Why Dobby’s Death Was So Devastating

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When Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 hit movie theaters, I was of course right there at midnight. The night was all excitement, but even though I loved the movie it ended in tears. I am not ashamed to admit that I cried while watching Dobby die on the big screen. When the lights came up in the theater, my friends were appalled to see me in tears. They hadn’t read the books, so they didn’t fully understand.

To most of us fans, Dobby’s death in the book was heartbreaking. A lot of people I talk to said they were more upset about Dobby dying than some of the main characters. Why is that? I think it’s because Dobby represents everything good. He is pure and innocent. He ‘s always thinking of helping others even if it means he himself will pay in the end.

Think about it. Dobby warned Harry that something bad was happening at Hogwarts; he had to go home and iron his fingers. He was manipulated by Barty Crouch, Jr. into stealing Gillyweed for Harry at his own risk. If he had been caught, he could have been sent away from Hogwarts. His final act of selflessness was to save Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Dean, Mr. Ollivander, and Griphook from Malfoy Manor. This was the act that did him in. He knew what his previous masters were capable of, but he went to rescue them anyway, at great personal risk that ended up being fatal.

Killing off Dobby was a way to show that even the most pure and innocent will not be spared if evil is alive in the world. That’s why it was so devastating.

Amy Hogan

I was 9 years old when I discovered the magic that is “Harry Potter.” I am a proud Hufflepuff and exceedingly good at eating, reading, being sarcastic, and over-thinking small tasks. Since I spent too much time worrying about the correct way to write this bio, this is all I was able to come up with before the deadline.