instruction on the Dark Arts and in life. Rowling said the theme of the series is “death.” This theme is emphasized with Dumbledore’s death at the end of the sixth book. The tone becomes emphatically serious with the death of the godlike character. With his death, there is little hope in Harry who loses his source of guidance.