Humor in HP

[Carol]

No: HPFGUIDX 186573

Geoff wrote:
<snip> 
> Also, have you missed out on CSL? There are some quite funny moments 
> there too.
> 
> There is a saying that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" - this could be restated as "humour...."
<snip>
> 
> One piece of JKR's armoury of humour which has not been mentioned but I have always appreciated is her use of word play in names... There is quite a long list but as examples I would cite, in passing,  Diagon Alley. Durmstrang, Grimmauld, Knockturn Alley, Kreacher and even the change of use of words such as Apparition and Disillusion. <snip>

Carol responds:

I agree about humor (American spelling) being in the eye of the beholder, and I think that JKR provides a variety of comic styles for that reason. I also prefer the dry humor and word play (I mentioned griffin door (Gryffindor) knocker as one of my favorites because it's so subtle (and a hint that Dumbledore, like Harry, was a Gryffindor).

Disillusionment Charm has always bothered me, though, because it's backwards. "I have to Disillusion you" is a great line because of the double meaning (though Harry, of course, isn't really being disillusioned), but, IMO, it ought to be used when the spell that "illusions" Harry is removed, not when it's placed on him. Hope that makes sense!

Carol, wondering what CSL is