Blog EC

I didn’t realize until it was mentioned in class earlier on in the semester and then later expounded upon, that the epilogue was such a big deal for people in the Harry Potter fandom. I head that in class it felt like a disappointment to many people and many wished that it had been executed in a different way.

When I first read the epilogue I was really confused at first. I’m not a careful reader to begin with but I thought that the sudden onset of names were confusing. Yes, I understand that there are a lot of characters in the series, a lot of new faces to meet and old ones to discuss, but these were repeat names such as Albus and James. It caught me off guard, like who are these people, aren’t they dead? It took me forever to figure out who the new Lily was.

Many people didn’t enjoy how far into the future it the epilogue delved into. I think my biggest issue with the epilogue is how little it went into the future in details. I enjoy the stories of Harry Potter just as much as the next person, and seeing the books come to an end was really painful. But seriously, this epilogue was like a dirty teaser. It was rude and offensive because we all know how much more J.K. Rowling could’ve gone into this section. How many pages did she fill to create this series? How many more pages has she filled, spilling more secrets about Hogwarts? How much effort and creative thought was put behind Pottermore and the movies and the sister novels? She could’ve done so much more, we know it, and she knows it.

I thought the epilogue lacked creative detail. Sure, Rowling wrote about the fog at the station and mentioned Malfoy’s receding hair line. That was mere pleasantries for her.  I would’ve loved to hear about the Potter family trip to Diagon Ally.

There are some people who think that Rowling shouldn’t have jumped ahead in the future that far. That detail didn’t bother me as much. I feel like if the epilogue was going to do anything, it needed to look into the future. The fact that Harry is now a grown man with kids didn’t exactly phase me. I’m sure that if I had been younger and reading the books – like really growing up with Harry and the gang like most of the kids my age – it would have bothered me more. Harry Potter is married and a dad??? Sure, that’s kind of gross for children and teens. But the farther I progress into adulthood, these sorts of developments become more and more expected. It actually makes me happy for Harry. Look! He hasn’t died! He hasn’t felt the pain of his scar! Ron is still clumsy (drivers license incident), Hermione is still a goddess, and Ginny is still sweet and caring. I’m very happy for them, I just would like to have heard more about them.

Second Chances - make up quiz

One of my favorite themes in the Harry Potter series is about second chances. While many characters receive second chances, I want to focus on Hagrid and Dobby. Both of these characters do not fit into their stereotype. Hagrid is a wizard, but also half giant, and Dobby is a house elf that likes his freedom and loves wearing clothes.

Hagrid was a student at Hogwarts and was sorted into Gryffindor. In his third year he was framed by Tom Riddle for opening the Chamber of Secrets. Riddle also used Aragog, Hagrid’s pet Acromantula to attack muggle born students and kill one of them. Tom Riddle showed this memory to Harry through his diary. Tom met Hagrid in the dungeon passage, “I’m going to have to turn you in, Rubeus. They’re talking about closing Hogwarts if the attacks don’t stop” (Chamber of Secrets 246).Hagrid’s wand was  snapped and he was expelled, but Dumbledore allowed him to stay on at Hogwarts as the gamekeeper. Even though Hagrid was punished for this crime, Dumbledore always trusted him. He even said, “I would trust Hagrid with my life” (Sorcerer’s Stone 14).  This shows Dumbledore’s willingness to see the good in others as well as give them second chances.

Dobby is a different story. He was miserable at Malfoy Manner, but risked his life to save Harry. Dobby was given a second chance at life when Harry tricked Lucius into freeing his house elf. Dobby was eternally grateful to not have to obey his former master “[he] threw his arms around Harry’s middle and hugged him” (Chamber of Secrets 339). This formed a special bond between Harry and Dobby that could not be broken. In the passing years, Dobby will save Harry multiple times, but is only able to do this because he got a second chance at life. Because he was no longer tied to the Malfoy’s, Dobby is free to do whatever he wants—including get a job at Hogwarts.

Rowling has much to say about redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. She gives her characters opportunities to redeem themselves—some take advantage and some do not. However, it is a common theme that EVERYONE is at least given the opportunity. It is up to them whether to take it or not. 

Dudley Dursley (Topic #3) extra credit for quiz #6

           I have had a love-hate relationship wit the Dursley family over all seven books, but mostly hate. The only redeeming factors they have are their comedic value, the fact that they keep harry safe for 17 years, and Dudley's sudden character development near the beginning of the seventh book.  I believe that J.K. Rowling wanted to highlight the Dursley's figurative 'Bow to the audience' with a small redeeming action from Harry's long time child bully and cousin.
           While the cup of tea outside Harry's room is an adorably feeble attempt to make amends, Dudley's sudden and heart felt (in terms of Dudley's shriveled little troll heart) line to Harry before their exit was truly touching. As an author, Rowling left us thirst for some development from the Dursley family, and she delivered by giving that one drop of cool refreshing forward character development! Normally the phrase "I don’t think you’re a waste of space." would not mean too much to a person, but it actually takes the words right out of Harry's mouth, he is left speechless for a short moment.
            I view this moment in book seven as an almost 180 degree turn in a character.

Extra credit blog post for missed Blog #2

                -Extra Credit Blog Post-

                -Option #2

 Andrew Subler

             

              A frequently discussed, and hotly debated topic in the Potter fandom is the subject of Albus Dumbledore’s sexuality. From book four onward, I had my sneaking suspicions about Dumbledore’s personal life, but it was never anything more than a suspicion! Yes, when J.K. Rowling let slip the truth about Dumbledore’s “wizard > witch” preference, I was surprised, but not shocked or offended! The backlash that followed the news of Dumbledore’s sexuality genuinely shocked me. I was raised to be accepting of anybody, and I have surrounded myself with other people who are willing to accept anybody for who they are, so as a result the news did not negatively affect Albus’s image in my mind.

                Many people protest Rowling’s decision to officially announce this characteristic of Dumbledore, but I am under the firm belief that Dumbledore’s true sexuality would have become canon in good time. I mean, nobody has Dumbledore’s mad sense of style, and his pet phoenix, Fawkes, is literally a flaming multicolored bird! All jokes aside, I have a hard time understanding how the man’s sexuality changes the dynamic of the story. The true change is only truly present in the mind of the reader, because the clues have been on the pages all along. 

Blog Extra Credit for missed quiz

Character Traumatic Experience

Make up for a missed quiz

Anna Taylor

 

Harry Potter was an infant when his parents were murdered.  Although he was present at the time of their death he had no recollection. The only thing Harry knew was from the Dursley’s knowledge was of an accident.  He was not aware that they had been killed by an evil wizard.   He was dropped off to live at the home of the Dursley’s soon after his parent’s were murdered. It was a fresh start which could have been great, but the relatives were abusive, and ordered Harry to live in a closet under the stairs.  This was very traumatic for a young boy especially since he was treated nasty by the family. His cousin Dudley caused even more trauma for Harry as he constantly picked on him also. Mr. Dudley was a rude man that could have provided Harry a good life. “I warned you I will not tolerate mention of your abnormality under this roof.” (2)  Harry moves on to Hogwarts with dreams of becoming a great wizard. Even his school professor of the Dark Arts tried to kill him during Quidditch match. Quirrell said “No, no, no. I tried to kill you.” (Rowling 288) as he tried get him off the broom. While at Hogwarts he was always sneaking off to discover and conquer. At times he was left in dark and frightening in towers and the forbidden forest, these traumatic situations should never be exposed to a young child.  “You are the Potter boy,” he said. “You had better get back to Hagrid.  The forest is not safe at this time—especially for you. Can you ride?  It will be quicker this way.” (Rowling 257) Harry’s life continued to be difficult although he had many loving friends.  He was constantly running from the evil Dark Lord Voldemort. Harry and spent his spent the entire time at Hogwarts being stalking by a murderer.  That is very traumatic to live in fear of your life each day trying to avoid a dangerous stalker that wants to murder you.  What a way to be raised but Harry persevered, and became a stronger person for going through a traumatic experience.

Parental Figures - make up quiz

Parents (or a lack thereof) are a huge influence in a child’s life. For Harry Potter, other people stepped up in his life as parents after his were killed by Voldemort. In his fifth year, in the Order of the Phoenix, Harry finally feels like he has parental figures in Sirius Black as well as Mrs. Weasley

Sirius becomes one of the few people that Harry can trust. Harry is immediately drawn to anything connected to his parents. His reasoning is that if his dad trusted Sirius, then he should as well. Because of this he and Sirius communicate through vague, coded letters through owl post to keep each other informed.  As the Ministry starts to take over Hogwarts, Sirius communicates with Harry to keep him in the loop about things happening in the Order. Sirius even shows up in the fire in the Gryffindor common room to talk to Harry about Hogwarts, Professor Umbridge, and that Fudge does not want the students trained in combat (Order of the Phoenix 303). It is most evident that the two care for each other when Bellatrix kills Sirius and Harry yells, “SHE KILLED SIRIUS!... SHE KILLED HIM—I’LL KILL HER!” (Order of the Phoenix 809). In Sirius’ life he is able to give Harry knowledge and ad vice, as well as give him insight about his parents.

Mrs. Weasley treats Harry like a son. She makes him Christmas and birthday gifts and makes him feel like a part of the family. When Harry and friends arrive to Grimmauld Place for the first time, Molly makes Harry feel comforted and at home. As Harry enters the kitchen “She was beaming in welcome as she hurried toward them…, “Oh, Harry, it’s lovely to see you!” she whispered, pulling him into a rib-cracking hug” (Order of the Phoenix 61). She loves him and wants to comfort him like she would do one of her own children. Molly makes sure that all of her children, including Harry have the necessities—a roof over their heads, clothes to wear, and food to eat. She also plays the worried, over-protective mother role. She wants to make sure that the children are not exposed to anything they are not supposed to hear to protect them. Harry is not used to this as his Aunt Petunia never took on a mothering role to him, so he is incredibly appreciative to Mrs. Weasley. 

Blog 4 (Extra Credit)

One character in the Harry Potter series that shows the most profound development and change is Draco Malfoy. At the beginning of the series, he has not committed any horrible crimes and just appears to be a bully; but as he progresses through the series, he grows to follow his father's footsteps more and more.

Rowling defines a strong theme in the Harry Potter series, which encompasses the importance of one's actions over their status and blood. In Dumbledore's words, "It is our choices ... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities” (Rowling, Chamber of Secrets 333). This theme of our actions defining us applies to Draco because of the poor choices he makes. Seemingly stemming from being raised with a Death Eater as a father, Draco is constantly looking to impress his father. He uses his father to gain a sense of power, and there is a point when Draco steps beyond the line of being a bully; Draco develops a plan to murder Dumbledore under Voldemort's orders. A death eater commands Draco to go on with killing Dumbledore, "I don’t even know why the Dark Lord’s bothering to kill yer! Come on, Draco, do it!” (Rowling, Half Blood Prince 577). Raising from a bully to (almost) a killer under Voldemort's command is quite the evolution of actions for a teenager.

These changes that happen to Draco, and the actions he takes as a result, could be said to stem entirely from his childhood. Although we do not see any evidence of his childhood, or any trauma that could have occurred during it, his bullying behavior and rudeness to non-purebloods raises questions about how he was raised; this goes hand-in-hand with the fact that his father has served Voldemort.

Blog EC: Whats Up With Neville?

Like usual, I was thumbing through Tumblr the other morning while I was waiting for my train and I came across this picture.

Reading articles from before the final books were published, I can tell that there was a large debate around whether Harry Potter was the true Chosen One or if it could possibly Neville Longbottom. This never crossed my mind, and maybe that’s because I ended up watching the movies before I read the series. I also did not watch the movies in any particular order. I watched 1 and 2 a million times throughout my life. Then I watched six soon after it came out and I saw both parts of movie seven in the theatre. I don’t really know why I never watched the rest of them but I just got around to it this semester. Anyways, I never doubted that Harry was the Chosen One.

After reading the series I can see how this would’ve been a mystery. At the end of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore and his pensieve showed Harry the Lost Prophecy: 

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..." (Order of the Phoenix pg741)

I guess for the reason of just dramatic purposes in her book, J.K. Rowling pens Dumbledore to mention to Harry that the prophecy could in fact not be about him. He tells Harry about their similar birthdays, their parentage and other coinciding details about their lives.

As we read on we find that Neville’s Gran is the one who raised him. I can’t help thinking that she may have placed a sort of long term spell on Neville to forget something. His stories about her can raise a few eyebrows. She never encouraged magic out of him. This could be because after what happened to his parents, she was pretty well through with magic. This could have also been to protect him from something or to even silence him from speaking out about something. But that something, I don’t know. One thing that may support my theory, is the Remembrall that Neville received in The Sorcerer’s Stone. He said, “Gran knows I forget things…” And then the remembrall promptly turned red. Is this from a normal, petty, thing that Neville has forgotten like to maybe lock his trunk or is it an unfortunate side-effect from a memory charm that Gran has set on him?

I really don’t know. I was hoping that by going through this exercise I would be closer to understanding but I’m really not. Are any of us?

Blog EC: Religious Critical Accusation

Growing up, I was never allowed to really read the Harry Potter series. I was born in 1995 so the publication of these books literally encompassed my whole childhood. While going through school, I never really felt left out of the whole “Harry Potter World” because my parents had told me that the books were “evil” and not something I would be interested in reading. I remember telling classmates who asked me if I had read them that I “hated Harry Potter” mainly just to avoid conversation about it. There came a certain time in upper elementary when I was permitted to read the first book. I remember really enjoying it and I continued on until maybe the third book. At this point I wasn’t really sure if I was actually allowed reading them, so I had my copies hidden under my bed or in my storage trunk. I do remember my mom finding me reading it and being upset with me because apparently she hadn’t okayed any further reading.

So for me, the most well known critizim of the Harry Potter series is that it entertains real-world occult practices. I personally think that the discussion has been beat more than an Arabian rug but for some people, this is a legitimate concern. Though I recognize that people cite the Bible’s condemnation of witchcraft I do not find Harry Potter’s use of magic to be overwhelmingly academic. I cannot find a better word for this so I will explain. When reading the series, I never found a time where there were exact and precise, realistic, instructions for a magical spell. Often these spells containted fantastical ingredients or concepts that simply do not exist. What I’m trying to say is that the Harry Potter series is not a spell book for occult practices. Though some of the spells cast may be just pure useful, such as oculus reparo or just pure fun to execute like Alarte Ascendare, I see none of them as an actual threat to be concerned by their existence. I think it is also important to point out that the wands used in the series are not tied to any demonic forces but the vitality of the wand comes from the feather of a phoenix. A freaking bird. Scary.  

Also, Harry Potter  is set in a fantastical world where the magic within it can be more closely compared to the special powers of the X-men: genetic mutation. It also operates in a clear set of rules and if you were to go beyond those rules, horrible awful things would come of you. The least of which would be turning into a normal looking, attractive young man and into a translucent, bald, nose-less creature.

Again I think it is important to rememeber that the magic used in the series isn’t to communicate with actual demons or to worship pagan gods. The only real-world occult practice that I really noticed was divination. Still the way that the practice was written about, J.K. Rowling caused the profesor of this topic to look like an idiot. Her predictions were known for being wrong and her demeanor was written to be similar to a hyped up hippie’s. For some people, The Harry Potter series is a valid concern to their faith, practicses and beliefs. Personally, I think that mature, well informed and steadfast readers can handle the series and its themes, just fine.

 

Extra Blog Post- Make-up quiz

With my extra blog post I chose to compose an analytical review of the Potter Puppet Pals- The Mysterious Ticking Noise parody piece. I actually remember watching all of the Potter Puppet Pals videos way back when they first started coming out back in 2008-ish! So, I'm going to do my best in analyzing this video and putting together what I think are some relationships that I never would have put together back when I originally watched the parody. I'm hoping to break the characters in the video down into how they're hilariously represented, but also show explain how I believe the creators did a fantastic job of representing each character in the manner they would in the Harry Potter series.
Snape is the first character to show up, but no, I don't think Snape would be caught dead beginning jingles aloud but maybe he felt secure after checking around for the ticking noise and not discovering anyone. The parody does a hilarious job of representing the feud between Snape and Harry Potter when they bicker back and forth. This display dumbs down how the two have always had an argumentative relationship with each other throughout the series. Dumbledore is the second character to show up in the jingle; Although I can't quite seem to find an explanation for why he shows up naked midway through the jingle, I did put a small connection together when Snape and Harry were going back and forth. In the video they display Harry and Snape bickering back and forth until finally, Dumbledore breaks the two up. Although he is indeed naked, I think this moment is actually very agreeable with how the series plays out. Snape and Harry butt heads throughout the series but Dumbledore diffuses the situation at times, and it is also demonstrative of the secret relationship the three possess towards the end of the series. Ron & Hermione were fairly represented in the video based on how I think they would act. Ron's tone in the jingle was hilariously acted like Ron's character would, almost simple and absent minded. I love that his character was the one to find the pipe bomb and have no rational fear of the pipe bomb in his hand, I think that proved his character very well. Hermione was fairly simple in the video, playing a very level-headed tone which obviously speaks true to her character in the novels! Harry was next which I thought was hilarious but also may have been more suiting for his father's character and not so much him because of James Potter's flashy and somewhat arrogant attitude. Harry's puppet in the video was of course the center of attention, going out of control and presenting himself in a cool manner which speaks somewhat true to his character due to him always being the center of attention but different because in the novels it was unwillingly. Last but not least, who else to be behind the source of the ticking time bomb then Voldemort? Yes this was very relatable to his true self seeking out the demise of the rest of the characters. All in all, I love the parody and laugh each time I watch it, even today.

Blog 4 extra credit

The most consistent pattern that is seen through all seven novels is the relationship, and behaviors between Harry, Ron, and Hermione. In each of the seven novels the trio is in search of something of significant importance that relates to Harry and Voldemort. They always have a goal as seen in the first novel as they search for the Sorcerer Stone, their searches are never easy, and they are constantly encountering major disasters and hidden clues along the way.  For instance, in the dangerous game of chess Hermione discovers a note that gives them a warning “Danger lies before you, while safety lies behind.” (285).   They are always relentless in their quest that typically ends in conflict, and then success. Since the first novel The Chamber of Secrets, a pattern consistent as Harry returns to the Dursley’s home each summer.  Nonetheless they are always disappointed to see him, and he usually reacts negatively to Dudley, and leaves on bad terms.  

Harry shares his feelings with Quirrell, by telling him that he feels Snape really dislikes him, but the clue in the Sorcerer Stone tells readers that Snape never wanted to cause harm to Harry. Quirrell said “He was at Hogwarts with your father, didn’t you know? They loathed each other. But he never wanted you dead” . (290) There is a clue that Snape really doesn’t want to support Draco because he hesitates to avoid the unbreakable vow spell that Bellatrix eventually insist he take.  Snape’s devotion to Harry is seen as he suggests that Harry really isn’t an exceptional wizard. He is trying to convey to Bellatrix that he isn’t anything to worry about.  There are many clues that Draco really is a good person, but he is pressured to dislike Harry, contrary to what it appears he really doesn’t want to live the dark life.  Furthermore, Draco appears as unwilling to identify Harry when Bellatrix asked “Draco’s expression was full of reluctance, even fear” (459) Snape ‘s loyalty to Dumbledore is seen when he is reluctant to go through with the murder telling us that he really did support him, and not the Dark Lord.

Fandom--Extra Credit Blog--Song/Video

In the Fandom piece, “Do you want to build a Horcrux?” Kate Parkin, the singer, satirizes Harry Potter by using concrete objects, sophisticated and suggested lyrics, irony, and a comical subtlety.

She finds humor in aspects that readers may miss. For example, the posting on the door hints at the character “Dumbledore” which is translated in the video as Dumble Door. And finds dark humor in death.

It’s interesting this girl paired a very dark attempt of building a Horcrux which requires killing, and the splitting of one’s soul. In Disney’s Frozen, Anna sings “Do you want to build a Snowman?” which is about wanting to spend time with her sister just to regain her childhood closeness, and friendship, restoring her sisterhood. We know, as readers, that Tom Riddle strived to get close to Dumbledore and ultimately cross him. Furthermore, his killing curiosity to know and understand Horcruxes is reflected in this video. Again, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, this is an act of the darkest magic, which would not be taken lightly.

“I know I’m not a Gryffindor.” The series and the Sorting hat deal a lot with the theme of separation. With specific groups or houses, comes a particular, defining quality. Gryffindors are extoled as the “brave at heart.” According to the Sorting Hat, the Slytherin house is home to “those cunning folks [who] use any means to achieve their ends.” The video implies that anything less than the status of Gryffindor is frowned upon and rejected.

            This video showcases Voldemort and his younger self as Tom Riddle, as the deranged being he is. “I wish all the Muggles die” sang sweetly. The execution of song delivery highlighted the absurdity of Voldemort’s thoughts. The timing is hilarious! In this short clip, you don’t see the backstory of Dumbledore and Tom and don’t get the serious, dark tone of the books.  In Harry Potter, no one jokes about Death except for Albus Dumbledore.  He mentions death for Nicholas Flamel being “like a long nap” (S.S).

Multiple objects are included in this video such as the time turner that is used so freely and lightly. In the book, the time turner is used to save lives. The fake snake  which represents an actual Horcrux is not terrifying, but humorous as she uses it for a character feature.

One of the best depictions in the video, is when Kate appears at Lord Voldemort with the snake and she knocks on the door, singing, “Just let me win.” This is an excellent portrayal of Dumbledore and Voldemort’s relationship. He wants to defeat anyone in his way, and tricks people with his charm, perhaps this is translated through a sweet voice (similar to Anna’s in Frozen). Tom tricked Professor Slughorn into teaching him about Horcruxes, and Voldemort’s goal of winning, being superior to everyone is his motivation. He views power and immortality as the biggest rewards.

Even J.K. Rowling adds humor to her heavy series. The jocular manner radds moments of relief and suggests good aspects of life, like friendship and closeness (strived for in Frozen too). Her irony and attitude in her writing voice makes her books a rollercoaster of emotions. To find humor in the seriousness is essential to express all aspects of the emotion. A feeling does not always have one mood. As a matter of fact, the variety makes the story more dimensional, believable and life-like.