The Profound Themes of 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'

05.25.2023 // By Tome Tailor

‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ is the third book in the massively successful and well-received Harry Potter series. Written by J.K. Rowling, this novel takes a deeper, darker turn as the magical world opens up and the threat of the titular escaped prisoner, Sirius Black, looms. As the narrative develops, so do the themes imbued within the story, which can resonate with readers of all ages. This article aims to explore some of the most significant themes Rowling presents in the novel – acceptance, trust, injustice, and the power of choice.

Acceptance

One of the most striking themes in ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ is the struggle to accept oneself, even when a part of oneself seems monstrous. It presents itself most strongly through the character of Remus Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Lupin is a werewolf, a man who turns into a ferocious beast seemingly without control or reason. This outward, magical transformation embodies the internal struggle that many people undergo when they come to terms with their identity.

Lupin’s humanity in his wolf state is only salvaged through the help of his friends, James Potter (Harry’s father), Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. In this way, the text shows the importance of acknowledging one’s struggles and relying on those around us to help carry the burden.

Harry’s ability to save the day in ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ by accepting his own personal fears and using the Patronus Charm demonstrates the importance of embracing the struggle and the unknown parts of oneself.

Trust

Throughout the novel, trust and mistrust play a central role in the unfolding narrative. Each character navigates their feelings, prejudices, and previous experiences to determine who to trust in the face of a possible threat.

The concept of trust is heavily scrutinized as Sirius Black, a man thought to be guilty of the most heinous of crimes, is revealed to be innocent. The original sin that brought the tension of the story – that Black had betrayed Harry’s parents – is discovered to be a false truth, forcing readers to reassess their own ideas and judgments about trust.

Injustice

In the world of Harry Potter, there is an undeniable social hierarchy that pervades much of the magical community. This hierarchy, particularly in regards to creatures such as werewolves, house-elves, and other magical beings, is closely examined in ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’. The ways in which injustice is portrayed reveal the complicated dynamics of the wizarding world and the moral failings of its institutions.

“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”(View on Amazon) lays the groundwork for this theme, but ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ expands it significantly through the inclusion of werewolves, Dementors, and the Animagi. The text demonstrates how passing judgment without understanding and empathy can lead to circumstances where individuals are deemed unworthy, unwanted, or dangerous.

The Power of Choice

The ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ demonstrates the power of the choices we make, both large and small, and how they shape our lives. Harry must choose whether to learn more about Sirius Black or to distance himself from the situation, while Hermione must make weighty decisions regarding her academic pursuits and balancing her time.

A striking example of the importance of choice can be found in Hermione’s decision to utilize the Time-Turner, nudging her to consider the ramifications of her choices and priorities.

The book’s ending, involving Sirius Black’s escape and Pettigrew’s continued freedom, exemplifies how choices made by individuals can have lasting, unforeseen consequences.

‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ demonstrates that the unpredictable nature of life is complex, full of surprising twists and turns, and to succeed, we must embrace the struggle. Rowling expects her readers to engage with substantial topics, including acceptance, trust, injustice, and the power of choice. By considering these themes, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel and the world J.K. Rowling has created.

Jump into the world of Harry Potter and explore these profound themes for yourself. Read or listen to ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ by buying it on Amazon here.

Recommended Articles:

Looking for Something Else?