From: Beth Wright <bethlibrarian>
Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 05:57:42 -0800 (PST)

Maia's thoughts about gender in Harry Potter, and particularly about Hermione, have reminded me of a comment I heard from a friend. She said that she enjoyed _Sorcerer's Stone_ a lot, but (I'm paraphrasing words but not intent here) it is a shame that the smart girl always has to be an annoying show-off. This sounded to me like a complaint about stereotyping, and we had an interesting talk about whether some of the stereotypical characters Rowling uses (Mean, Sinister Teacher; Class Pranksters; Kid Who Can't Do Anything Right) are appropriate given the comic nature of the story, which draws much of its humor from spoofing the events (and characters) kids encounter in school.

What do the rest of you think? Is this stereotyping appropriate because of its humor value? Is is less appropriate in a central character like Hermione? Are these stereotypical characters changing as the series goes on? (my friend hadn't read the two later books).
 Is it maybe not stereotyping at all?

Beth Wright Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Williston, Vermont bethlibrarian at yahoo.com




====P.S. I can't check this account regularly -- if you need to reach me it's best to call. Thanks.
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Received on Tue 16 Nov 1999 07:57:42 AM CST