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Harry Potter
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From: William Zame <zame>
Date: Wed, 02 Jun 1999 13:31:39 -0700
I?m new to the list, a former children?s librarian (1975?) and now a psychoanalyst. I just finished both Harry Potters and now am watching my husband devour them. I have to say that in my pile of recent reads both adult and children?s Harry really stands out?-as good fun and with details and story that stay with me. I think Rowling has managed to capture something of pre-pubescent life in a way that is lively, fun and recognizable to us all while remaining slightly hidden in the fantasy. I loved the game of Quidditch, although my husband complains that all the work of the other team mates counts for naught since catching the golden snitch ends the game and comes with so many points. But my experience of playing team sports was a terrible sense of tension that all of course rested with me. My up at bat could either win or lose the game for all the glory or horror therein. Rowling has deftly hidden that internal experience of children in her whimsical game so that we can all ?remember? it in this playful way. (For the moment I?ll spare you my analysis of choosing a magic wand and classes in wand technique.)
Her villain is truly evil but diminished by his battle against Harry?s parents. He is just a bit stronger than Harry, enough to be a real threat but also close enough to Harry to be vanquished. And of course in Chamber of Secrets, just as Harry has matured in his knowledge and power?-so has Voldemort. So Rowling provides a beautifully done foil for Harry and his journey. The book in every way signals that this is a forward developmental journey, not without difficulties but certainly with the prospect of success?something both children and adults look forward too.
Rowling has a good ear for the nuances and details of this period of life and so the books make a powerful impression?there is a moment of I?ve been there?-done that even if you?ve never been to Hogwarts. Now where can I find some Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans and a Hogwart School sweatshirt?
Linda Goettina, D.M.H.
Received on Wed 02 Jun 1999 03:31:39 PM CDT
Date: Wed, 02 Jun 1999 13:31:39 -0700
I?m new to the list, a former children?s librarian (1975?) and now a psychoanalyst. I just finished both Harry Potters and now am watching my husband devour them. I have to say that in my pile of recent reads both adult and children?s Harry really stands out?-as good fun and with details and story that stay with me. I think Rowling has managed to capture something of pre-pubescent life in a way that is lively, fun and recognizable to us all while remaining slightly hidden in the fantasy. I loved the game of Quidditch, although my husband complains that all the work of the other team mates counts for naught since catching the golden snitch ends the game and comes with so many points. But my experience of playing team sports was a terrible sense of tension that all of course rested with me. My up at bat could either win or lose the game for all the glory or horror therein. Rowling has deftly hidden that internal experience of children in her whimsical game so that we can all ?remember? it in this playful way. (For the moment I?ll spare you my analysis of choosing a magic wand and classes in wand technique.)
Her villain is truly evil but diminished by his battle against Harry?s parents. He is just a bit stronger than Harry, enough to be a real threat but also close enough to Harry to be vanquished. And of course in Chamber of Secrets, just as Harry has matured in his knowledge and power?-so has Voldemort. So Rowling provides a beautifully done foil for Harry and his journey. The book in every way signals that this is a forward developmental journey, not without difficulties but certainly with the prospect of success?something both children and adults look forward too.
Rowling has a good ear for the nuances and details of this period of life and so the books make a powerful impression?there is a moment of I?ve been there?-done that even if you?ve never been to Hogwarts. Now where can I find some Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans and a Hogwart School sweatshirt?
Linda Goettina, D.M.H.
Received on Wed 02 Jun 1999 03:31:39 PM CDT
