PERSONALLY I LIKE THE EPILOGUE

[anne_t_squires]

No: HPFGUIDX 173120

 jerri willmore <colouringpurple at ...> wrote:
>
> There has been a lot of epilogue bashing here, personally I really
liked it and I especially liked the last sentence.
>    
<snip comments about LOTR>
>    
> Anyone here like Jo's epilogue?
> 
> jerri
>

Anne Squires:

Ear, ear!  

I do like the epilogue.  We found out that the main character got what
he always wanted, a loving family.  True, many, many things were left
unanswered; but that didn't really bother me.  Sure, I'm curious; but
I can live without knowing.  Actually, since JKR will write an
encyclopedia it looks like many questions will be answered after all.
I was somewhat reminded of the ending of Gone With the Wind.  In that
novel many, many important questions are left unanswered.  The fate of
the main character and the main ship is left unresolved.  Yet, I think
it's one of the cleverest endings I have ever come across.

Many are dismayed by the fact that the tradition of sorting into the
four houses is still taking place.  However, this tradition had been
in place since the founding of the school a thousand years previously.
 I don't think it could easily be done away with in such a traditional
society.  I think the fact that Harry doesn't mind if his son is
sorted into Slytherin speaks volumes. I think there will continue to
be a rivalry between the houses.  But, I think there is probably a
lessening of the resentment against Slytherin House as the years go by.  

I don't think the Slytherins are evil. When I look at the Malfoys and
what they went through, I see a family that will teach future
generations against the evils of following false prophets.  I feel
fairly certain that Scorpius has been taught not to use the term,
"Mudblood."  I bet that Draco believes that pureblood mania nearly
destroyed his family.  I like to think of the Malfoys as a microcosm
of the Slytherin experience.  I bet many traditional Slytherin
families have changed their tune. This change will positively affect
the atmosphere and attitude one finds in the Slyth common room, imho.

To change a portion of society's prejudices takes time.  However,
change can and does occur.  It just takes a really long time.  I think
that it's a good thing to leave the houses so that tolerance can be
learned in an atmosphere where the children of the Slytherins could be
in the house and change it from within.  If the house had been
eliminated then it would have probably gone underground.  Perhaps the
sons and daughters of former Slytherins would have formed something
along the lines of the DA.  No, it's best for the house system to
remain as it has, with everything out in the open.  If children of war
heroes such as Al Potter can end up in that house they can also effect
a change.


I am afraid to admit the following because I am afraid that I will be
flamed; but I am reminded of my own family a little when I look at the
Malfoys.  I come from a family from what is called the Old South.  My
ancestors fought for the Confederacy.  My grandparents and parents
were brought up on stories of the "glory days" when the family owned a
plantation (and slaves).  No, as far as I know, no one was ever a
member of the KKK; but it really wouldn't surprise me if I did learn
that some skeleton in the family closet had been a member.  However,
it is my opinion that each generation has been less and less
prejudiced, more and more tolerant.  My sister has married an African
American and the they have a wonderful child.   I like to see a
similar future for the Malfoys.


Anne Squires