having been on a Harry Potter binge for the last 48 hours... I have to talk abt some of the themes within this book. Do not worry there are no spoilers here...

I find it very interesting that Rowling's book has many paralells with Lord of The Rings by Tolkein. An evil empire brewing while the main story unfolds. An eminent war (which I believe starts in this book). An inexperienced hero or central character learning the ropes as he goes along. The teacher or mentor. Gandalf and Dumbledore.

At the same time, the larger plots also have paralells to many incidents that are important in human history. World War I and II for example. The first war between Voldemort and the forces of good can be considered World War I. This book then is written months before World War II will break out.

The paralells are clear. In this book, not many people believe that Lord Voldemort is back. Samething ppl said about Hitler, the Nazis and the German Army. People back then and in this book choose to ignore the truth because it is a discomforting reality. Also, the Order of the Phoenix can be compared to the allied ranks. Countries from all over the world uniting to defeat the forces of evil. Both in World War I and II. The same thing happens in this book.

I had a couple of more points to write... but I forget... I'll write them down when they come back to me.. time to zzzzzzzz..