Outrage? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 06-25-2005, 11:56 AM

"Her greatest 'sin' in this regard has been in not placing her 'magic-users' within a philosophical/religious tradition."

I have to say that this is dumping an awful lot on Rowling who never claims to be more than a storyteller. Having spent Wednesday evening watching "A Midsummer Night's Dream" I don't see that Shakespeare places his magic users in a tradition either so why not have a pop at him too? Magic has been a feature of many children's books - I remember enjoying a series of books as a child featuring a school for witches (The littlest witch?) - it was read out loud in class (quite possible by a teacher who was also the vicar's wife). I don't remember people getting their knickers in a twist about those. If Rowling has a sin it was to be so popular.....

06-25-2005, 11:56 AM	#11
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	"Her greatest 'sin' in this regard has been in not placing her 'magic-users' within a philosophical/religious tradition." I have to say that this is dumping an awful lot on Rowling who never claims to be more than a storyteller. Having spent Wednesday evening watching "A Midsummer Night's Dream" I don't see that Shakespeare places his magic users in a tradition either so why not have a pop at him too? Magic has been a feature of many children's books - I remember enjoying a series of books as a child featuring a school for witches (The littlest witch?) - it was read out loud in class (quite possible by a teacher who was also the vicar's wife). I don't remember people getting their knickers in a twist about those. If Rowling has a sin it was to be so popular..... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace