Defend OOTP against my horribly Muggle mind!

[cgahnstrm]

No: HPFGUIDX 76460

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "feetmadeofclay" 
<feetmadeofclay at y...> wrote:
> Dear Grownups... 
> 
> I have a question to ask of those here... And of course this 
> assignment is optional.  I just want to know what all you (whom I
am sure are intelligent insightful adults) have to say against me.  
I know not all people agree.  Afterall I hate pineapples but liking 
> pineapples isn't bad... But hear me out and respond if you like...

<snip>

I think your critizism of OOTP has many valid points. I agree with
some of them, and when I disagree, I can understand your view.

Having read the book twice, I have found that in my opinion, the
greatness in this novel lies in the psychological realism with which the
characters are described. Harry, in my opinion, does what is logical for 
a boy that has gone through the horrors of a loveless home and the loss 
of a father figure. Neville's insecurity is explained by his grandmother constantly compairing him to his gifted father.
And then there is The Potions Master. He has been bullied to the
point where he has been damaged for life (or so it seems). In Harry, he 
sees the opportunity to get back at his tormentor. The wounds of his 
school years are still there, hence the rage when Harry goes into his 
memory. 

Also, in this book, it's no longer an easy task to tell good from evil. 
Dolores Umbridge means well, in her own twisted way, and James was 
less than perfect while in school.

You say the book might be more appealing to children. I disagree.
>From the comments from children I've read on the net, I get the feeling 
this book is in many aspects way above their heads. They can't understand 
Harry's mood changes and instead of seeing that Cho is suffering from 
depression they are just annoyed with her.
The four previous novels were written so that children could
understand and follow everything that happened. Now they're somewhat left 
behind, even though they can still enjoy the major plot.


Christin


ps No spell check on this lousy mac. I hope there aren't too many
mistakes.