From: Matthew Reames <MATTHEWR>
Date: Tue, 16 Nov 99 15:01 CST

I appreciate Beth's bringing up the question of stereotypes. I would give J.K. Rowling the benefit of the doubt until we see more how the stories develop. For example, the bad aunt and uncle might fit into the evil step parent stereotype, but I don't find the main characters remain very predictable. I'm finishing up the _Prisoner of Azakaban; I find it fascinating how the character of Siris Black changes through the entire story from a mysterious enemy of Harry to a family advocate. I liked the fact Herimone was protrayed as an overzealous scholar, yet she was the one who also the one who spurred Harry and Rob to help Hagrid. I wouldn't be surprised if J.K. Rowling has Maloy, Harry's archenemy, perform some service for him.
    Is it stereotyping for the herbalist to be a woman? I'm not sure. I don't know enough about what the differences between wizards and witches are to comment.
 
                               Matthew Reames
                             UW-Madison Libraries
Received on Tue 16 Nov 1999 03:01:00 PM CST