BOOKS & CLEVERNESS
Welcome to Books and Cleverness, an academic-style learning space dedicated to literary analysis, structured discussions, and critical exploration of the Harry Potter series. This section goes beyond casual fandom—here, we critically engage with the themes, characters, and moral dilemmas in the books, using structured analysis to develop literacy skills, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of human nature.
Each article in this section is designed to spark discussion and deeper reflection. Readers are encouraged to comment, share insights, and engage in meaningful debate—because the best way to learn is through conversation. What lessons have you taken from Harry Potter? Let’s explore them together.
LESSONS IN CHARACTER
MAGIC, MORALITY & MEANING
The Ethics of Memory
Was Gilderoy Lockhart's Obliviation Justified?
The frequent use of Obliviate in the wizarding world—whether to protect secrets, erase trauma, or cover up crimes—raises ethical questions about consent, free will and the right to control one's own memories. Lockhart’s fate was an accident of his own making, but his fate also highlights how morality shifts when the victim is someone deceitful, challenging how we judge the ethics of Obliviation—by its consequences or by who it’s used against.
Forgiveness vs. Justice
Did Snape Deserve Redemption?
Severus Snape’s path from Death Eater to double agent is one of the most debated arcs in Harry Potter. While his sacrifices were crucial to Voldemort’s defeat, his cruelty, bullying and deep-seated grudges cast doubt on whether he truly sought redemption—or whether he was only motivated by guilt.
Unforgivable Curses
Can Magic Be Morally Absolute?
The Unforgivable Curses are considered the darkest spells in the wizarding world, but are they inherently evil, or does morality depend on intent? From Kingsley using Imperio on a student to Harry using the Cruciatus Curse on a death eater, this debate challenges the idea that magic can ever be purely good or evil.