Welcome to the Obscurus Thread for Idea generation, Questions, and Concerns. This is an 'upgrade,' or a more official version of the previous Nick's Idea Generating Thread.
To start off, here is a short description of Obscurus:
Obscurus is the place for academic analysis of the HP books, discussions of meaning, symbolism, and deeper themes in the HP series. As opposed to the other forums in Flourish and Blotts, Obscurus discussions tend to look at HP from the outside, as the literary works they are.
If you are wondering about something, this is a place you can post and ask the moderators of this forum what they think. Some of the ideas and questions you can bring up here are:
[*]Do you think this topic is a good one?
[*]Is this topic permissible under the rules?
[*]Where would I put a thread about this?
[*]Does this topic already exist?
[*]I saw this thread and now I cannot find it, do you know where it is?
[*]I would really like to see a poll in Obscurus about...
and so forth.
You can of course also send a Private Message (PM) to one of the moderators of Obscurus if you have any questions or concerns:
[*]Asphodel Wormwood
[*]The Qurious Mr. Quint
[*]Torill
[*]Paperflowergirl
[*] or you can PM any of the other Leaky Lounge staff as well.
For forum-wide suggestions, the Room of Requirement is your place, and for technical questions and problems please contact Lexicon_Bel~ , our Help Desk Witch or visit Knockturn Alley. The Rules and the FAQ are also good places to look. However, do not hesitate to post in this thread, as we will be very happy to hear from you.
Full Version: Obscurus Ideas, Questions, and Concerns
Harry Potter discussion forum for movies, books, and more! - The Leaky Lounge > HP-Related Discussion: Diagon Alley > HP Book Discussion: Flourish and Blotts > Academic Analysis: Obscurus Books
I own a hardback edition of the fourth Harry Potter. My sister owns a paper back version. During the scene in the graveyard when Voldemorts victims come out of his wand, my edition has James coming out of the wand before Lily and in my sisters book Lily comes out before James. Why is this?
Hehe, this is because Rowling actually made a mistake. Since Lily was killed after James, she comes out of the wand before him (as the order is in reverse). Yours is probably a first (or a very early) edition, while the error was corrected in your sister's paperback version.
Am I seriously to believe that no-one has any ideas for a new poll for Obscurus? After everything new we learned in HBP?
Am I seriously to believe that no-one has any ideas for a new poll for Obscurus? After everything new we learned in HBP?
Hi, I am fairly new to the Leaky website (indeed to forums in general) - yes one of those who joined up in the confused bereft aftermath of having read HBP - and so I'm not sure whether the following is something you have discussed before. I did a title search, but nothing came up, so let me know what you think.
I have heard that Harry Potter is present on several college syllabuses (syllabi?) both in Britain and in the States and I would be interested to hear more about these. What approaches do these classes take? Are they always included as either children's lit or as an element in a 'fantasy genre' course, or do they turn up on culture and literature courses in other capacities? Does anybody explore the post-modern implications of having one'e (i.e. JKR's) work in progress scrutinised by the readership DURING the process of its creation? What about the phenomenon of Fanfic? Is this explored in any University or college courses studying the Potter books?
Also, I would be interested to know if there are any bibliographies available of any published academic articles on Harry Potter that might be used for Reading Lists by college professors.( I know it probably sounds like I'm trying to compile a quick course module on HP - I'm not, honest. I'm a full-time mum with a PhD in Folklore Studies and Cultural History and I am very interested to see how far HP has infiltrated academic bastions as a subject worthy of study - whether as culture or as Literature.)
The thing is, I'm not sure how to go about posting these questions. Can you help me? Thanks.
I have heard that Harry Potter is present on several college syllabuses (syllabi?) both in Britain and in the States and I would be interested to hear more about these. What approaches do these classes take? Are they always included as either children's lit or as an element in a 'fantasy genre' course, or do they turn up on culture and literature courses in other capacities? Does anybody explore the post-modern implications of having one'e (i.e. JKR's) work in progress scrutinised by the readership DURING the process of its creation? What about the phenomenon of Fanfic? Is this explored in any University or college courses studying the Potter books?
Also, I would be interested to know if there are any bibliographies available of any published academic articles on Harry Potter that might be used for Reading Lists by college professors.( I know it probably sounds like I'm trying to compile a quick course module on HP - I'm not, honest. I'm a full-time mum with a PhD in Folklore Studies and Cultural History and I am very interested to see how far HP has infiltrated academic bastions as a subject worthy of study - whether as culture or as Literature.)
The thing is, I'm not sure how to go about posting these questions. Can you help me? Thanks.
This one was mentioned briefly in Vault 715--the concept of revenge and how Harry's thirst for it has developed over the course of the books. By the end of HBP, he's no longer afraid--he's furious. How is revenge depicted in literature? What are the problems with the idea of revenge, from the mythological to the religious?
Just an idea.
Edit: Oh, well, there's already a thread on revenge in the Princely Nook. So much for that idea!
Just an idea.
Edit: Oh, well, there's already a thread on revenge in the Princely Nook. So much for that idea!
Hi Fairytalegirl
I don't know about HP on syllabi. At my college they occasionally show up in classes about children's literature. I'd recommend checking out the Teacher's Tea-Room, which is the special section for teachers and teaching of HP. However, I don't think there is anything in there about college level syllabi. Feel free to start a thread, if you want to.
Also, you can start a thread here dedicated to the analysis of a specific book on HP, if you have one you're interested in (we already have a couple, one on John Granger and Christian Symbolism, and another one whose name momentarily escapes my memory). If there is a particular topic you'd like to discuss, (such as postmodernism and HP), you can start a thread if the discussion does not already exist. In this thread you can also ask if people know about published work on this topic. I have read a bit about HP, and there was a news-article about Harry as a postmodernist hero last fall. It is no longer online, but I can send it to you if you want (as I copied it into word).
I'd try Amazon or your local library to see what has been published on HP. Reading around Obscurus will also give you some sources on various things pertinent to analysis of HP, such as Christianity, Arthurian Legend, Alchemy, the Hero Epic, Jungian Archetypes, and other things. To be very honest, I think the discussions in here bring up more interesting stuff than most books published about Harry Potter.
I hope this helps!
QUOTE
I have heard that Harry Potter is present on several college syllabuses (syllabi?) both in Britain and in the States and I would be interested to hear more about these. What approaches do these classes take? Are they always included as either children's lit or as an element in a 'fantasy genre' course, or do they turn up on culture and literature courses in other capacities? Does anybody explore the post-modern implications of having one'e (i.e. JKR's) work in progress scrutinised by the readership DURING the process of its creation? What about the phenomenon of Fanfic? Is this explored in any University or college courses studying the Potter books?
I don't know about HP on syllabi. At my college they occasionally show up in classes about children's literature. I'd recommend checking out the Teacher's Tea-Room, which is the special section for teachers and teaching of HP. However, I don't think there is anything in there about college level syllabi. Feel free to start a thread, if you want to.
Also, you can start a thread here dedicated to the analysis of a specific book on HP, if you have one you're interested in (we already have a couple, one on John Granger and Christian Symbolism, and another one whose name momentarily escapes my memory). If there is a particular topic you'd like to discuss, (such as postmodernism and HP), you can start a thread if the discussion does not already exist. In this thread you can also ask if people know about published work on this topic. I have read a bit about HP, and there was a news-article about Harry as a postmodernist hero last fall. It is no longer online, but I can send it to you if you want (as I copied it into word).
QUOTE
Also, I would be interested to know if there are any bibliographies available of any published academic articles on Harry Potter that might be used for Reading Lists by college professors.( I know it probably sounds like I'm trying to compile a quick course module on HP - I'm not, honest. I'm a full-time mum with a PhD in Folklore Studies and Cultural History and I am very interested to see how far HP has infiltrated academic bastions as a subject worthy of study - whether as culture or as Literature.)
I'd try Amazon or your local library to see what has been published on HP. Reading around Obscurus will also give you some sources on various things pertinent to analysis of HP, such as Christianity, Arthurian Legend, Alchemy, the Hero Epic, Jungian Archetypes, and other things. To be very honest, I think the discussions in here bring up more interesting stuff than most books published about Harry Potter.
I hope this helps!
QUOTE
I'd try Amazon or your local library to see what has been published on HP. Reading around Obscurus will also give you some sources on various things pertinent to analysis of HP, such as Christianity, Arthurian Legend, Alchemy, the Hero Epic, Jungian Archetypes, and other things. To be very honest, I think the discussions in here bring up more interesting stuff than most books published about Harry Potter.
I hope this helps!
I hope this helps!
Maybe we should write a book! ringbearer.org did that after ROTK came out. :D
I have an idea for a thread, but it may be controversial, so I'd like to take it for a test drive here.
I'm having a bit of a problem with JKR's treatment of the educational system in her books. Obviously she has modelled Hogwarts to be typical of a British secondary school, and that's not where I have the problems. Even though the school systems in other countries may be slightly different, I think we would all agree that there are good and bad teachers, great and horrible classes, etc. etc.
But here is my issue. I was quite disconcerted when Fred and George just dropped out of school without even finishing year 6. Now at the end of HBP, she has Harry considering dropping out as well, to go fight Voldemort.
JKR is well aware that many thousands (millions?) of young people will be reading these books, starting at very early ages. Is this the kind of message she should be sending to these young and impressionable people all over the world? Quitting school is OK if it's done for "noble" reasons?
It would help if mods and regulars could comment on whether this is an appropriate thread topic. If the mods don't object and there is some general interest, then we could discuss it further in a thread.
I'm having a bit of a problem with JKR's treatment of the educational system in her books. Obviously she has modelled Hogwarts to be typical of a British secondary school, and that's not where I have the problems. Even though the school systems in other countries may be slightly different, I think we would all agree that there are good and bad teachers, great and horrible classes, etc. etc.
But here is my issue. I was quite disconcerted when Fred and George just dropped out of school without even finishing year 6. Now at the end of HBP, she has Harry considering dropping out as well, to go fight Voldemort.
JKR is well aware that many thousands (millions?) of young people will be reading these books, starting at very early ages. Is this the kind of message she should be sending to these young and impressionable people all over the world? Quitting school is OK if it's done for "noble" reasons?
It would help if mods and regulars could comment on whether this is an appropriate thread topic. If the mods don't object and there is some general interest, then we could discuss it further in a thread.
This is a very interesting topic - how Rowling treats education in the books.
I don't think this is a topic we should avoid. It is ok to be critical of Rowling and the books on this forum, and the topic itself is thought-provoking, but it is not one that would violate the rules in any way. Hehe, we have had several much more provoking topics (they are in the backlogs of Obscurus most of them, if anyone is interested :wink:), and they have generally gone very well. The Leaky Lounge does not believe in banning controversial topics unnecessarily, and is proud and happy to have such mature members who have shown themselves capable of handling them!
So I think you should go ahead and post your topic, absolutely! And I look forward to reading your thoughts on the issue. :)
I don't think this is a topic we should avoid. It is ok to be critical of Rowling and the books on this forum, and the topic itself is thought-provoking, but it is not one that would violate the rules in any way. Hehe, we have had several much more provoking topics (they are in the backlogs of Obscurus most of them, if anyone is interested :wink:), and they have generally gone very well. The Leaky Lounge does not believe in banning controversial topics unnecessarily, and is proud and happy to have such mature members who have shown themselves capable of handling them!
So I think you should go ahead and post your topic, absolutely! And I look forward to reading your thoughts on the issue. :)
I have a dumb question, but I can't seem to find a thread anywhere that covers it. In the prophecy, the "Dark Lord" is mentioned. We know that Death Eaters call Voldie the "Dark Lord" while everyone else has some other moniker for him. I found it strange that Trewlaney, through the trance, uses that specific term. JKR has stated that she worded the prophecy carefully.
I'm certain that others have noticed this, but I can't seem to find it mentioned. Is it in the archives somewhere? Inquiring minds. you know.
Thanks in Advance.
I'm certain that others have noticed this, but I can't seem to find it mentioned. Is it in the archives somewhere? Inquiring minds. you know.
Thanks in Advance.
I have split of a few posts regarding an idea by Magos for a new thread about Quidditch, and made a new thread with them here.
This is very interesting - I've always thought of Quidditch as just sports, but now I'm beginning to think it might have symbolic value as well. Definitely worth checking out!
And repurr - there are no dumb questions. Hmmm... I'm not quite sure where you want to go with this topic, but I think this would be Princely Nook material. :reporter: There are many many threads about the prophecy, though I haven't found any thread dedicated to why Trelawney said Dark Lord specifically. Here is a list of threads I found by using the search function to search on "prophecy" in the Princely Nook, Unfogging the Future, Great Wizarding Events, and History of Magic. Please be aware that the last two are still non-spoiler. The search function can be really usefull in these situations.
However, if you find that none of these threads are what you are looking for, I suggest that you start a new thread about it. The Princely Nook is probably the best place, at least if you are interested in speculating, or Unfogging the Future, if you have some ideas about what this might mean for the future of the series.
I hope that helps. :) Feel free to ask more questions if you have them.
This is very interesting - I've always thought of Quidditch as just sports, but now I'm beginning to think it might have symbolic value as well. Definitely worth checking out!
And repurr - there are no dumb questions. Hmmm... I'm not quite sure where you want to go with this topic, but I think this would be Princely Nook material. :reporter: There are many many threads about the prophecy, though I haven't found any thread dedicated to why Trelawney said Dark Lord specifically. Here is a list of threads I found by using the search function to search on "prophecy" in the Princely Nook, Unfogging the Future, Great Wizarding Events, and History of Magic. Please be aware that the last two are still non-spoiler. The search function can be really usefull in these situations.
However, if you find that none of these threads are what you are looking for, I suggest that you start a new thread about it. The Princely Nook is probably the best place, at least if you are interested in speculating, or Unfogging the Future, if you have some ideas about what this might mean for the future of the series.
I hope that helps. :) Feel free to ask more questions if you have them.
Right, how about The Treatment Of Death In The Series? For discussion of:
- the way JKR writes about death
- her opinion of death
- the fact that they are, essentially, children's books, and how suitable the deaths in the books are for children.- James & Lily, Cedric, Sirius, Dumbledore: similarities, differences?
- Sacrifice - "THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED, AS WE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR YOU!" Does she believe that you should be prepared to die for your friends? SHOULD you be prepared to die for your friends?
- Comparisons with other perceptions of death - Shakespearean, Biblical.
And anything else generally about Death In The Books. The JKR's Treatment of Relationships thread is the Shipping Thread's more objective and less frenzied cousin. This would have a similar difference from the Who's Gonna Die In Books Seven and Oh My God I So Can't Believe Dumbledore's Dead approach. I searched "death", it came up with A LOT of results, I searched "treatment of death" and "discussion of death" and it came up with nothing relevant, but maybe I missed something.
Is there enough good material in here for a thread? I'd like some opinions.
- the way JKR writes about death
- her opinion of death
- the fact that they are, essentially, children's books, and how suitable the deaths in the books are for children.- James & Lily, Cedric, Sirius, Dumbledore: similarities, differences?
- Sacrifice - "THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED, AS WE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR YOU!" Does she believe that you should be prepared to die for your friends? SHOULD you be prepared to die for your friends?
- Comparisons with other perceptions of death - Shakespearean, Biblical.
And anything else generally about Death In The Books. The JKR's Treatment of Relationships thread is the Shipping Thread's more objective and less frenzied cousin. This would have a similar difference from the Who's Gonna Die In Books Seven and Oh My God I So Can't Believe Dumbledore's Dead approach. I searched "death", it came up with A LOT of results, I searched "treatment of death" and "discussion of death" and it came up with nothing relevant, but maybe I missed something.
Is there enough good material in here for a thread? I'd like some opinions.
I thought I remembered a discussion thread about death in this forum, and here it is:
Link to thread about JKR's treatment of death
Nosey, if you want to fire it up again, last I looked it was languishing on Page 3 of the thread topics.
Link to thread about JKR's treatment of death
Nosey, if you want to fire it up again, last I looked it was languishing on Page 3 of the thread topics.
Tut, seems great minds think alike. I don't think I'll revive it, it seems to have rounded off nicely.
I just wanna ask two questions:
1. Would it be appropriate to put here, in Obscurus Books, a topic like "Why do you think people really hate HP?"
2. Would such topic be appropriate at all?
1. Would it be appropriate to put here, in Obscurus Books, a topic like "Why do you think people really hate HP?"
2. Would such topic be appropriate at all?
I would really like to see a poll on "Is Dumbledore really dead"
Sorry for being so slow in responding to your questions.
Feel free to revive any of the 'death threads' we have had here in Obscurus. The theme is very interesting, and I think HBP adds a lot of material for us to discuss.
Yes, a topic about why people hate HBP is appropriate at the Leaky Lounge, and the best place for it would be Obscurus (unless you want to talk about it from an angle I'm unfamiliar with). We have had one thread like this in the past: Do you think Rowling encourages Witchcraft? However, if you are interested in reviving this thread, or in starting a new one (if this isn't the approach you are interested in), I would like to give some advice along the way. I think it is interesting to explore why people object (some very strongly) to the HP books. As part of this we may also want to figure out why and how we disagree (being at LL, most people posting will probably be in this category), and explain the faults of their arguments.
However I would really appreciate it (as I am sure would everyone else) if the conversation about why people don't like HP did not turn into a thread bashing the people who don't like Harry Potter and their beliefs, and refrained from making generalizations about them or the groups to which they belong. All members are of course encouraged to express their opinion freely and politely (which means that it is absolutely fine to disagree with other people), but belitteling people and/or their beliefs is not ok. Rule number 1: BE NICE extends to everyone, not only Leaky Lounge members or people with whom we agree.
Please don't let this (rather long... I got carried away) reminder discourage you from approaching this topic - it is a very interesting one. :)
And lastly - gidgx. That is a very interesting poll suggestion. However, it would be more appropriate in e.g. the Princely Nook or Unfogging the future (especially since we cannot yet pin a thread like that all over the board). I suggest you make this suggestion in the Poll thread in the Room of Requirement. If you have ideas for the possible answers you would like to see, feel free to come with suggestions for those as well.
Feel free to revive any of the 'death threads' we have had here in Obscurus. The theme is very interesting, and I think HBP adds a lot of material for us to discuss.
Yes, a topic about why people hate HBP is appropriate at the Leaky Lounge, and the best place for it would be Obscurus (unless you want to talk about it from an angle I'm unfamiliar with). We have had one thread like this in the past: Do you think Rowling encourages Witchcraft? However, if you are interested in reviving this thread, or in starting a new one (if this isn't the approach you are interested in), I would like to give some advice along the way. I think it is interesting to explore why people object (some very strongly) to the HP books. As part of this we may also want to figure out why and how we disagree (being at LL, most people posting will probably be in this category), and explain the faults of their arguments.
However I would really appreciate it (as I am sure would everyone else) if the conversation about why people don't like HP did not turn into a thread bashing the people who don't like Harry Potter and their beliefs, and refrained from making generalizations about them or the groups to which they belong. All members are of course encouraged to express their opinion freely and politely (which means that it is absolutely fine to disagree with other people), but belitteling people and/or their beliefs is not ok. Rule number 1: BE NICE extends to everyone, not only Leaky Lounge members or people with whom we agree.
Please don't let this (rather long... I got carried away) reminder discourage you from approaching this topic - it is a very interesting one. :)
And lastly - gidgx. That is a very interesting poll suggestion. However, it would be more appropriate in e.g. the Princely Nook or Unfogging the future (especially since we cannot yet pin a thread like that all over the board). I suggest you make this suggestion in the Poll thread in the Room of Requirement. If you have ideas for the possible answers you would like to see, feel free to come with suggestions for those as well.
I was wondering why Professor Sinistra is called Professor Sinistra... it's Italian for left, and I was wondering what the Astronomy teacher has to do with left? Or sinister? I don't know if it's important enough to warrant its own topic.
Hi Matt
We have a name thread here somewhere in Obscurus, what's in a name where you could bring it up. Using the search function I couldn't find any threads on Sinistra Vector, and that surprised me. So you could go into the Princely Nook, Great Wizarding Events, or Unfogging the future and start a thread about Sinistra Vector there, if you want, depending on what kind of angle you are interested in taking (HBP, future). Unless you know more than me, I don't think we know enough about her to warrant a literary / theme discussion of her here in Obscurus.
I hope this helps!
We have a name thread here somewhere in Obscurus, what's in a name where you could bring it up. Using the search function I couldn't find any threads on Sinistra Vector, and that surprised me. So you could go into the Princely Nook, Great Wizarding Events, or Unfogging the future and start a thread about Sinistra Vector there, if you want, depending on what kind of angle you are interested in taking (HBP, future). Unless you know more than me, I don't think we know enough about her to warrant a literary / theme discussion of her here in Obscurus.
I hope this helps!
Hi! I am one of those who joined the forums b/c I needed to share my anguish after HBP with people who UNDERSTAND! My question may already have been answered, but it has bothered me for a couple of books now. We know that Harry having Lily's eyes is somehow significant ( many theories)! One thing I haven't seen/heard mentioned is the fact that Harry wears glasses. The only other student mentioned in either books or movies that wears glasses is Moaning Myrtle. It could be that JKR puthim in glasses just to make him a little more endearing to us. But the fact that he has them shows that at some point, somehow, the Dursleys actually cared enough to get the glasses for him. I wonder does this tie in with the idea that JKR says there is 'more to Petunia'?
If this is not the right place for this question, could you tell me where to go? Thanks!!!
If this is not the right place for this question, could you tell me where to go? Thanks!!!
You can get basic glasses (like Harry's) free on the NHS. And they were bound to look after him - they weren't nice to him, but enabling him to see comes along with feeding and providing shelter under the heading of Basic Life Needs, which the Dursleys had to cater for.
Oh, and paperflowergirl - aren't Sinistra and Vector separate people?
Lexicon:
Sinistra (witch)
Astronomy Teacher
Vector (witch)
Arithmancy teacher
Oh, and paperflowergirl - aren't Sinistra and Vector separate people?
Lexicon:
Sinistra (witch)
Astronomy Teacher
Vector (witch)
Arithmancy teacher
Hi!
I just re-read PS/SS and something appeared weird to me. Harry’s parents died on Halloween, but in Chapter 10: Halloween, this is never mentioned. In CoS, PoA, OotP and HBP the same thing happens. I don’t know if this is a good question for Obscurus: Why JKR decided to never make Harry remember his parents’ deaths during Halloween? Error or conscious decision?
I know he only has to look in the mirror to remember that night, but I thought it was odd. Did she just forget? (I really don’t think this is the case because she does mention the Halloween’s feast in most of the books, and come on, is JKR). Did she do it because Harry is a boy during most of the series and doesn’t want to make him sad during a Holiday? Why this is never mentioned again? I don’t know if this question belongs here, or if it has been asked before (I’m fairly new to the forum) but I think it doesn’t belongs to the Princely Nook because I don’t mean to look for wild theories behind it or anything. I don’t mean to overanalyze either, but I do admit that was very weird to me. Does this question belong to Rowling’s treatment of death? Is this a question worth asking?
I just re-read PS/SS and something appeared weird to me. Harry’s parents died on Halloween, but in Chapter 10: Halloween, this is never mentioned. In CoS, PoA, OotP and HBP the same thing happens. I don’t know if this is a good question for Obscurus: Why JKR decided to never make Harry remember his parents’ deaths during Halloween? Error or conscious decision?
I know he only has to look in the mirror to remember that night, but I thought it was odd. Did she just forget? (I really don’t think this is the case because she does mention the Halloween’s feast in most of the books, and come on, is JKR). Did she do it because Harry is a boy during most of the series and doesn’t want to make him sad during a Holiday? Why this is never mentioned again? I don’t know if this question belongs here, or if it has been asked before (I’m fairly new to the forum) but I think it doesn’t belongs to the Princely Nook because I don’t mean to look for wild theories behind it or anything. I don’t mean to overanalyze either, but I do admit that was very weird to me. Does this question belong to Rowling’s treatment of death? Is this a question worth asking?
Actually, I had a similar question, only on a more generalized scale. I was ruminating on Dumbledore's little talks to Harry at the end of each book. In PS and COS, they were very welcome; however by the end of OOTP I found the style rather tiresome. Did JKR wear out her plot style with that one? I also thought that Voldemort's pages and pages of self-aggrandizement in GOF just didn't seem to fit - after all, even a megalomaniac would want to get on with the job of finishing off Harry, not stop in the middle of his rebirthing party to remember his whole life history. Now Rebeca_Darklight has another query about an important death not being remembered. There are probably others....
I was thinking of calling the thread "JKR's Plot Devices; what worked, what didn't". We could take a look at these and other plot points, possibly even compare them to similar plot devices used by other writers, look at their effectiveness in the context of their stories. We could see where some of her well-known plot devices were very interesting to some readers but not others. And so on.... Any interest?
Of course, Rebeca, you could always put your question in the thread "JKR's Treatment of Death" as you mentioned, it's a good place for it as well. :wink:
I was thinking of calling the thread "JKR's Plot Devices; what worked, what didn't". We could take a look at these and other plot points, possibly even compare them to similar plot devices used by other writers, look at their effectiveness in the context of their stories. We could see where some of her well-known plot devices were very interesting to some readers but not others. And so on.... Any interest?
Of course, Rebeca, you could always put your question in the thread "JKR's Treatment of Death" as you mentioned, it's a good place for it as well. :wink:
That's a great question, and we did have a thread on that somewhere. It's called "Green Eyes", but it goes into why Harry wears glasses too. I'd post the link but my browser is being wacky, but if you do a forum search and set the parameters to "the beginning" you should find it. Just put in Green Eyes in the search bar.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
Hi. Sorry, I havent been on 'mod duty' for a while, and I sometimes forget to pop by this thread.
fzbd4 - I think your thoughts about glasses would fit very nicely in Great Wizarding Events. Oh, and definitely follow up on Arianhrod's suggestion about the green eyes thread.
mrs norris's nosey neighbor - haha, yes, you are right. I must have been a bit distracted. Thanks for bringing that up.
Rebeca - Irene had some good advice there. The treatment of death thread would be a good place to discuss your topic.
Irene - I like that idea for a topic, so I think you should go for it.
I think it is really great how you helpful forum members come and try to help each other out in here by giving advice and sharing your knowledge of HP and of the board!
fzbd4 - I think your thoughts about glasses would fit very nicely in Great Wizarding Events. Oh, and definitely follow up on Arianhrod's suggestion about the green eyes thread.
mrs norris's nosey neighbor - haha, yes, you are right. I must have been a bit distracted. Thanks for bringing that up.
Rebeca - Irene had some good advice there. The treatment of death thread would be a good place to discuss your topic.
Irene - I like that idea for a topic, so I think you should go for it.
I think it is really great how you helpful forum members come and try to help each other out in here by giving advice and sharing your knowledge of HP and of the board!
Hi, I am new to the forums and I couldn't find this anywhere, but there could already be a thread discussing it... Anyway, I have been rereading the books since HBP came out and as I was reading GoF I kind of panicked when I read the part at the end where Harry was telling Dumbledore that Voldemort could touch him now that he had Harry's blood in his veins. Then it says that Harry thought he saw something like a flash of triumph in DD eyes. What do you think that meant? Especially now that we now what happens to DD? It kind of freaked me out, so I hope I can get your opinion. Thanks!
Whits19, there are already three threads on Dumbledore's look of triumph. Two of them are in Unfogging the Future, and one of them is in Great Wizarding Events of the 20th Century. All are still open, and when I looked, the one in Great.... has the latest post in it (some time in August).
Link to thread in Great... on Dumbledore's look of triumph
Link to thread in Great... on Dumbledore's look of triumph
Thanks everyone!
Hi! Here's another idea I haven't heard or seen....If you believe Snape is DD's man....isn't it possilble that the detention he set Harry,(rewriting James' wrong doings), though seemingly tedious, was a way to give Harry some information or a clue that may help him?
If it not already a thread somewhere, let me know!
If it not already a thread somewhere, let me know!
Hi Has anyone talked about the purpose of Ginny? Her character couldn't exist solely for the purpose of being Harry's girlfriend? JKR has said that Ginny is very powerful, so could she be key in the downall of LV? Thoughts? Thread?
I also would like to add my small query...it's about the event in OotP...when Montague appeared in the toilet...in HBP we are told by Malfoy, that Montague apparated from the broken Vanishing Cabinet ; so does it mean that you actually can apparate inside Hogwarts? Or is it a BLUFF? Or a mistake? A thread, dealing with it? Anything? :conf:
fzbd4, if you are thinking of Snape's detentions for Harry as plot devices to move the plot along or provide information, there is a thread on plot devices in this forum. If you are looking at Snape's loyalty and if he was trying to help Harry, I think there is a pinned thread in the Princely Nook on Snape's loyalty. I think there are also other threads on Snape and Dumbledore, but the loyalty thread has the most traffic.
Similarly, if you think that there is more to Ginny's presence as a plot device than a romantic interest for Harry, the plot devices thread is good for that too. If you want to discuss Ginny as a brave, loyal person, there are a number of Ginny threads in the Princely Nook.
you_won't_know_who, I've seen a lot of discussions on apparating within Hogwarts and whether or not it's actually possible. There is a new forum called Magical Theory, and I'll bet it's a good place to discuss that topic.
That said, JKR has decided that you can't apparate within Hogwarts. Was that a good plot device or did it just seem to be too convenient? If that's your angle, I'd love to discuss it in the plot devices thread! :type:
Similarly, if you think that there is more to Ginny's presence as a plot device than a romantic interest for Harry, the plot devices thread is good for that too. If you want to discuss Ginny as a brave, loyal person, there are a number of Ginny threads in the Princely Nook.
you_won't_know_who, I've seen a lot of discussions on apparating within Hogwarts and whether or not it's actually possible. There is a new forum called Magical Theory, and I'll bet it's a good place to discuss that topic.
That said, JKR has decided that you can't apparate within Hogwarts. Was that a good plot device or did it just seem to be too convenient? If that's your angle, I'd love to discuss it in the plot devices thread! :type:
I want to make a topic on HP and Greek Mythology, because I found out some interesting things about how Fluffy could link to it, and I wonder if any other characters do? For example, we have Chimaeras mentioned.
I forum-searched Greek Mythology, and it gave me the Alchemy thread - but that's about Alchemy, and Greek Mythology is mentioned in only two posts.
So, is it a good idea?
I forum-searched Greek Mythology, and it gave me the Alchemy thread - but that's about Alchemy, and Greek Mythology is mentioned in only two posts.
So, is it a good idea?
I like that idea! The whole cave scene in HBP is a great example; there really were things called Inferi in mythology. The maze of the Minotaur in GOF, Fluffy/Cerebus, Sirius and Buckbeak (Perseus and whatever his flying horse's name was; I forget)...I think you should do that.
Me too! Greek mythology is a rich mine of inspiration for a great deal of literature. It would be fun to explore how JKR incorporates some of the mythical creatures and adventures, and compare them to other Greek-myth-inspired literary works.
MNNN, I think you have the thread "sewed" up!
Go for it!
MNNN, I think you have the thread "sewed" up!
Go for it!
Greetings,
It has occurred to me, after doing some re-reading, that JKR never mentions that any of the officials at the Ministry of Magic are actually elected by the magical populace. If that is because none of them are, then the Wizarding World does not have representative government. Would this be an an appropriate thread to begin on Obscurus, or would another forum be better suited to it? Has this question been brought up before?
Curious,
Angharad
It has occurred to me, after doing some re-reading, that JKR never mentions that any of the officials at the Ministry of Magic are actually elected by the magical populace. If that is because none of them are, then the Wizarding World does not have representative government. Would this be an an appropriate thread to begin on Obscurus, or would another forum be better suited to it? Has this question been brought up before?
Curious,
Angharad
My wholly unprofessional jurisdiction tells me that a thread entitled How Are Government Officials Elected or Does The Wizarding World Have A Representative Government would belong in Magical Theory. However, a thread entitled What Is JKR Trying To Tell Us About Politics, Democracy In The Wizarding World or something like that - something discussing how politics goes deeper - could go in here.
To all of you "behind" the forum: I appreciate your efforts, I really do, but this new colour scheme gives me headaches, I can't read dark text on dark background. I'll have to "abandon ship" if it doesn't change back... :conf:
Spectrespecs--I think it will change back after today. They do this on holidays to make it more festive and fun for everyone. It's giving me a headache, too.
I'm wondering if there's been any in-depth discussion about Professor Slughorn. I did a search, but only found passing references to him. I've just started HBP again, and in the first meeting between Dumbledore, Harry, and Slughorn, Slughorn catches sight of DD's blackened, injured hand, and Salazar Slytherin's ring on it, and as a result Harry notes a tiny frown that momentarily creases Sluggy's forehead.
Does the former head of Slytherin house recognize SS's ring? As with the horcrux memory, is there more that good ol' Sluggy could tell us? I'll have to read on (more closely).
Does the former head of Slytherin house recognize SS's ring? As with the horcrux memory, is there more that good ol' Sluggy could tell us? I'll have to read on (more closely).
Good question. I think he recognized it because Tom wore it. He'd naturally be curious as to why DD was wearing it.
It's obvious that Slughorn feels A LOT of responsiblity for how Tom turned out. That would be a topic I'd love to take part in, although I think it would probably go in Notable Magical Names of our Time.
It's obvious that Slughorn feels A LOT of responsiblity for how Tom turned out. That would be a topic I'd love to take part in, although I think it would probably go in Notable Magical Names of our Time.
Thanks for the suggestion; I'm new to the game. Shall I try introducing it there?
I was just in the Nook, reading the "RAB Translated" thread. You know, there are some fascinating tidbits about the translated versions, and there are a lot of people who speak these languages who discuss some of the translations of names, phrases, etc. I thought a thread on this might be interesting, we could collect all of these items in one thread and the Lexicon people might be interested too. There might already be a thread on this, but I couldn't find it.
Mods, what are your thoughts? Any interest?
Mods, what are your thoughts? Any interest?
QUOTE(Irene Adler @ Nov. 03 2005,4:54 pm)
I was just in the Nook, reading the \"RAB Translated\" thread. You know, there are some fascinating tidbits about the translated versions, and there are a lot of people who speak these languages who discuss some of the translations of names, phrases, etc. I thought a thread on this might be interesting, we could collect all of these items in one thread and the Lexicon people might be interested too. There might already be a thread on this, but I couldn't find it.
Mods, what are your thoughts? Any interest?
Mods, what are your thoughts? Any interest?
Not a Mod's thought, just a readers expression of interest: I second your suggestion: I'm definitely interested!
Why not make the "Alchemy and Harry Potter" thread a pinned thread? It's already on 953rd reply, which indicates its continuing popularity.
scottaloha - That's what I just came in here to suggest.
I second that! Here! Here!
How about it, Paperflowergirl?
I second that! Here! Here!
How about it, Paperflowergirl?
Hi everyone! I have a question about Hermione's parents. Now, I'm not too sure if this has been discussed before (nothing came up in the search) or if it's good enough to have it's own thread, but I'd really like to hear your opinions on it.
Ok. I was rereading Goblet of Fire a few weeks ago (in anticipation for the movie) and this thought popped into my head:
How much do Hermione's parents know about what's going on? She has said that her parents don't read The Daily Prophet, but I'm wondering if she's told them anything especially now that the war is well underway. We rarely see her interactions with her parents because she's mostly with the Weasleys and Harry. Have we even seen Hermione concerned about her parents during the war? I would've thought she'd be extremely worried because they're muggles and we all know how Voldemort feels about muggles. Will the Grangers even be mentioned in book 7?
Ok. I was rereading Goblet of Fire a few weeks ago (in anticipation for the movie) and this thought popped into my head:
How much do Hermione's parents know about what's going on? She has said that her parents don't read The Daily Prophet, but I'm wondering if she's told them anything especially now that the war is well underway. We rarely see her interactions with her parents because she's mostly with the Weasleys and Harry. Have we even seen Hermione concerned about her parents during the war? I would've thought she'd be extremely worried because they're muggles and we all know how Voldemort feels about muggles. Will the Grangers even be mentioned in book 7?
Hi, pinkmoonlight,
There is a topic ("What's the deal with Hermione's parents?") in Great Wizarding Events that seems similar to what you mentioned. It may not be quite what you are looking for, but I hope it helps.
There is a topic ("What's the deal with Hermione's parents?") in Great Wizarding Events that seems similar to what you mentioned. It may not be quite what you are looking for, but I hope it helps.
Thanks, jEyre! I didn't see that one. I'll check it out!
Hi all, I saw where JKR posted on Dec. 25 2005 on her site, see Rumours etc..
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