reasons for fanfic THE CANON (some SHIP discussions)

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 16436

Hi --

Rosmerta wrote:

> I wonder how fanfic fans, shippers in particular, will feel when Books
> 5, 6 and 7 come out and don't conform to their anticipations? There
> have been some messages previously about what JKR "owes" the readers
> in terms of following up on foreshadowing etc. But it seems like some
> of these expectations are being permaturely fanned by fanfic?

Actually, I know what you're referring to.  Ebony started a thread a few
months ago, making the argument that JKR has created enough ambiguity in
the text regarding the romances that it will be disappointing to some
fans if it is handled in a matter-of-fact way.  Sure, the H/H fans will
be disappointed if JKR pairs Hermione off with Ron.  But, we won't
necessarily think that it means the end of H/H (anymore I daresay than
the R/H fans will abandon hope if it turns out the reverse ... there
will still be 2 books left).  What we would be very disappointed with is
if it is handled as though there's never been a hint of ambiguity in
Hermione's feelings.  What Ebony was saying is that by creating
ambiguity, it will be disingenous in a literary sense (and highly
disappointing from that perspective) if she never addresses the
ambiguity that she created.  I realize some will say, "Well how can she
address it if she doesn't know it's there?"  True enough.  I guess many
of us have faith that it is there for a reason and that it isn't really
so hidden as to be unknown to the author.  <g>

None of the above has anything to do with fanfic really.  Most of the
shippers would say that they took their positions from canon and rely on
fanfic to support their particular ship.  I'm in the minority there, as
I will admit that fanfic influenced me to take another look at the canon
& rethink my favored pairing.  I now have solid canon-based reasons for
supporting H/H though.  :--)

Penny


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