Harry Potter: 3 More Things I Learned

ExileStreet ^ | 8/1/07 | John Mark Reynolds

[ParsifalCA]

I am warning those who have not finished the series . . . and there must be still a few of them by now. . . that there are spoilers ahead. I have just finished the last book . . . having spent an enjoyable evening with it thanks to Sam’s Club and an indulgent wife.

I am done with Harry Potter and enjoying the literary aftertaste the way one enjoys a fine meal almost as much after it is done as when it is being consumed . . . though it is a bit sad that the series is finished.

And it is really finished . . .

Will one be able to re-read the books with pleasure?

I think the answer is only a tentative “yes.” If one knows the “puzzles” and “the secrets” of the book, it will not take away the charm of the characters or the fun of a good Quidditch match, but the first read will always be the best.

The strength of these books is in the plot and the second read, when everything is known, will be satisfying for finding all the clues to what happens . . . but I am hard pressed to know if I will want to re-read them a third or fourth time.

A really great book is as good on the fourth read . . . and some children’s books (Little White Horse) are better.

I deeply enjoyed the last book and thought the ending satisfying. For those who found them quite Christian, they will find much in this last book to give strength to their idea.

[SuziQ]

I felt the most sorry about Fred because I thought of George and how his life would also die. It was odd, but she never mentioned George again.

Oh, I don't agree that George's life would die. I think he and Fred seemed to be grounded enough young men that though they were goofy and fun loving, knew EXACTLY what they were facing, and what could happen. I think George would miss him terribly, but would go on living his life in honor of his brother.

[Corin Stormhands]

Should I be insulted?

No

[TalonDJ]

Well, since I don’t do any of those things, nor do I know any fans of the Harry Potter books who do, then we’re all good!

I do. I was fine up until I saw the first Harry Potter book in the book store. I went right out and started killing chickens and performing shadowy rituals with their blood. Things only got worse when I actually bought and read the books. Next month I plan to read some SciFi and then go to NASA and steal a space shuttle.

[The Blitherer]

Oh, I don't agree that George's life would die. I think he and Fred seemed to be grounded enough young men that though they were goofy and fun loving, knew EXACTLY what they were facing, and what could happen. I think George would miss him terribly, but would go on living his life in honor of his brother.

I read an interview with Rowling where she says that George goes back to the joke shop, gets married and names his first son Fred.

[SuziQ]

Considering the fact that books are written for tweens and teens, I’m not expecting high falutin’ literature, just good stories. I think they meet that standard.

[Pippin]

Good, ‘cause I’m not! :o)

[Corin Stormhands]

Well, Dumbledore did order in a troop of dancing skeletons for the Halloween feast in Chamber of Secrets.

And you know how them witches love them dancing skeletons.

[Ignatz]

Next month I plan to read some SciFi and then go to NASA and steal a space shuttle.

Can I come with?!!!

[TalonDJ]

Occultism and male prostitution are both abominations in the eyes of God.

Sooo.... since you saw all the Potter movies I am guessing you must watch a fair bit of porn too eh? Same thing, right?

[Corin Stormhands]

I thought that was Lot, before Sodom and Gemorah were destroyed...

You're correct.

[Tijeras_Slim]

and so is wearing clothes of mixed fabrics

I'd be willing to admit polyester is an abomination.

[PetroniusMaximus]

“and so is wearing clothes of mixed fabrics. Your point?”

“The essence of the crime consisted, not in wearing a woolen and a linen robe, but in the two stuffs being woven together, according to a favorite superstition of ancient idolaters”
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/JamiesonFaussetBrown/jfb.cgi?book=de&chapter=22#De22_11

Yes, Christians should not follow the superstitions of idolaters - though they are different today then they were for the Israelites.

[Corin Stormhands]

I'd be willing to admit polyester is an abomination.

I can say AMEN to that.

[TalonDJ]

And all the ghosts. But what good is a party with dancing skeletons without the ghosts.

I find it funny that no on condemning it mentions all the underage drinking. Just goes to show they have not read them. Mmmm Butterbeer!

[Tijeras_Slim]

Dumbledore did order in a troop of dancing skeletons

I wonder if Dumbledore liked the films of Ray Harryhausen. :)

[TalonDJ]

Yes, Christians should not follow the superstitions of idolaters - though they are different today then they were for the Israelites.

Global warming! Quick, go buy some carbon credits to save Gaia!

[PetroniusMaximus]

“God bless you; and try to remember that those who fear God in their heart need not fear the devil in a Harry Potter book.”

If you can’t understand the need to protect impressionable children from what is clearly occultic then there’s nothing much I can say to you that will benefit you.

Harry Potter is Disney-esque occultism.

[TexasAg1996]

I find it funny that no on[e] condemning it mentions all the underage drinking. Just goes to show they have not read them. Mmmm Butterbeer!

Isn't butterbeer non-alcoholic (unless you're a house elf)? Guess it doesn't matter, though. If folks are condemning a fictional fantasy book, reality likely doesn't matter much.

[Corin Stormhands]

Didn’t he do “Dead Man Walking?”

;-)

[PetroniusMaximus]

“Quick, go buy some carbon credits to save Gaia!”

Good example.