Subject: Re: Second guessing JKR

[HumWolf at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 75760

Reading is what goes on between what the writer has written and what the 
reader reads. Since every reader comes to a text with a unique perspective and 
background, that writer/reader mingling in the reading/interpretation is unique 
to each reader. The great classics are great because they touch many readers 
(across time) on many levels. They reveal the writer's interpretation of those 
aspects of life, which the reader can agree/disagree with. At the least, the 
reader can understand another person's feelings about life, even if that person 
is long gone.

As for second guessing JKR, I think that a writer both intentionally and 
unintentionally gives information to the reader. There has to be a plan (plot 
lines, character development, setting etc.) so of course JKR has put information 
in the stories with intent. On the other hand, as a great story teller, I'm 
sure many of her ideas are in there just because she's a great writer. 

Finding connections to our lives, real life, the world, or taking our 
imaginations to a school for wizards are what great readers do with a text. JKR has 
given us "word junkies" plenty of fodder for all of it!

Donna