In the end, Harry learns that he must learn to move beyond his own identity fears and put his faith in others. It is only his loyalty to the headmaster and his determination to do what must be done for the common good that can save him and the school. When Harry does confront Dumbledore with his identity conundrum, the headmaster offers Harry the wisdom that sums up the theme of the book, "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." (333)
While The Chamber of Secrets is an enjoyable book for both children and adults, it is the most disturbing in the series so far. In attempting to solve the mystery, Harry, Ron, and Hermione fail to tell an adult what they know. Instead, they try to brew a dangerous potion from the restricted section of the library. Why they choose the latter instead of the former is never made clear and the reader is left wondering why the heroes would try something so close to the dark arts.
While The Chamber of Secrets is an enjoyable book for both children and adults, it is the most disturbing in the series so far. In attempting to solve the mystery, Harry, Ron, and Hermione fail to tell an adult what they know. Instead, they try to brew a dangerous potion from the restricted section of the library. Why they choose the latter instead of the former is never made clear and the reader is left wondering why the heroes would try something so close to the dark arts.
The most disturbing part of the book has to do with the potion used to revive those that have been petrified. The potion is made of mandrakes, a plant that screams when taken out of its pot. The problem is that the mandrakes look too much like babies and they act too much like people. Rowling treats the mandrake potion lightly but it could be construed as murder and a dark undertone to the book.
While not as contrived as the first book, The Chamber of Secrets does have its contrived moments. For example, Ron happens to find a note in a petrified person's hand. While it is unlikely that someone in the hospital wing would not have spotted it before, the scene is necessary to help Harry solve the mystery.
The book is enjoyable, however. Most of the characters are like good friends and the story itself is as enjoyable as the first. Rowling does a masterful job balancing humor with some of the dark undertones and Harry is a believable twelve-year-old that faces all of his struggles on a relatively human level. The story is well told and well worth the read.
While not as contrived as the first book, The Chamber of Secrets does have its contrived moments. For example, Ron happens to find a note in a petrified person's hand. While it is unlikely that someone in the hospital wing would not have spotted it before, the scene is necessary to help Harry solve the mystery.
The book is enjoyable, however. Most of the characters are like good friends and the story itself is as enjoyable as the first. Rowling does a masterful job balancing humor with some of the dark undertones and Harry is a believable twelve-year-old that faces all of his struggles on a relatively human level. The story is well told and well worth the read.
