Mixing the Magical and Muggle Worlds

[mfterman]

No: HPFGUIDX 127166



It's fairly simple, JKR is not trying to build a coherent and logical
world where magic forms an alternate technology of sorts and you have
a realistic scenario of what would really happen if wizards were
closeted within the Muggle world. She's writing everything with
maximum entertainment value (OWLs, NEWTs, Floo network, broomsticks,
witches and wizards wearing robes and pointy hats, etc.).

A good question becomes where do the Weasleys get their food and other
basic goods from? Do they go all the way down to Diagon Alley for
basic goods like food or do they go to a local supermarket? Why is the
Burrow all out by itself? Why is there only one wizarding village in
all of England? Why wouldn't all of the English wizards be tending to
cluster together in Unplottable wizarding villages in the remote
English countryside?

Don't get me started on how realistic Harry's classes are at Hogwarts,
or the idea that there is no wizarding equivalent of a university. The
fact is that JKR does things that are entertaining, and plausibility
and consistancy is a distant second. She rarely thinks about the full
implications of what she tosses in (such as making sure all the
fireplaces have a locking grating on them so burglars can't get in via
the floo network).

mfterman