In fact, the boy's lightning shaped scar seems to be the main symbol and plot device of J.K. Rowling's series. Why does a scar that would be nothing but a physical trait on a normal person become so thematically significant when it is placed on a literary figure?
The first observation of the meaning behind Harry's scar is that it makes him different. Harry Potter looks just like any average teenager, except for the lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead. In fact, Harry thought he was an ordinary person until he discovered the extraordinary history behind his scar. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster mentions author Vladmir Propp, who studied folktales and separated the classic story of the hero into steps. One of the first steps in the process is that the hero must be blemished in some way. Whether he be scarred, lame, or disfigured, he must bear some form of mark that sets him apart. The story of Harry Potter, who received his scar as a baby, seems to apply to this formula. Essentially, Harry's scar makes him unique, it is a physical manifestation of what makes Harry Potter so special.
Another interpretation of the meaning behind his scar could be that it stands as evidence of the damage life deals out. In literature, the most simple blemish can tell a deep personal story. Harry's scar is a constant physical reminder of the incident in which both his parents were killed by his nemesis. The scar perpetually connects Harry to his past. Not only to his traumatic experience with Voldemort, but also to his loving parents who died to protect him. Later in the story it is explained to Harry that he escaped death because his mother gave up her life for him, thus, while it is a reminder of a painful event, the scar is also a sign of his mother's limitless love. It is a symbol of the goodness in his life as well as the bad. Harry stands as an illustration of the way life leaves scars on all who experience it.
There is one more analysis of the meaning behind Harry's scar. According to Thomas C. Foster, when an author calls attention to a physical problem, it suggests that this aspect of his identity will come into play. Foster uses the story of the Oedipus to explain this theory, though I find that Harry Potter shares a few similarities. Both heroes received scars at birth and did not discover the true history behind them until much later.However, the lightning bolt on Harry's forehead seems to be like a badge of honor, visible proof of having survived a great battle and of his destiny to wage more battles in the future. It is this slight imperfection which forever marks him as a hero.
