Harry Potter--not entirely fictional

Top 2. Nov 20, 2001 1:47 PM

» SandyMcC - :)

I haven't read the books, I'm waiting for my kids to finish with them, but they are the kind of story I like. I agree, there's more tradition in there than fantasy. I really want to see the movie, my kids have already, of course! smile

Thanks for the review and information, it was an interesting read.

-- posted by SandyMcC

Top 3. Dec 24, 2001 6:56 AM

» eibhlin - Themes & upcoming articles

Although I'd intended to write articles focusing on the Harry Potter trolls, boggarts, and so on, it's become clear that this subject should include the wide range of interpretations in other fiction as well.

As I'm writing this post, I've begun a series setting the context for studying the Otherworld through fiction, particularly in light of the highly accurate Lord of the Rings movie.

But I'm delighted that others have enjoyed this article, and I think this will be the basis for months of future discussions of the truth behind the magickal spirits/beings in popular (and sometimes obscure) fiction.

Thanks for your comments and encouragement!

-- posted by eibhlin

Top 4. Feb 24, 2003 6:27 AM

» mask03 - Finally someone who read the books.

I would like to thank you for writing this essay. There maybe one or two things in the book that you may or may not agree with, but wether you agree or not is not a concern for J.K. Rowling she just wrote a book for people to read and anyone who says the book should be banned what next? The wizard of Oz? Or how about Grimms fairytales? Sooner or later it will get out of control and one day maybe the bible. If you don't want your children to read this story you had better read for yourself because what one is not allowed to do one yearns for. To the author of this article Cheers!!!
Pottermania and Potterism

Author: Virginia Marin
Published on: November 3, 2000

Related Subject(s): Potter, Harry (Fictitious character) , Rowling, J. K. -- Criticism and interpretation

Pottermania and Potterism are two new words coined by reporters to describe the current frenzy surrounding Harry Potter. Let's face it, the Harry Potter books are the best selling series for children since Nancy Drew! Though the lower elementary grades responded to the newest book in costumed droves, I remained adamant in my belief that the series was inappropriate for young children in spite of the horrendous lines of tiny feet waiting for bookstores to open...
...However, I no longer entertain that attitude. My mind was changed when I observed my young grandaughter attempting to reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with Webster's Dictionary beside her!

I still maintain that most of the vocabulary is not second grade. Nor third. Nor fourth. Nor fifth--unless voraciously, introverted, wryly, groveling and aberrant have recently been added to standard lists. But, what these books--Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire-- are doing is to redefine elementary vocabulary. And that is good.

Vocabularies have fallen deplorably behind modern time zones. There are many ways teachers and parents can present advanced vocabularies and that is one reason why I am excited over Harry Potter. For vocabulary development, the books are superior.

Harry Potter falls under the aegis of folklore, for within his pages one finds fantasy, creatures, witches, fairies and warlocks. There are also biblical, mythical, legendary and fairy tale characters and all manner of little people. What's more, the reader is transported, mesmerized and entertained in a world of alchemy and wizards.

But wait a minute. Aren't these some of the very objections to Harry Potter?

Yes, but it is up to teachers and parents to identify that line between fantasy and reality with which children must come to terms. It is up to conservative parents, from which have come floods of complaints, to teach personal religious beliefs to their children. If both of these are done correctly the Harry Potter books will have no negative effects on children. Still, the Potter books contend with a banning effort.

Harry Potter has enchanted people from diverse cultures worldwide. He represents an archetypal hero who would have been as familiar to ancient Greeks and Romans as he is now to Yankees, Rednecks, Cowboys, Floridians and Canadians. Harry is hailed as a hero in England, the country of his literary birth. The Continent and the Orient have gone ga-ga eyes over Harry. Indeed, has the entire world.

Harry does exude appeal. He is a fascinating youngster who clearly viberates his humaness and delightful imagination. He experiences social and family trauma. He also has imperfections like all of us.

I am impressed by readers' monomaniacal enthusiasm toward Harry who clearly shows them that respect must be earned; that sacrifices are often necessary to achieve success; and that a hero must stand alone and exceed his everyday limitations. These are powerful lessons to present to children.

Readers see Harry breaking rules while at the same time respecting those in authority. Related to this, I made a list of characteristics that would serve to have a positive effect (and affect) on children. I was impressed.

There is a marvelous new book that helps readers explore Harry Potter--Exploring Harry Potter, by Elizabeth D. Shafer; Beacham Publishing. Serving as a guide for understanding the Potter series, it retails for $24.95 in the U.S. and $34.95 in Canada. Discount at Wall-Mart.

The book also contains extensive Internet resources as well as a plethora of suggested activities for discussion; questions and ideas for developing critical learning and writing skills; and lists for vocabulary development--all after each book chapter.

So, go ahead and enjoy the fantasy adventures of Harry Potter with your children--just keep a good dictionary, encyclopedia and perhaps even a thesaurus handy!

This is Dubh Sidhe

-- posted by mask03