Subverting the genre?

[Barry Arrowsmith]

--- In the_old_crowd at yahoogroups.com, "bluesqueak" <pip at e...> wrote:
>
> 
> Pip!Squeak writes:
> You missed out the entry for 'Socks', Kneasy.
> 
> "Socks: are never worn in Fantasyland. People thrust their feet, 
> usually unwashed, straight into boots."
> 
> and
> 
> "Knitting: It is possible that knitting has not yet been invented in 
> Fantasyland - at least so far as mortals are concerned (see Crone). 
> The complete absence of socks and sweaters suggest that the 
> inhabitants have concentrated instead on Embroidery and weaving."
> 
> Given the significance of socks, sweaters AND knitting in HP, I 
> think that's proof positive that JKR is indeed subverting the 
> fantasy genre.
> 
> Just not in the places people generally look ...
> 

I'm suspicious.
I offer an alternative genesis to explain the presence of wool-related
articles in HP.

Jo is esconced in her favourite greasy spoon scribbling ideas for her
epic. Difficulties regarding plot and character arise and are overcome
except for one - how to subvert the fantasy genre. This raises immense
problems and day after day  she sits there muttering distractedly to
herself "How can I do it? What  twists does it need? How about this ... 
or that ... or maybe if..."

Eventually another regular customer has had enough of this irritating
background of constant chuntering. "For Heaven's sake, put a sock in it!"
The rest is history, but is it subversion?

Kneasy