[HPforGrownups] LAMBASTING (WAS Re: Where's the Canon? )

[Sean Dwyer]

No: HPFGUIDX 34861

On Thu, Feb 07, 2002 at 03:04:31AM -0000, cindysphynx wrote:
[space-saving snip]
> Anyway, please understand that I am not saying that my own ideas are 
> pure and canon-based and beyond reproach, because they frequently are 
> not, as has been proven more often than I would like.  I do wonder, 
> however, to what extent it is possible to say that a theory is 
> playing fast and loose with canon.  
> 
> Cindy (hoping that people will continue to spin creative theories 
> because she has fun thinking about them)

Since joining this list, I have been simply overwhelmed by this continuum of
theory vs. canon problem so I have formulated little myself, content to enjoy
the range of theories, even if I don't understand the point of half of them :)

In fact I'm strongly reminded of the fandom of Sherlock Holmes which was
originally serialized, and continues to this day, long after Conan Doyle
desperately killed him off (many fans believe that to be a 'mistake').

Because it is a continuum, I think the only proof of a 'fast and loose' theory
is when canon undisputably shoots it down (and many theories are doomed in the
next book, I'm sure), anything else is within reader speculation. Now for some
reader speculation of my own:

I am personally still clinging to the idea that the wizard vs. muggle theme is
more important than we currently recognise and Harry is still central to how
it will play out. For want of an intelligent acronym, I'm calling it the
L.A.M.B.A.S.T.I.N.G (Love All Muggles Because Alienating Someone True Is Not
Growth) theory.

It's rather simple and well-supported by canon. Some Muggles are Bad
(Dursleys). Some Wizards are Bad (Voldemort). But they both have much to learn
from each other (e.g. Dursleys learn manners from Mr. Weasley, Mr. Weasley
works hard to promote Muggle-understanding among Wizards). They NEED to learn
from each other, before Voldemort destroys everyone. Harry, Ron and Hermione
are all unusually well-placed to appreciate this, and have an important part
to play in bringing the two 'sides' together.

Canon repeatedly underlines the fallacy of believing that position is
dependent on birth and that the real measure of a person is their choices. The
choices of Muggle and Wizard, Death Eater and the Good Guys are purposely
(I submit) bound together in Harry and his choices. Wizards will have to help
Muggles in the coming crisis and vice versa. A Muggle will have to see the
light, as will a Wizard. Harry will have to show both sides what is needed.

If all this sounds like Harry is playing the Redeemer, to me it's hard to
escape that conclusion, whether he survives or not, and merely solving a
wizard's problem like Voldemort isn't the whole story.

Naturally, I believe the only obstacle to this theory (projecting as it does
into the future) is canon, but nevertheless, take a shot :)

Sean, getting out the big guns and manning the barricades. 

-- 
Sean Dwyer <ewe2 at can.org.au>
Web: http://www.geocities.com/ewe2_au/