“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
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Tags: dream escapism fantasy fiction head imaginary imagination mind perception reality sensation truth
This quote resonates with a lot of Harry Potter fans, including me, because the whole experience of Harry Potter feels very real, despite happening (more or less) inside our heads. When it comes right down to it, all of sensation and perception of life is a result of neurons firing in our brains and "telling" us what's going on. Obviously, perception of fantasy and fiction is different--but that it should feel real is entirely natural and very beautiful.
In this moment with Dumbledore, it is a frustrating and mysterious non-answer, on par with a lot of frustrating and mysterious non-answers that Dumbledore has given Harry through the years. But it allows Harry room for interpretation, and the mystery compels him to continue to grow.
--AK