Good Versus Evil

This theme displays itself throughout the book. The first time it comes up is with the comparison of Harry and Dudley. While Dudley can hardly be considered evil at such a young age, he certainly shows potential for it in the future. Harry, on the other hand, even with his difficult circumstances, including loneliness and lack of attention and affection, remains humble, kind, and honorable. Dudley also seems to lack intelligence and, therefore, humor. Harry seems to possess an intelligence far superior to Dudley's, which is why he is often able to use his sense of humor to take his life in stride and not let it defeat him.

Voldemort is the epitome of evil while Harry's parents are seen as the symbol of goodness. Voldemort seeks to destroy all that is right in the world so that he may obtain power. Harry's parents are self-sacrificing...