- What is it saying generally?
- What specific phrases or ideas do you need to focus on?
- How does it connect to surrounding passages, or to the broader point of the essay?
- What interpretive questions does it raise for you?
- How would you present “the work” of this passage to another reader?
The passage I chose to look at for part 3 of the handout was on page 546 of Macneil article. This section is ultimately introducing the idea of the author of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, representing her views surrounding law in her books. Here Macneil brings up the fact that Rowling has had a few negative experiences with the law system herself and ties that to how every system of law in the Harry Potter universe is flawed or “tainted.” So overall, this section of the article is setting up a foundation for the overall argument of the paper. I feel like the goal of this author is to look at how the law is portrayed in literature. This article is specifically introduced by looking at how Rowling framed her frustration with the law into a children’s novel. However, once older audiences started looking beneath the surface, they started to take the interest of these real-life themes. This is a very interesting take on readings of the novel. I wonder what the significance of children’s literature being used to masc more mature themes is. Maybe this is a recurring theme in literature because this is also true for Alice and Wonderland. If I were to present what this passage does to another reader, I would first start by mentioning how Rowling has had a negative experience with the law and thus was inspired to write about it. However, she decided to use a children’s literature form in order to open up interpretation to older audiences while still appealing to younger audiences. In order to represent these themes in her writing, Rowling makes sure to paint law in a negative light in the Harry Potter universe she is creating.
Hi Vic,
I like how you described McNeil’s take on marxist criticism in relation to Rowling’s “Harry Potter” text. You narrowed down on why Rowling addressed law and literature in her children’s book and the significance of doing so. Do you think that Rowling addressed social issues in her children’s literature to speak to the older audience (like you had mentioned), as well as the younger readers? I think the effect of doing so may train younger readers into being able to think about such issues, which I also think is very important!
Hi Vic! I thought that this was a great passage to choose! I was also very interested to learn that J.K. Rowling had different experiences and views of law. I have read the Harry Potter series many times and I was surprised to realize I never made the connection to law with in the books. I had always made connections to racisms and war and such, but never justice systems. I think your point to children’s literature masking adult themes is a very accurate one. I am an elementary education major, so I think about the uses of children’s literature quite a bit and I must say that I agree with you here. I think adults will sometimes use children’s literature to pass along and instill different views or biases to younger generations.