What will theorists think? (was: Re: Lupin, a bad guy?)

[quigonginger]

No: HPFGUIDX 96585


> > Siriusly Snapey Susan:
> > All of this has got me wondering something....  I joined this 
> group 
> > just last summer, right before OoP came out.  I know some of the 
> > biggest theorists [theorizers?? what's the word I want?] and 
> TBAYers 
> > have been here *much* longer than that.  Some of their theories 
> have 
> > been shot down or have been forced into revision by events & 
> > information revealed in subsequent books.
> > 
> > So here's my question for those who love to put forth theories 
> [from 
> > one who's no good at it!].  Is putting forth a theory & standing 
> > behind it mightily, for instance ESE!Lupin or Vampire!Snape, 
> > something that is just flat-out fun and something you don't 
really 
> > care too much whether you're right about or not?  Or will you be 
> > seriously disappointed if JKR's portrayals of these characters & 
> > resolution of the events stick to the more "standard" line... 
> >>snip<<
> > 
> > Siriusly Snapey Susan...who loves to read elaborate theories but 
> who 
> > can't come up with them herself.
> 
> Potioncat:
> Along with SSS's question, I have one.  I read the first 4 books as 
> books.  By book 5 I had a vague idea that some readers scrutinised 
> every nuance of every word for hidden meanings. I was still pretty 
> much reading it as a book, but "getting" more of the word play the 
> first time. I didn't find this site until after OoP and that's when 
> I picked up my trowel.
> 
> My question is, how does doing all this digging in the first books 
> affect your reading and enjoyment of the next one?

(Quigon) Ginger, answering both.  

Firstly, (SSS), I had only put forth one theory before OoP.  I was 
very attatched to it as it is the only original thought I have ever 
had in my life.  Even TBAYers hadn't thought of it! I loved it, 
nurtured it, mentally fanfic-ed it, took it a zillion directions. 

I read OoP, got to the point where it was totally blown out of the 
water, said "aw, nerts" and went right on reading.

Had I been right, I'd have gone ballistic, and reminded everyone on 
the list that it was *my* theory!  *MY* theory!  And, as you 
remember, that would have been lost in the avalanche of posts that 
followed the hiatus and no one would have noticed.  But I would have 
had a warm tickly fuzzy in my heart for days, which can be just as 
easily gotten from swallowing a puffskein.

Secondly, (Potioncat), I read the first 3 as stories.  GoF I read 
looking for things, but, not being on this list yet, I had no idea 
how many things there were to look for.  I intended to read OoP the 
first time for pleasure, and the next times looking for clues.  I 
have yet to seperate the two.  I must admit I miss reading without 
trying to find what is hidden.

(Quigon) Ginger, who solomnly swears that she will try to read Book 6 
for pleasure only, at least on the first readthrough, and will not 
look at the dustcover this time.  (Dratted spoilers!)