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.

[BibChr]

Thank God, I'm married to a woman like her. I pity the fool she'd ever find messing with one of our kids.

[hoosierham]

I,for one,was repulsed by the totally un-needed talking shrunken head in the Knight Bus (movie version).Such an object would be Dark Magic and not part of a Ministry-approved wizard transportation service.Remember the Ministry oversaw the Floo Network and tested Apparating.

Books allow the readers' imagination full rein,whilst movies restrict the viewer to a more passive role.I prefer the book if I must choose.

[allmendream]

Absolutely! I was also thinking about how Ginny didn’t just sit back and carry a torch for Harry, waiting for him to notice her (as some men writers might have had her do). She figured out how to get a different boy to like her, how to kiss em, and relate to them (the last part is the difficult one, and she didn’t get on too well with any, and LUCKY Harry (with potion) nudged her into breaking up with the latest, MUCH to Harry’s delight). She also got into the “Slug Club” based solely on her hexing and despite her ‘working class’ background.

I liked Mrs. Weasely’s clock that had all the family pointing directly at “Mortal Peril” for the entirety of the last few books. She needed to calibrate that sucker to include “Immediate Peril”. ;)

[PetroniusMaximus]

“I think after the 5th or 6th time the crack addled male prostitutes line failed to get traction,”

It’s not "failing to get traction" - no one wants to answer it honestly. Everyone is OK with abomination #1 - Occultism, but everyone realizes the inherent filth of abomination #2 - Homosexuality & etc.

“It does make you seem a *little* obsessed with the topic...”

I believe what you’re experiencing is called “projection”.

[Corin Stormhands]

Come over to the dark side.

I've been to that dark side. ;-)

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

Yes, all good points! I don't know if JKR intended it, but I got the impression that Ginny knew who she wanted (Harry) and set out doing what she had to do to win him. I don't think Harry really stood a chance. ;-)

[allmendream]

We never do.

[DelphiUser]

The entire school of Wizardry and Witchcraft is a creative visualization and exists on the astral plane- not on the physical plane. You can't get to it unless you go through the portal at the train station.

I really hate to burs your bubble... Well maybe not, But when Dobby the house elf keeps harry and Ron from going through the "portal, they drive there in a car (it flies so they can follow the train, but they don't go through the portal) a whole ton of your "Stuff goes out the window right there, you really should read the books yourself so you know what's in them.

Hey, have you noticed that one of the buttons when you go to post says "Spell" on it? look out FR is occultic! (Boo!)

[DelphiUser]

Like "Expecto PatroniusMaximus!" No wait, does that one summon a dementor or drive one away?

I was wondering if anyone else saw the Irony in PatroniusMaximus complaining about Harry potter, guess not!

[Corin Stormhands]

People like you are why I'm glad I'm not a Christian.

I'm sorry Bear. I know exactly what you mean.

And, as a Christian, I'm sorry.

[Corin Stormhands]

I mean that ol' Walt Disney was quite the occultist.

You know, wife and I went to a church once that had a Fall Festival (as an aside, I think Fall Festivals are just Halloween in drag, but that's another story).

Instructions to the kids were "Come as your favorite Bible or Disney Character."

Wife and I threatened to go as Rahab the Harlot and Cruella de Vil.

[Corin Stormhands]

Molly Weasley taking on Bellatrix was one of the greatest moments in a book with many great moments.

It MUST be in the movie. I have a feeling that it will get the same reaction that Aragorn did when he decapitated Lurtz.

[PetroniusMaximus]

“People like you are why I’m glad I’m not a Christian.”

Why, because I’ve told you the truth about occultism?

Am I your enemy because I told you the truth?

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

I read an interview with Helena Bonham Carter on Entertainment Weekly's website (I think it was...) where she said she had to get assurance from JKR that Bellatrix would be a substantive role, before she decided to take it. According to what she said, JKR told her that Bellatrix would play a very significant part in the final book, so she agreed to play the character.

I don't think there's any way they can leave *that* scene out of the movie! ;-)

[SuziQ]

Ah beer. The one true form of magic in the universe.

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

[Corin Stormhands]

Why, because I’ve told you the truth about occultism?

Actually PM, that has nothing to do with it.

[Corin Stormhands]

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

Thanks be to God.

[JenB]

Oh, MAN, I’m going to have to catch up on 600 posts?

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

Why, because I’ve told you the truth about occultism?

No, but if I told you why, I'd probably get a time-out.

Am I your enemy because I told you the truth?

You're not my enemy at all. Heck, I don't even know you. In fact, you provide me a great service by illustrating behavior that I try to avoid emulating.

[PetroniusMaximus]

“STOP LYING.”

Where did I lie?