More on GoF -- Darkness

[plinsenmayer]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C6916
From: plinsenmayer
Subject: More on GoF -- Darkness
Date: 8/15/00 4:13 pm  (ET)

Hi:

Mayacloud wrote: <<<I wonder if the series will start to lose its supposed
'target audience'?>>>

See my earlier post. <g> No target audience.


<<<I'm no youngling, but I kept thinking about (and feeling slightly
disturbed about) those last few scenes. It's not just that there were
dark scenes (True), but that the supposed 'heroes' did some nasties
(imprisoned a journalist, mass attacked an annoying schoolmate).>>>

The "heroes" are not one-dimensional and shouldn't remain so. I strongly
suspect that before the series ends, Harry will have confronted a
number of moral dilemnas. He may stumble along the way -- make the wrong
choice for misguided reasons. That is all part of his ultimate character
formation -- the true aim of any bildungsroman.

There's also the emphasis that's been placed on Harry's "dark" side. He
shares some characteristics (and perhaps an even closer familial
relationship) with Lord Voldemort. Their wands share a connection through
Fawkes. The Sorting Hat initially wanted to place him in Slytherin. I
think all of this will come into play in the next 3 books, and personally,
I look forward to it. <g>

I also see a strong possibility that Ron may betray Harry (whether
inadvertently or because he's spurred by jealousy or some other motivation
is another post).

<<<The books ARE addicting, though, I wish I could figure out how JKR's
style is so damned readable - when's the last time you swallowed a 700
page book so effortlessly?>>>

Well, I read alot -- and being a voracious reader, I've never been put off
by the "length" of a book. Granted, her books are consumed more readily
than something more turgid. But, the thing I love about her writing style
are the subtle hints & wordplays strewn throughout the text -- I pick
up on (or hear) something new everytime I read or listen to the books.

Penny