Is Harry Potter a Worthwhile Series? (otherwise known as Harry-Potter-bashing)

[southernscotland]

No: HPFGUIDX 33764

To: Our original poster

I hope you are still here. It could be thought of as brave to send 
that message. You may feel like a poodle at a cat show, but I thank 
you for helping me crystallize some thoughts of the past few days. 

I won't get into the specific areas covered by those who have so 
eloquently answered your article. However, I have a few points, and 
one point for me that has not yet been stated.     

Great literature must have great characters. To me, Harry Potter is a 
great character. 

The character of Harry is a singular creation, whom I think is on a 
par with Frodo and Bilbo. He is wonderful, original, and 
unforgettable.  I see him as a bundle of contradictions - ennobling 
yet exasperating, frank and fascinating, modest but mythic. In all my 
years of reading, I have never found anyone like him. 

His creation is a marvelous achievement. Readers identify strongly 
with him, and care what happens to him and his friends. If you would 
but read all the books, I think you might come to see that.

Additionally, through his books Harry Potter shows our struggle to  
live an honorable life in the 21st century. The series is well-
meaning and good-hearted. And as for me, the setting doesn't matter - 
it could be Africa, Tattooine, Middle-Earth, or Rigel 7. 

As the reluctant hero, Harry tries to make the best of sometimes 
murky moral choices in an uncertain modern world. Since the books 
have many readers, the books can have an influence. More thoughtful 
persons can ponder the consequences of the characters' motivations 
and actions to those in their own lives. 

The series certainly and assuredly can be seen as a Christian one, 
and I think it most certainly is. 

I am a Southern Baptist Christian. We are known to be quite 
conservative. Our state association has come out officially against 
the series. I have seen my share of "Harry-Potter-bashing".  

My whole family loves the books, and currently, I am reading the 
third one to my nine-year-old son. I could tell you how wonderful 
they have been for my teenage daughter, but this is not the time nor 
the place for that. 

To me, what is worrisome is the possibility of more negative articles 
of the type you have provided. As the series becomes darker, as the 
author has said that it will, some who might learn the most from her 
stories might not get the opportunity to read them. 

This darkness is necessary because, as the author has stated, she 
does not want to treat superficially the coming battles of good 
versus evil. Seriousness sometimes is called for, and can be the 
responsible thing to do when dealing with these issues.    

I am worried that some future readers might not have the chance to 
discover this wonderful series of seven books - unique to the world 
of literature. 

That will be due at least partly to persons like yourself who could 
not even be bothered to read it. I'm sure you know the story about 
the blind men describing parts of an elephant. No one gets the whole 
picture. 

You, and some like you, would be judge, jury, and executioner - all 
without a fair and just trial. Did not Jesus say that he who is 
without sin may cast the first stone?  

I am pondering what an appropriate fan response to others of your 
type, especially in the mass media, might be. 

If and when you decide to become more familiar with the literature of 
which you speak, your further thoughts would be appreciated. 

 
lilahp