tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550058566159443898.post2902285588025051729..comments2024-03-28T11:00:36.392-04:00Comments on Cyganeria: Lockhart and other JoysMashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06943998810222103926noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550058566159443898.post-14938831539313795392013-09-12T19:53:21.372-04:002013-09-12T19:53:21.372-04:00Finally! I know what you mean!! I've been dead...<i>Finally!</i> I know what you mean!! I've been dead to the world these past few weeks!<br /><br /><i>It seems to me that Rowling set up a world in which common decency is uncommon in interracial communication, so common decency is what she's usually fighting for; but then, she's simultaneously trying to portray the exceptional goodness of self-sacrificial love, which, since both are exemplified by the same set of characters, possibly introduces confusion.</i><br /><br />I think you're right here..and I'm not sure if she manages to pull it off in the series - in part because of the confusion - but then, I'm also spending my afternoon tomorrow brewing up a Pepperup Potion of my own for blogging <i>and</i> personal purposes..I can't really fault her much tonight ;) She's a weird combination of fantastic world-building and pathetic over-dramatizations..and it's kind of fun to just bathe in it for a while :DMashahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06943998810222103926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550058566159443898.post-10187168818995753902013-09-12T19:46:26.604-04:002013-09-12T19:46:26.604-04:00It's a great poster, isn't it!!! I want it...It's a great poster, isn't it!!! I want it too..I think you <i>can</i> buy it somewhere..or you could make your own!Mashahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06943998810222103926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550058566159443898.post-82300510773525088022013-09-06T14:53:32.882-04:002013-09-06T14:53:32.882-04:00Finally getting around to catching up on commentin...<i>Finally</i> getting around to catching up on commenting!<br /><br />I love the Muggles Are Our Friends poster, too!!! And I'll second <b>Laura</b> on Hermione's interest in Lockhart as well... I think it makes reasonable character sense at the beginning, but as you point out, <b>Masha,</b> it seems out of character that it goes on <i>so long.</i><br /><br /><i> J.K. Rowling seems to be presenting common decency as exceptional goodness pretty often as it relates to any interaction between wizards and anyone else, be they elves or muggles. I'm not sure if it's to create in the reader an awareness of how deeply flawed the wizarding world is, or if it is supposed to be viewed by the reader as exemplary. Thoughts here??</i><br /><br />At least in the case of Dobby, who is moved to sobs of gratitude at being offered a seat in the presence of a young wizard, it seems obvious that the reader is supposed to see how messed up the relationship between wizards and house-elves really is. And that comes early enough in the story that, speaking for myself at least, it colors the whole rest of the way wizards' relationships to less-privileged races is shown. But while Dobby treats common decency as exceptional goodness, I'm not sure that's the standard. I'll have to pay closer attention in future interactions....<br /><br />It seems to me that Rowling set up a world in which common decency is uncommon in interracial communication, so common decency is what she's usually fighting for; but then, she's simultaneously trying to portray the exceptional goodness of self-sacrificial love, which, since both are exemplified by the same set of characters, possibly introduces confusion. But I'm still sort of thinking under jet lag, so pardon me if this isn't making any sense. ;)Jenna St. Hilairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04474588706124865006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550058566159443898.post-89464758087785016362013-09-01T01:32:06.528-04:002013-09-01T01:32:06.528-04:00Seriously, though. Blustery, superficial Lockhart ...Seriously, though. Blustery, superficial Lockhart is the <i>last</i> Hogwarts professor I'd expect Hermione to fancy. I'd sooner believe she daydreams of a spiritual union with the late Professor Binns. <br /><br />As character writing, I can't get behind it. It's lazy and even a little insulting to my favorite brainiac: Girls Like Lockhart, Ergo, Hermione Likes Lockhart. But if I imagine Hermione as a real person, it makes perfect sense for her to have a crush on her dashing, multiple-book-authoring new teacher, and to make lots of excuses for his incompetency so that she doesn't feel stupid for liking him. I can simultaneously sympathize with Hermione while rolling my eyes at Rowling. <br /><br />I have thoughts on Muggles, but for now I just want to say that I love the Muggles Are Our Friends poster and want one for my home. :D<br />Lauranoreply@blogger.com