Expecto Patronum

My favourite Harry Potter book/movie has always been The Prisoner of Azkaban. One of the reasons why I say the 3rd one is the best is because of the art and beauty in the story-telling that reflects on youth society.

Harry Potter is an orphan who grew up without love and happiness and longs for parental affection. In The Prisoner of Azkaban, Dementors are one of the most important characters. The Dementors are the guards of Azkaban prison who feed on the happy memories of a person. In order to defeat them, a wizard must produce a powerful spell known as “the Patronus Charm” whilst thinking of their happiest memory. Naturally, Harry’s patronus charm is very weak as he lacks happy memories due to mistreatment during his upbringing.
At the end of the novel, while Harry is trying to save his godfather’s life, he is attacked by a swarm of Dementors. As Harry loses consciousness he sees a silver doe, which he believes is his father, in the distance that chases away the Dementors.

After that Harry has to travel back in time to save Sirius (his godfather), as his first attempt was a failure. This is the climax of the novel. He sees himself being attacked by Dementors and waits for his father to appear and save him. While watching his defenceless self, Harry comes to the realisation that no one is coming to help him and manages to cast a very powerful Patronus Charm “Expecto Patronum!” which takes the shape of a silver doe and chases away over 100 Dementors.

Altough it is not so obvious, this symbolises Misery and Happiness. The Dementors representing hopelessness and misery while the heroic act is an outcome of happiness. When Harry steps out to cast the spell, he has come to accept that his father was not there and that he is the only one who can save himself. This scene signifies that Harry’s father’s absence is no longer an obstacle to his happiness.
It is fair to say that one of the ways to overcome your misery is to accept your past and focus on what you have now. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a very well-written novel that can help young people build inner strength to face whatever life may throw at them.

Lastly, I wish all my readers an Expecto Patronum.
Mao Sao