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 must be ignorant and lacking knowledge of all the brilliant intellectuals who read Harry Potter books. Are you by the way a country club republican?

ROTFL! Oh yeah, jetson's got YOUR number, honey!

Jetson, you really need to quit while you're ahead. I know a lot of folks who have read the Harry Potter books; some more than once. They are also very well read in many other subjects including history, science, politics, the Classics, and just plain old interesting fiction including mysteries, sci-fi, fantasy, techo-thrillers and bodice rippers.

[null and void]

OK, OK, OK, I’ll answer it honestly.

No, I would not let my son read your book.

Yes, we have read all the Harry Potter books.

Why one and not the other?

Simple.

My son knows that Harry Potter magic is fiction.

He also knows that crackheads and homosexuals are real.

Unlike you, he can discern the difference between fantasy based fiction and reality based fiction.

If he couldn’t, I wouldn’t let him read either genre.

[Steelerfan]

That is why Franklin (and nully) are considered to be wise men.

[Corin Stormhands]

So is sitting in judgment of others.

Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark.

[Mariebl]

I find it interesting that all the responses I got to my comment about Harry Potter is that I must have a boring life and friends. Or is it the case that so many people have such a boring life that they have to fulfill there existence with fantasy.

That's strange. My response didn't have anything to do with our life and friends. I simply suggested that you were 'noticing' something that wasn't true. I also noticed quite a few other responses similar to mine. Strange that you evidently didn't read any of them....

[TalonDJ]

Thank you, its stuff like the ranting of the anti harry potter kooks that causes me to all most agree with Voltaire's comments on organized religion

Er... I am a Catholic that likes Harry Potter so I think that is a bit of a stretch. Then again, any holier-than-thou types should take note that you are not alone in reacting that way. Running around and saying "What? You like XYZ? EVIL!!!!!" is not exactly the way to endear people to the teachings of Christ.

[Steelerfan]

Since all the Harry Potter fans are here, can I ask a substantive question? And I guess I should put a Spoiler Alert here just in case.

I was really expecting some explanation of how Snape was able to deceive Voldemort (maybe he had an Unbreakable Oath with someone that somehow prevented Voldemort from detecting lies). Was there an explanation I just missed?

Got the book late, so by the time I thought to ask this question the spoiler thread was done.

[TalonDJ]

I find it interesting that all the responses I got to my comment about Harry Potter is that I must have a boring life and friends.

Their point is, if the ONLY Potter fans you know don't know anything about politics then you must have a limited pool of people you know. That is not an insult unless you want it to be. Considering FreeRepublic is full of folks that like HP AND are into politics you don't have to go that far to disprove that statement. You want to take that statement as an insult I suggest you lighten up and learn to expect flames when you jump on a thread full of fans and call them all ignorant. SURPRISE, some of us were insulted by that. I know, I know, it must have been a shock when some of us replied negatively.

[null and void]

*blush* thank yew

[TalonDJ]

Snape was an expert in Occulamancy (sp). That is why Dumbledore sent Harry to him to learn about it. I think the implication is that Snape was really good at it, better than Voldemort could detect. That and his love for Lilly was the power for it. Which it was state, was something Voldemort could not overcome or understand.

[Corin Stormhands]

I was really expecting some explanation of how Snape was able to deceive Voldemort (maybe he had an Unbreakable Oath with someone that somehow prevented Voldemort from detecting lies). Was there an explanation I just missed?

Remember in the "Order of the Phoenix" Snape was trying to teach Harry "occlumency" so that Harry could block his mind from the Dark Lord. Even Dumbledore recognized Snape as the expert on this.

There's also some indication that was why LV didn't know Narcissa was lying to him (there toward the end).

[TalonDJ]

And Corin at a country club - *snerk* - yeah, I can see that.

I can't. What club would take him?
hehehe

[jetson]

I am truly amazed at how so many people get vehemently upset over such a stupid subject. Put the energy where it counts.

[null and void]

No real explaination, Snape was said to be a master of occlumancy, but so was Voldemort. The best I can figure it that Voldemort was blinded into seeing what he wanted to see, plus Snape’s skill, plus the fact that Snape was driven by a force Voldemort couldn’t comprehend - Snape’s love of Lilly.

'twas beauty that slayed the beast...

[jude24]

I am truly amazed at how so many people get vehemently upset over such a stupid subject. Put the energy where it counts.

A lot of us take it very seriously when people hijack Christianity to make it condemn stuff it really does not.

[discostu]

If you wander around insulting people you have no right to object when they decide you’re a jerk. That’s why people are upset, you insulted everyone on this thread.

[null and void]

Dang. Were you reading my mind?

[jetson]

If you wander around insulting people you have no right to object when they decide you’re a jerk. That’s why people are upset, you insulted everyone on this thread.

Wow, how easy it is to insult people. It's just a stupid fantasy story about magic. I guess this is why I never joined a book club.

[TalonDJ]

I am truly amazed at how so many people get vehemently upset over such a stupid subject. Put the energy where it counts.

Way to slip a double insult there. You are not doing a good job of convincing us you are not a jerk. Try again. Or better yet put down the shovel and stop digging.

[TalonDJ]

Wow, how easy it is to insult people. It's just a stupid fantasy story about magic. I guess this is why I never joined a book club.

Yes, being an a$$ only requires opening the mouth while not thinking. You are still doing it.