Predominant Recurring Motifs in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Series

Motif is an artistic device used in literary and visual works to draw the attention of
the audience toward a particular idea or theme. When the writer of a work intends to
emphasize or point out an important aspect, he makes an ample use of motifs in his
works. In Harry Potter Series, Rowling makes use of concrete objects and abstract
ideas as motifs. The notable motifs are genealogy and discrimination, authority and
government, friendship and loyalty and death and resurrection. It is evident that love
motivates acts of sacrifice. The major characters sacrifice and undergo suffering
voluntarily for the sake of others. An inexplicable bond that exists between Harry
and Dumbledore is the most unique motif. Political themes such as fascism, racism,
prejudice and discrimination play a larger role. Rowling has played with two
conflicting motifs: choice and free will. The activated free will of Harry appears as a
strong guiding force in his life. The motif of desire for immortality is well-handled in
the Series. Voldemort cherishes the strong dark desire for endless life. To the contrary,
the trio is not afraid of its own mortality.