Comments are closed.
Humph
June 21st, 2003
Kip’s comfy in bed on a properly chilly Portland summer eve reading the latest Harry Potter. Since he happened to be home when the postman delivered it, he got dibs. (Actually, since he can devour text at super human speed, there was little doubt he’d be reading it first.) As I ordered it to round out a free shipping order from Amazon.com, I’m surprised it’s already here. I was fully prepared not to be on the cutting edge of Harry.
I’ve been cheerfully amused by the whole Harry Potter phenonemon all week, from the midnight release parties to the various scandals around leaked copies. I find the excitement over a book and book series very pleasing. The only thing I regret with all the hoop-la is being reminded that one of the characters die.
You see, I like going into stories head first, armed only with a friend’s recommendation or a whim. Little fore knowledge as possible. I just know I won’t truly setle into the book until the poor slob bites it. But then, it won’t be as bad as The Italian Caper, who’s trailer is basically a video Cliff Notes version of the story.
But since I do know, I can’t help but wonder if the book’s release on the Summer Solctice is a mere coincidence. I’m wondering if the character who dies happens to make a perfect Oak King, who on this day in Celtic tradition is supposed to die/make way for/be reborn as the Holly.
Filed under Reading & Writing |2 Responses to “Humph”
Very interesting take on the Oak/Holly King thing. My guess as for who dies would make sense in that light. Of course, an argument could be made for a different character fitting the role too. I’ll have to wait until my husband’s done reading the book for my turn.
I wonder, though, if Rowling is concerned with such symbolism at all. She’s repeatedly gone on record as being uninterested in Pagan lore; she’s simply writing a fantasy story. Then again, in Britain, those traditions may be much less esoteric and more commonplace than they seem to us Americans.
I read two entire pages from the first book today. I was waiting in line at a used bookstore. It was a little disturbing seeing the first book right next to the fourth one;the size difference and all. Oh, well. At least now I can say that I’ve read *some* Rowling. I just won’t bother to cop to how little.