[HPforGrownups] Harry_Potter?A_Worthwhile_series??

[Mary Shearer]

No: HPFGUIDX 33637


--- kimballs6 <kevinkimball at hotmail.com> wrote:

>When I give my children a book to read, I also give
them a pencil and ask them to mark anything that
stands out to them: clues as to the author's world
view,  the heroes words or actions that inspire them,
sentences or paragraphs that are well-written,
vocabulary that peaks their interest, etc. My copy of
Harry Potter is well marked and even dog-eared, but
not because of inspiring passages or quality writing.
Rowling's world view is not one to immerse a child in
if you are seeking to raise him in a Judeo-Christian
ethic. Beyond that, encouraging a child to read poorly
written, yet "sensational" literature may produce a
child that can read Harry Potter stories, but will not
produce a reader.

Dear Kevin-
I'm de-lurking after a week or so to share a few
thoughts about your closing comments.  But before I
get to that, I would like to point out that though
your subject-heading questions the worth of the Harry
Potter series, your comments are only directed to the
first book.  I would strongly encourage you to read
on, as PS/SS is just the beginning. And, as there are
many wonderful postings that argue your points most
eloquently, I will just comment that I agree
wholeheartedly with those who support the series'
worth.
Now - about your closing comments: You offered those
of us who are parents the advice to keep this
literature from our children if we wish to raise them
in a Judeo-Christian ethic. As a fellow parent, a
devout Christian and an English teacher, I would like
to offer you some advice in return: put down the
pencils, pick up the next book in the series, and lose
yourselves in this compelling story *before* you seek
out its flaws. First allow the story to be told
through the simple joy of reading - then go back and
deconstruct it if you must. 
I think you will find that the books *do* contain a
moral center - themes of friendhsip, loyalty,
self-sacrifice, self-introspection and trust are all
present.  Yes - the line between good and evil
constantly shifts, just as it does in the real world.
No - the characters do not always do the right thing,
but the denouncement of evil and the upholding of good
stand firmly as the books' major themes.  These
children are not perfect - nor should they be - for if
they were, their struggle to determine what is right
or wrong would have no value. 
This is just my opinion, but I don't think that
Rowling's work is of poor quality at all.  I am
thrilled to see students who would rather chew glass
than pick up a book, immersed in JKR's 700+ page tome.
Believe me - I see plenty of literary crap in kids'
hands, and though I'm glad to see them reading
anything, they could do far worse than Harry Potter!
There are clear themes, a brilliant story arc, and
well-defined characters that continue to evolve, all
written in language that does not have to be plowed
through, and is often very eloquent. Perfect sentence
structure is important when writing an essay or a
doctoral thesis, but does not always lend itself well
to creating a natural flow in narrative or dialogue.
Finally - the Potterverse is a world that explores
serious issues against a whimsical backdrop. Don't
mistake whimsy or emotional drama for
"sensationalism." Harry Potter is an entity unto
itself - it was never meant to be allegorical, as
Lewis's work is. If we can draw parallels - great! 
But don't try for a direct scriptural
cross-reference...you'll be disappointed. I'm sure
that by now, you are sick of the negative commentary
on your essay - though I'm pretty sure you must have
expected it!  My own response is in no way meant to be
negative - I am merely encouraging you to read on
through the series if you truly want to make an
accurate assessment of its worth, and keep an open
heart and mind.  Then, if you still can't stomach
Harry, feel free to leave him on the bookshelf.  I, on
the other hand, will feel free (in spite of your
advice) to read another chapter to my family who I am
seeking to raise in a humanistic, compassionate,
open-minded, and open-hearted Judeo-Christian ethic. 
  Peace - Mary
                

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