[HPforGrownups] Re: The late Harry Potter

[Sherry Gomes]

No: HPFGUIDX 130360

Finwitch:

But - I do not know if Harry will survive. Being 'for children' does 
not mean the hero can't die - (just think of the poor little girl 
trying to sell matches, or the original Grim-tale of little mermaid - 
these are fairy tales).

There can be an end where Harry dies. Let's say Harry sacrifices his 
life for Neville or Ron (or whoever) - and Voldemort repeats his error -
 and THIS time Voldemort dies when the curse bounces back to him.

Sherry now:

As a child, I hated Grimm's fairytales, Hans Christian Andersen and the
rest.  They were so negative, with no hope or purpose in the bad endings.  i
suppose part of my reaction to the idea of Harry dying is that I am living,
and I don't see the deaths of my loved ones, especially those who died too
young, as something peaceful, adventurous or wonderful.  i am part of the
left behind, and to quote a poem, whose title and author escapes me right
now,

i am not resigned!

The poem was about someone's reaction to death and the common view that it
should be accepted, it is ok and just part of life.  No, I am not resigned,
and I will not be resigned if Harry dies and stays dead at the end of book
seven!  He is young, and he's had a very unhappy life.  He deserves to live
and find peace and happiness after kicking Voldemort's butt.  A bow to
supposedly good literature and killing him off will never work for me.

Of course, not that my feelings on the matter should matter to JKR.  She is
the author, and she will do whatever she has planned to do.  But I can never
see the death of a 17-year-old boy as something noble and right.
Sentimental old fool, that's me!  smile.

Sherry