I'm reading John Granger's Unlocking Harry Potter: Five Keys for the Serious Reader. As the title indicates, the book is not for the casual book consumer. It is for serious readers who like to study literary themes and symbolism and re-read good books over and over.
According to Granger, the five keys to unlocking Harry Potter, understanding what JKR is trying to accomplish and, more importantly, figuring out what must happen in Deathly Hallows are:
1) JKR's use of narrative misdirection;
2) JKR's use of literary alchemy;
3) the hero's journey;
4) the series' postmodern themes; and
5) JKR's use of traditional symbolism.
I can't put the book down. To a "serious reader" and Harry Potter lover, it's good stuff.
Sometime very soon I'll post a review of the book and flesh out the keys. In the meantime, visit Granger's blog, Hogwarts Professor. Granger also is the author of Looking for God in Harry Potter. Great resource for Christian HP fans. I cited Granger's work in a two-part HP book review.
Check out my post about Harry Potter-related books. I highly recommend the first three.
Feel free to list and discuss any HP-related books you've read.
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May 1st, 2007 at 11:39 am
I've never been a huge fan of the house elves, but I do see them getting a rousing curtain call in book 7. Clearly, after Dobby "lays the smackdown" on Lucius Malfoy at the end of COS and he doesn't retaliate (a death eater cowered by a house elf!), there is great power there. Why do they tolerate servitude?
Anyway, I always find that I find the pieces of the puzzle easily through the first reading, yet Rowling's genius is making them fit together in a way none of us expected.
I stand by my comments on my website…it will be far more cathartic for Harry to give his life to defeat Voldemort…as his other did…than for him to live.
As for "literary alchemy" I wholeheartedly concur. Great writers mix and match motifs from older stories morphing them into their own tales…Rowling has proven herself no less than masterful at this.
May 3rd, 2007 at 9:36 pm
LaShawn, I too am reading (devouring) Grangers "Keys" and have "Finding God…" on the back burner with "Harry Potter and Philosophy" coming up next.
Suddenly, post-modernism is hitting me in the face everywhere I look!!! Literary Alchemy-never knew such existed but I am completely hooked now and plan to do further research into this literary technique after the HP books are done (boo-hoo)
Thanks for both of you blogs, I enjoy reading them each day.
God Bless.
May 4th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Thanks for commenting, Jay and Margaret. The Harry Potter fandom is so rich and full of smart, passionate people.