Connotation

                By dictionary definition, the word “retarded” means: characterized by slowness or limitation in intellectual understanding and awareness, emotional development, academic progress, etc. In today’s society, the denotation of the word has given way to a negative connotation.

                If one asks any teenager, and even some adults, in our culture what the word “retarded” means, the answer would most likely be along the lines of: stupid, idiot, etc. Instead of being used to describe a true mental limitation, the word is used as an insult.

                “Retarded” is used against friends whom one jokingly makes fun of; people one dislikes and thinks are annoying, stupid, etc.; situations that are unfavorable; and worst of all: to make fun of those with mental disabilities. It is generally used in a jeering manner, and can often times be hurtful to those being called the name.

                What was once used to describe a medical condition is now most predominantly known by its negative slang form. If one calls a person with mental disabilities “retarded” they are often perceived as rude, insensitive, or plain and simple – a jerk. While at one time, the word may have been used without consequence, it is now an insult along the lines of: idiot, stupid, as well as much worse.

                Denotations and connotations of certain words and phrases vary depending upon how they are said. In this case, unless used by a doctor or as a medical term, “retarded” has a negative connotation. There are always exceptions to this statement, however, such as lovingly mocking someone or making fun of friends in a joking manner. Though for the most part, the way today’s society perceives the word “retarded” is not in a positive light.

Everything is an Argument

              In writing, nearly everything is an argument – an address or composition intended to convince or persuade; persuasive discourse. Thus, every statement is an argument. Each written idea, thought process and belief are backed up by facts, evidence, and opinions. These arguments are not always blatantly obvious, though, and require one to use insight and knowledge to identify them. Every book has them; even J.K. Rowling’s widely popular book series, Harry Potter.

                Rowling’s Harry Potter novels obtained high praise and brought the author immense fame. Her series of seven books became a worldwide sensation, and were eventually brought to the big screen as a highly successful chain of movies. The books, which center around a young wizard and his two friends, may appear to simply be about the fantasy world of witchcraft and wizardry, combined with aspects of action, love, and heroism on the surface. However, embedded in the stories and excitement, is an argument.

                As cliché as it may sound, the Harry Potter series argues that friendship and love can endure life’s greatest hardships and challenges (namely fighting the evil Lord Voldemort , a half-dead wizard bent on taking over both the wizarding and “muggle” worlds). The type of the argument used is definition through examples.

                Many scenarios in each book support Rowling’s argument. In the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, for example, Harry Potter and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger teamed up to overcome great challenges, including fighting an ogre, outsmarting a giant dog with three heads, winning a deadly game of chess, surviving man-eating vines, and ultimately saving the school of Hogwarts and the world.  Because of his friends, Harry was able to face and defeat Lord Voldemort for the second time. The first time Harry defeated Voldemort, however, was because of the love of his mother. Through her love, Lily Potter prevented her infant son’s death, causing the Dark Lord’s spell to backfire and ultimately destroy himself.   

                In the second of Rowling’s books, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were again faced with fatal challenges. A basilisk traveling through the school petrified and killed students and staff who were unfortunate enough to cross paths with it and look it in the eye or see it in a reflection.  The three friends were determined to discover who or what was causing the mysterious evils, and again teamed up to investigate. In the end, Harry defeated the basilisk, who had been summoned by Tom Riddle – Voldemort—because of the help and love of his friends.

                In the third and fourth novels, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the theme reigns true again. Because of their love for their friend Hagrid, Hogwarts’ gamekeeper, Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved his hippogriff, Buckbeak in the third installment. In the same book, they were also able to save Sirius Black, who was accused of leading Lord Voldemort to Lily and James Potter (Harry’s parents), ultimately causing their death. Harry learned that contrariwise, Sirius was actually his father’s friend and his own godfather, and that he had been misled to believe otherwise. With the help of Hermione and her ability to time travel, they successfully rescued him from imprisonment. In the fourth book, Harry was chosen to take part in the Triwizard Tournament, for which he was underage. Much controversy surrounded him, but he was guided by his friends and teachers, and won the tournament. When he grabbed the trophy, however, he was transported to a graveyard, where the newly reincarnated Voldemort awaited him. The two enemies battled, and Harry’s parents’ spirits warded him off long enough for their son to escape. Love, again, prevailed over evil.

                In the fifth installment, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry learned more about his past and destiny. With his friends at his side, he was constantly reminded of how loved he truly was. His godfather, Sirius Black, sacrificed himself in the fifth book during a battle in order to protect Harry. In the sixth book, Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts’ headmaster, taught Harry of the events of Voldemort’s life and explained to Harry what he would need to do to kill the evil wizard once and for all. Dumbledore died for the cause of killing Voldemort. He knew it would be necessary, and because of his love for Harry, as well as his hopes of defeating the Dark Lord, he did not fight back when he was struck down.

                In the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry, Hermione, and Ron skipped their seventh and final year at Hogwarts to search for Horcruxes – items in which Voldemort placed parts of his soul. In order to truly kill the Dark Lord, they had to find each Horcrux and destroy it. This book truly brings home the truth behind Rowling’s argument of friendship and love enduring all. Many sacrifices were made for the good of the world. For instance, Dobby the House Elf sacrificed himself to save Harry, Ron, and Hermione when they were attacked by one of Voldemort’s followers (in the second novel, Harry had freed Dobby from his evil masters).  In the final battle, many of Harry’s friends, teachers, and other wizards fought against the Dark Lord and his army. Many died protecting Harry, who was Voldemort’s first priority to kill – an act of revenge. When Harry learned that he himself was a horcrux, he readily sacrificed himself because of the love he possessed for his friends and for everyone who was fighting for him, and for the world. Voldemort killed him, but Harry was able to return, and in the end, with the help of his friends, the Dark Lord was defeated once and for all. Love, friendship, and self- sacrifice overpowered the evil and darkness in the world.

                Through the use of multiple examples throughout her entire Harry Potter book series, author J.K. Rowling was able to argue her point effectively. She proved that love and friendship are truly great values in the world.