Just think about it.
Pettigrew=silver hand and grudge with Lupin
Lupin=werewolf, grudge with the Rat...
thats what I think. I love snape though, he is so cynical and dark...hilarious...(plus Alan Rickman, in the movies, is my favorite!)
Printable View
Just think about it.
Pettigrew=silver hand and grudge with Lupin
Lupin=werewolf, grudge with the Rat...
thats what I think. I love snape though, he is so cynical and dark...hilarious...(plus Alan Rickman, in the movies, is my favorite!)
harry potter is extremely overrated, but it is interesting.
In the movie there was David Tenant *sights in love*
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u...id-tennant.jpg
I couldn't stop watching it because of him, even thought it sucked. I hope he comes back!
The first few pages of this thread upset me. *groansmumbleswantstoscreamurghhhh* Anyway, I can't wait for 7/21!! (: I'm going to a midnight party and everything. I always start reading the moment I get my hands on the book. ^_^
I'm not as into the movies as the books. I've never watched a HP movie more than once.
Why question literature? Why question who reads what? It's like asking, "Why do you read books at all?" I mean... geez. If someone wants to read, what's the problem?
Harry Potter books are extremely modern what with the language being every day common language. Everyone can understand that. Just because a lot of us read classics does not mean the world enjoys having to look up words every couple of sentences to "get it." As years go by language is less formal and much less like that of classic novels.
Escapism? Okay, maybe I'm getting a bit mad, but it doesn't matter why someone wants to read a fantasy book. So... all those adult people that love Star Wars... are they escaping, too? I mean, a lot of people like fantastical worlds (hello, The Matrix - big hit) and out of the ordinary.
Aiiiish. *takes a breath*
I read Harry Potter because the story is interesting and it's fun to read. Though I have to agree that some of the ideas are not original or cliche, it is still a great ride. Asking why adults read Harry Potter is kinda like asking why some adults still like reading comic books (which I personally do)...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brigitte
YES! haha...
everyone says they are overrated...I really don't like that word. Why people stop liking something because it is overrated escapes me. If you don't like them, then okay, I respect that...If you do like them, great, I respect that too!!
This guy in my Drawing and Design class said that he didn't like the following because they were overrated:
1) Van Gogh
2) mechanical pencils(this one cracks me up)
3) iPods
4) Red Hot Chili Peppers and some other bands.
How silly is that?!
Doesn't the word overrated contradict itself? How can something be overrated if the rating states its worth. Thereby, nothing can truely be overrated as whole, since the rating given by the general public expresses their views, thereby accurately displaying a "rating".
On the note, I personally don't like Potter. I just loathe that little dweeb. Such a silly loser-esque character who is designed to portray the flaws in every male child, as if to call out and say to them "I'm a loser too, but I am saving the world, so can you." And "Hey look, though they may be losers as well, I have friends, and at least they are friends."
I guess this isn't my cup of tea, I think I will stick to Jane Austen. Jane Austen at least has a pretty use of vocabulary (I just imagine the story in my mind being read in an English accent, and I can't help but disappear in the beautiful pages).
Ahahaha... he's not a loser. He's just a normal kid that found out he's famous. Geez. :lol: What makes you think he's a loser? Iono, maybe you define loser in a different way than you do...Quote:
Originally Posted by JBI
And I didn't quite understand you definition of "overrrated" :blush:
The movies are good if you just look at them as a movie, not as the book. Once you've seperated them, they are much more enjoyable...maybe I'm just saying that because of Mr. Rickman??!:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Brigitte
Anywho, I WILL BE IN MEXICO when the book comes out...grr...its cool, I'll have things to take my mind off of it.
I havent read all the posts so I am sorry if I am repeating. I think when judging the HP books you should take into consideration a few things.First of all There is reading to improve intellect, vocabulary, be introduced to something you may not have been introduced to if you hadnt read about it, and entertainment. HP books are entertainment and therefore do not need to have deep intellectual ideas and words, they only need to be enjoyable. Secondly, when comparing the vocabulary of HP to older novels you need to take into consideration the language of that time, words today that are considered harder and unknown would not have necessarly been so back in say Austen, Woolf, Bronte, etc. time. And finally, there are many adult books written which sell many copies that are written dreadfully, but provide entertainment for many, yet I dont see anyone complaining about those, then again they arent as popular so maybe that's why.
He is a loser because he couldn't make it in the real world. In the real world he is a loser, but once he goes into his escape; his Hogwarts, he is something else. I only read the first one, and saw the movies for others (I have younger siblings) but here is what I managed to dig out.
The Slytherin kids represent the "cool kids" the bullies. They are your tipical I want to be like you kids who the losers both hate and idolize. Harry is a loser because he is disliked by them, though Rowling cheats by giving him more "super powers" to beat them. In the real world he is completely useless, he gets wooped by his cousin, and lives under the stairs. In the fake world he has power, and therefore is no longer a loser, but he still is a geek. I mean honestly, who would, if they had an invisibility cloak, go spying on their teachers.
I actually really enjoy the HP books. One, they grow with the audience. The difficulty and subject matter increases, at least it seems so to me, as the books prgress. Two, it is good verse evil. This theme has been a constant in some of my favorite books like the Lord of the Rings books. I like that everything comes with a price and good doesn't just triumph becase they are good and that is what should happen. As for Potter being a geek, well I don't think he bites the heads off of chickens so we are good on this score:D Actually I was quite the odd kid in school, not famous, but odd still and it is easy to idetify with this boy who has had been given more trials than someone his age should. Finally, the spying on teacher bit... what kid who could go anywhere without being seen wouldn't have done so. I would have given my left arm in school to drop in on my teachers without them knowing.
Sure the Harry Potter series is an escape for the reader, but all good literature is. I don't know anyone who likes to read books with characters that they don't like and can't relate with. Some of what makes a book quality is its ability to touch the reader in some way, even if it is to only amuse, through the pull of the characters. The characters may not speak to everyone, but they speak to someone. You mentioned enjoying Austen, I'm not a fan of hers and I tend to find the books dull and not enjoyable at all but you obviously enjoy them. I love Ayn Rand and H.G. Wells, however. I'm sure it could be argued that none of these authors were great by someone, but to us they are great. Rowling has secured her place by being able to touch scores of people with her characters and the problems they face.
I think the books have a great deal of nostalgic value for adults who are able to read them and think upon school days as a bit more fun, fantastical and important than they really were.
I won't argue with you, but the books are soooo much better than the movies. >_x And... it's not Harry's fault he's going through family difficulties. Personally, the Slytherins aren't cool.. they're bullies and they are never cool.Quote:
Originally Posted by JBI
But I mean, not everyone will like HP... I just don't understand your justifications. Ah well. xD; And with an invisibility cloak, why not spy on teachers? Curiosity is what triggers it... not loser-ish-ness ahahaha.
Pardon me for just barging in here but: JK ROWLING has had such a huge effect of kids around the world intersted in reading, that Harry Potter has been translated into almost every language in the world.
JK Rowling wrote these stories to entertain her daughter. She wrote them while sitting in coffee house because she couldn't afford to take the bus back home.
I love Harry Potter, in fact I have used him in teaching literature at the university I teach part time at. I believe that stories are so well written that they will become classics long after we are all dead.
This boy will be famous. There won't be a child in our world who doesn't know his name.
Professor McGonagall:Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone
I read it because they are for children, but not infantile.Quote:
Originally Posted by Medea86
The story is original, author uses old cliches from old fairy-tales and twists them in new way, making it much more interesting and funny.
It is realistic - characters are believable and the whole magical world has its own logical rules - which is why even adults are willing to accept it.
It is funny - and the humour is in most cases inteligent.
The language is interesting - though the book is written in such a way to be easily understood by small children, it is clear the author thought about every word she used. Plus, I like how the autor created new words such as muggle or horcrux.
Harry Potter is a good book. And that it was originally written for kids - so what? Every good book can enrich you. It does not matter if it is book for children, or what genre it is.
How true look at how many other authors have had such an impact: CS LEWIS< TOLKIEN > David Eddings> FranK Baum
There is just so much in Harry Potter that reaches adults themes are universal no matter what the genre.
Through literature we can learn so many things no matter what the topics.
I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death.
Servious Snape
Uhm well I'm a young adult and love the books. My mom is in her mid 40's and she loves the books, my brother is two years younger than me and he hates them...there was this guy that lived across the cul-de-sac in his late 50's and was OBSESSED with Harry Potter. Its not escapism if you enjoy something that was created for a younger audience.
I personally believe we never really "grow up." It might be escapism, but who cares? Most people read all kinds of literature, classics or otherwise, to escape their world.
Kids have more creativity and imagination than probably just about every adult. The fact that an adult can return to something so fantastic and out of this world is normal, fun, and I guess a reach for remembering to feed your inner child once in a while.
I love the series. I don't personally understand them being overrated, since the demand is so high and the translations are so many. Fantasy, or children's fantasy, aren't genres that meet the tastes of everyone...I can understand that too.
Cliche ideas and a bit of a rerun on fairytale topics, well guys, remember it is a story for children! It isn't supposed to be hard.
Quote:
Originally Posted by grace86
BINGO!!! Who cares what people choose to read...it doesn't make them immature or whatever. Every person is different.
Some people have to go out of their way to hate something merely because it is popular. In most cases I would say most things that are popular are drivel, Britney Spears, Techno, Hip_Hop, Stephen King, Disney, etc. However not all popular forms of art are drivel. Harry Potter is one of them. The impact of these works has been tremendous, even the movies are well made and entertaining. I am so looking forward to the new film opening next week.
I think Rowiling will go down in history as one of our times greatest storytellers. After all look at her income she is now one of the richest women in the world. Richer than Oprah.
Like so many before her she created a world that is accessible to everyone no matter what the age. Today she is one of the most read authors in the world.
*hi-five* Who asked this question in the first place? *mumbles*Quote:
Originally Posted by Mortis Anarchy
EDIT: Someone with 7 posts.... :flare:
Exactly. Especially since these books have inspired new decent authors and have inspired more kids to read and to branch out to their creative sides. Even adults!!! Grr...every book is liked/loved/cherished by someone out there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xtian
Its funny how most people who have red HP are for his being banned. It amazes me how those who believe themselves intellectually gifted could feeel themselves so superior that they can make is guided judgements on something they no nothing about. Throughout history there has been many people who just because they believe something to be less than or challenaging to their own beliiefs for example: Adolf Hitler, Tipper Gore, Joseph McCarthy and many more here is an article I found on the supject
(PR Newswire, September 25, 2000)
HARRY POTTER PUT ON BANNED BOOK LIST
Top 10 Includes 'Huck Finn,' 'Mice and Men' & 'Catcher in the Rye'
CHICAGO, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Some of America's finest literary efforts lead the 100 most frequently challenged books for Banned Books Week. And the Harry Potter series wasn't far behind.
The list is published by the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom as part of Banned Books Week (September 23-30), which annually celebrates the freedom to read.
Topping the list is Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz, accused of "being too scary" and "unsuited to age group," followed by "Daddy's Roommate" by Michael Willhoite, accused of "promoting homosexuality as a normal lifestyle." The rest of the 10 most frequently challenged books of the decade, in order, were: "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou (3), "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, "Forever" by Judy Blume, "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson, "Heather Has Two Mommies" by Leslea Newman, and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger (10).
Other well-known books on the list include: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry (11), "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris (13), Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine (15), "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker (17), "Sex" by Madonna (18), "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle (23), "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (40), Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling (48), "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley (54) and "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo A. Anaya (78).
The top 100 list was compiled from 5,718 challenges to library materials reported to or recorded by the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom from 1990-1999. A "challenge" is defined as a formal, written complaint filed with a library or school about a book's content or appropriateness. Seventy-one percent of the challenges in the '90s decade were to materials in schools or school libraries; another 26 percent were to materials in public libraries. Nearly 60 percent of challenges were brought by parents, 16 percent by library patrons and 10 percent by administrators.
In 1995, the number of reported challenges reached a high of 762 challenges, but by 1999 had declined to 472.
This decline is likely due to an increased focus away from books to the Internet -- the newest medium in the library -- according to Judith Krug, the office's director. Despite this decline, Krug says, "Nobody should be complacent in thinking that books are safe from censorship attempts. Research shows that reported challenges represent only 20 to 25 percent of all challenges made. The fact that every challenge is an attempt to make ideas inaccessible to their intended audience is of even greater concern than the numbers."
The most often cited reason for requesting that a book be removed from the library or curriculum is that the book is "sexually explicit" (1,446 challenges). Other reasons for challenges included "offensive language" (1,262 challenges), "unsuited to age group" (1,167 challenges), "occult theme or promoting the occult or Satanism" (773 challenges), "violent" (630 challenges), homosexual theme or "promoting homosexuality" (497 challenges), "promoting a religious viewpoint" (397 challenges), "nudity" (297 challenges), "racism" (245 challenges), "sex education" (217 challenges) and "anti-family" (193 challenges).
The entire list of the top 100 challenged books of the last decade can be found at www.ala.org/bbooks/top100bannedbooks.html . The most challenged books of 1999 can be found at www.ala.org/bbooks/1999bannedbooks.html .
Observed since 1981, Banned Books Week is sponsored by the ALA, American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, Association of American Publishers, American Society of Journalists and Authors, and National Association of College Stores. It is also endorsed by the Library of Congress Center for the Book.
"Banned Books Week is about choice and respecting the rights of others to choose for themselves and their families what they wish to read," says Chris Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression. "Book banning and challenging has a domino effect. If we stand by quietly and let the first book come off the shelf, we run the risk they all will come tumbling down."
Judy Platt, director of the Association of American Publishers' Freedom to Read program, concurs. "Banned Books Week reminds Americans not to take our freedom to read for granted. It's one of the most precious freedoms we have in a democratic society."
This year's Banned Books Weeks theme is "Fish in the River of Knowledge." Libraries and bookstores across the country will provide displays around this theme and readings of banned or challenged books as part of the week-long celebration. Contact your library or bookstore for more information.
Ok, so, I was just thinking of something. I don't remember what it was, but it lead to this:
Harry Potter's story is a COMEDY.
Yes, that is right, the story is to end well.
How do I know, you may ask? I'll tell you.
Comedies used to be defined by a simple characteristic: A WEDDING at the end of the story.
Well, what just HAPPENS to be HAPPENING in the seventh book? Anyone? Please, just say it, anyone?
BILL AND FLEUR'S WEDDING!
This makes the Harry Potter series a comedy. That does not necessarily mean Harry will survive in any way (Look as Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, for instance: ends with a wedding, a comedy, Romeo and Juliet die) but it does mean that the story will end "well".
Honestly, THIS is Rowling's style. A subtle little clue as to how the story will wrap up without the details. She obviously loves literature, and what better way than to allude to how previous works were written?
I think that this idea could be big, but more importantly, I think it's right!
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy. I don't think ending with a wedding automatically qualifies something as a comedy.
I don't follow the series anymore for some time now, but I do know this: she will opt neither for a tragedy nor for a comedy. The book must appeal to very different tastes, to greeks and trojans, so I'd bet that the ending won't have a clear-cut one. Some will die, and some will be happy, leaving you with a bitter-sweet aftertaste and a colossal 'after-read void' :)
I agree!Quote:
Originally Posted by kandaurov
I don't understand what kind of elders can read Harry Potter. It's simply children book, a fairy story.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Turk
Fantasy may be geered towards children but I believe it can still be enjoyable to adults too. Maybe not Harry Potter, but not becasue it's fantasy, but it's become "teen soap opera" dressed in fantasy.
As for the original point: there is more to "a wedding" to clasify a comedy in the traditional sense. Speaking in the purly Greco-Roman sense: "A tragedy is when things start of well and then descend" whereas a comedy is reveresed. "things tstart off muddled, then ascend." Shakespeare took that concept and broadened it to create new definitions of comedy/tragedy, but nowadays, though theoretically everything can be either a comedy or tragedy (or tragicomedy: such as Waiting for Godot), the lines are very blurred.
I don't know if Harry Potter will end well or not, but it will end cliche. There are a few different cliches she could choose from: Harry and Voldermort both die - possible. Voldermort becomes good and they all live happily ever after - highly unlikely. Harry kills Voldermort and Ron marries Hermione - possible. And so forth.....
"I don't understand what kind of elders can read Harry Potter. It's simply children book, a fairy story."
My kind of elder can read Harry Potter, that's for sure.
Open minded, intelligent, with a sense of humour and a liking for a good tale well told.
A good children's book is a good book.
There is nothing wrong with adults/older people reading fairy tales/kids books...My taste in books ranges from kids books (Harry Potter, Narnia, Tithe, etc.) to the greatest classics!! I read the Iliad in the sixth grade, but what lead up to me getting into the classics were books by Brain Jacques and J.K. Rowling and C.S. Lewis!Quote:
Originally Posted by Turk
And yeah, I'm pretty sure I didn't laugh in Romeo and Juliet.
But she has already stated that two people are going to die...that doesn't mean only two people but still. I think its going to be an overall mix so as not to spoil it for everyone...even though I think Lupin dies...:(
Bravo.;) :thumbs_upQuote:
Originally Posted by Whifflingpin
I didn't talk for LOTR, i was talking for Harry Potter.Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles Darnay
So reading Harry Potter at the age of 40 makes you intelligent, open minded and have sense of humor ha? :) Ok.Quote:
My kind of elder can read Harry Potter, that's for sure.
Open minded, intelligent, with a sense of humour and a liking for a good tale well told.
A good children's book is a good book.
I can't understand why this much old people reads Harry Potter? I mean this is ridicilous.
I don't think it's ridiculous at all. Harry Potter books ARE good books, so why wouldn't people read them? Even my grandparents, whose house contains more books (mostly classics and other books that are considered "good literature") than a small public library, have read Harry Potter books and liked them very much.Quote:
Originally Posted by Turk
I don't believe it is a comedy series..for me the Harry Potter books are a cocktail of stolen ideas from other much better and accomplished fantasy writers..but that's just me :D
Because they enjoy it. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Turk
I mean it's even clear what will happen at the end. Just like an American B series movie. Good guys will win, America will save the world and everything will be so good. If i want fun i prefer to read King. At least he's surely better than Rowling and stories he told are really capturing.
I never mentioned LOTR, I was speaking about fantasy in general.Quote:
Originally Posted by Turk