Re: [HPforGrownups] rec: Missing from 'Harry Potter' – a real moral struggle

[Lee Kaiwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 173245

Pamela Rosen blessed us with this gem On 27/07/2007 07:19:

> Joan wrote:
> "Missing from 'Harry Potter' : a real moral struggle", written by 
 > Jenny Sawyer,

This is a point -- I wish I could find the discussion in my archives -- 
I made as far back as book four. Without the grey, without the moral 
struggle, Harry Potter just is not compelling. I think Ms. Sawyer is 
correct: JKR kept Snape ambiguous as a plot device, nothing more. I 
didn't realize she had expressed puzzlement over Snape's attraction; but 
her confusion helps explain why his storyline ended in such a colossal 
train-wreck in the final book. Having failed to discern the essence of 
Snape's character, it's no wonder she didn't know what to do with him.

 > But nor do I think that Harry's destiny was pre-determined (except by
 > JKR herself) or we wouldn't have spent two years talking about it.

I think I disagree. We spent two years talking about it only because we 
didn't realize his destiny was predetermined.

 > Though the book may have an obscured moral, it has real, tangible morals
 > that a child can understand.

I've come to the conclusion that HP has not so much an obscure moral as 
it does obscured morals. Yes, children do recognize the moral issues 
involved, but in this case that's not necessarily a good thing. I've 
already mentioned the experience I had with my son who, at ten year of 
age, was already able to recognize the moral cloud hanging over Harry's 
use of the Unforgivable Curses: "But I thought they were bad?", he said. 
So how could good guys be using them?

CJ, Taiwan