Fawkes Symbol Analysis

Fawkes, Dumbledore’s phoenix, becomes a symbol of Harry and Dumbledore’s shared loyalty, and of how Dumbledore’s support of Harry inspires Harry’s bravery. After several mysterious attacks on students, Dumbledore is forced to leave his post by the school governors. Then, in the Chamber of Secrets when Harry confronts Tom Riddle, he tells Riddle that Dumbledore isn’t as absent from Hogwarts as Riddle thinks. These words of loyalty to Dumbledore call Fawkes to Harry. In turn, Fawkes does several key things: first, he blinds the basilisk, which is what enables Harry to fight the monster without being killed by looking into its eyes. Second, Fawkes brings the Sorting Hat, which delivers to Harry the Sword of Gryffindor. Both of these acts make Harry feel as though he is not alone in fighting the basilisk, and they enable him to have the courage (and the practical tools) necessary to defeat both Riddle and the basilisk. Fawkes also helps heal Harry when he is stabbed by a basilisk fang, and he allows Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Lockhart to escape the Chamber once the basilisk is dead. All of these moments serve to emphasize how Harry could not defeat the snake or Tom Riddle alone; it is only with Dumbledore’s support that he is able to find the strength within himself to do so.