An Analysis of “Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets”: The Key Symbols and Their Meanings

Abstract

"This study aims at analyzing the symbols and their meaning from the “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” novel by Joanne Rowling. A qualitative design with a focus on a cultural phenomenon. Research has used discourse analysis and recognized 13 symbols: Fawkes; Sword of Gryffindor; Wands; Flying Ford Anglia; Harry's sock; Tom Marvolo Riddle's Diary; Parseltongue; Owls; Magical flying broomsticks; Lightning bolt scar; Slytherin; Lockhart; The Chamber of Secrets. After a long time of reading and analyzing the extracts from the book, thirteen found symbols are divided into 2 groups. The first group consists of symbols built on concepts from the wizarding world. These symbols help the reader to understand more about the symbols in the wizarding world and each of the relationships between the symbols. The second group of the symbols are built based on the themes and realities in society. These symbols revolve around meaningful messages in life expressing the spiritual and cultural life of humans. Moreover, it also expresses the unique creativity of the artist in using symbols to express the meaning of literary works."