[HPforGrownups] Re: Number of teachers

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 12977

Jim Ferer wrote:

> I think the real answer is JKR didn't work it all out.

Well, of *course* it is. Shhhh! If we answer it like that, we don't have
anything left to discuss, argue, and write about! (except the vital
international candy differences; a treaty is in the works to normalize
things).

>  It's not as important as the great stories and characters she's given
> us, but there's no 100% way to work out wizard society based on canon
> and JKR's statements (excuse me, "revelations."

If there is anybody out there who really thinks that JKR sat down and
did all this analysis and minutiae before she started, I have a really,
really nice bridge to sell you. Sure, she did some, but I think she'd be
flabbergasted by some of the detail we've gotten to. I've said before, a
great part of JKR's genius is that she makes it sound right. It works.
It gels. The sound of the names is perfect--and she did do some of the
associations deliberately, don't get me wrong--but some is
serendipitous. The "mix" of the wizard society she shows us "feels"
right, even if the numbers don't necessarily work (although a lot of
them do, which is also serendipitous). Etc. JKR has her finger on the
pulse of serendipity, which most of us don't, and that's a big part of
the magic of her work.

--Amanda (it really is a very nice bridge..)


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