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SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 at 3:16 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPfGU
Edmund M. Kern, associate professor of history at Lawrence University in Wisconsin, updates us on the release of his new book, "The Wisdom of Harry Potter: What Our Favorite Hero Teaches Us About Moral Choices."
Originally posted to Harry Potter for GrownUps
Hi everyone,
I've begun to receive some questions about the availability of my book, The Wisdom of Harry Potter, so please permit me a bit of shameless self-promotion: it is now available in some bookstores or can be ordered online.
Here's some information about the book for those of you who may be interested:
Since the 1997 release of J.K. Rowling's first novel -- HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE -- no series of children's books has been more incredibly popular or widely influential. How do we explain the enormous appeal of these stories to children? Should parents welcome this new interest in reading among their kids or worry, along with the critics, that the books encourage either moral complacency or a perverse interest in witchcraft and the occult?
In this original interpretation of the Harry Potter sensation, Edmund M. Kern argues that the attraction of these stories to children comes not only from the fantastical elements embedded in the plots, but also from their underlying moral messages. Children genuinely desire to follow Harry as he confronts a host of challenges in an uncertain world, because of his desire to do the right thing. Harry's coherent yet flexible approach to dealing with evil reflects an updated form of Stoicism, says Kern. He argues that Rowling's great accomplishment in these books is to have combined imaginative fun with moral seriousness.
Kern's comprehensive evaluation of the Harry Potter stories in terms of ethical questions reveals the importance of uncertainty and ambiguity in Rowling's imaginative world and highlightrs her call to meet them with virtues such as constancy, endurance, perseverance, self-discipline, reason, solidarity, empathy, and sacrifice. Chidren comprehend that growing up entails some perplexity and pain, that they cannot entirely avoid problems, and that they can remain constant in circumstances beyond their control. In essence, Harry shows them how to work through their problems, rather than seek ways around them. Despite the fantastical settings and events of Harry's adventures, children are quick to realize that they are just a fictional reflection of the confusing and disturbing circumstances found in the real world.
Kern also shows adults how much they can gain by discussing with children the moral conundrums faced by Harry and other characters. The author outlines the central morals of each book; considers the common critiques of the books; discusses Rowling's skillful blend of history, legend, and myth; and raises important questions for guiding children through Harry's adventures.
This fresh, instructive, and upbeat guide to Harry Potter gives parents a wealth of useful and educational information for discussing the moral implications of this continuously popular series of books with their children.
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Professional Beater
Points: 20891
feltonluver says:
I love this article and yes miss mary its nice to post in the old articles to read more about the harry potter news i didnt' see.
Posted Mar 28, 2004 at 10:43 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1269
Leira the Hobbit says:
Well, this sounds like a terribly interesting book. I will have to puruse my nearest bookstore to pick up a copy. Cheers!
Posted Apr 19, 2004 at 3:38 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1079
Laura_Malfoy says:
Haaaha that is funny people are asking what a conundrum
and omgaw my history teacher is such a freak !!! aaaaah
Posted Apr 26, 2004 at 3:59 PM EST
Witch
Points: 696
quidditch_seeker says:
You know, some people take things way too seriously. I think that Harry Potter should just be for entertainment. People should not be so concerned with stupid hidden messages. Also, people double and triple-post all the time so what's up with the random rule?
Posted Jun 19, 2004 at 11:10 PM EST
Magical Sanitary Supplier
Points: 2518
5225 says:
Wow, tha's a lot of insights on HP. I would like to read it further. Just to see what he is talking about.
Posted Jun 27, 2004 at 12:06 PM EST
Student
Points: 282
Clever Miss Granger says:
Harry Potter isn't just read for the magical appeal. Kids read it because they can relate to a boy and his coming of age troubles. Plus dont we all want to be whisked away to a magic castle just by opening our mail box and descovering that we are a witch (or wizard)??
Posted Jul 3, 2004 at 10:06 PM EST
Magical Music Professor
Points: 4841
MagicalMusicDreamer says:
Or how to make fun books sound stuffy and boring.
Posted Jul 9, 2004 at 10:36 PM EST
Mediwitch
Points: 2608
nickyole1 says:
Come on, kids these days can tell fiction from reality.
Posted Jul 18, 2004 at 2:50 AM EST
Witch
Points: 617
S.Black13 says:
This seems like a wonderful book for parents. I never thought about it beforre, not having any kids myself, but now that I do think of it, it scares me how much Harry Potter can have an influence on younger kids. I know that the books have an influence on me, and to think that kids could be so succeptable to that is scary. Im glad theres a book like this.
Posted Jul 25, 2004 at 4:46 PM EST
The Charmer
Points: 4147
Amarantine says:
How very, very cool. I like things like this, and then I get in trouble for being controversial, but it's fun!
~*Aquilus*~
Posted Nov 23, 2004 at 6:17 AM EST
Reform Snapist
Points: 3586
misamanda says:
Oooh, I'm going to look for that book. Reminds me of a similar one on Tolkien's works, which was fun reading, and helpful. People are so quick to decide that stuff like that is perpetuating something unhealthy. I wish they would look into the matter, especially if they're dealing with other people who read the books, and wanting to give criticism/guidance.
Posted Nov 30, 2004 at 2:41 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 10
berninz says:
Uhh.. Yeaa.. ^_^ So,uh.. should I like buy my parents that book or something?..
Posted Dec 13, 2004 at 3:03 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1433
Buxtehude says:
I believe that parents are parents for a reason. Therefore, If they want to say that their kid can't rea Harry Potter than that is their prerogative. What they should not do is tell other kids that this is wrong. It may be against the family's rules but that does not mean that it is wrong in other families. Note how I am trying to skirt Moral Relativism here.
Posted Dec 16, 2004 at 12:48 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2465
undisputed760 says:
Im glad this author isnt condemning Harry Potter because i think books like that give children a guide or mentor to see whats wrong or right its they dont have a real life person to do that for them.
Posted Jan 7, 2005 at 11:03 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 355
Jocelyn says:
thegodwatcher: a conundrum: a problem that is very difficult to solve (I had to put that in there, even though you probably know that word now... it's been a year and a half almost since you posted to this one).
harrysgran and serious-sirius: I think this book is intended for people who have some sort of problem or prejudice against with Harry Potter books, and yes, it does sound very academic (and maybe too dry for kids to enjoy reading). Thing is, I would think that kids are generally more open-minded than adults can be, and wouldn't need to be told the moral lessons in HP. I mean, they will learn from the books by just reading them. It's adults who would need to actually analyze the books.
I would like to read this one, actually. I am just academic enough that I might enjoy it. For me, it might contain well thought-out points about HP that I could use while discussing the books with those who think that Rowling is writing about the occult, instead of about a boy's coming-of-age. (Thank you for bringing that point up, Clever Miss Granger).
Yes, S.P.E.W. Fan, so many otherwise reasonable people jump to the gun and assume that, because the HP world contains magic that JKR is somehow promoting witchcraft (or worse, satanic worship). Being able to mention details like the pureblood-mudblood struggle (which equates to racism) and facing loss (thanks feltonluver and Harry James Potter.)
And for my next post, I will write a book longer than all HP volumes combined... (sorry for the long-windedness)
Posted Jan 9, 2005 at 7:37 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 74
MagicPhoenix says:
It's a refreshing view to hear that some people think that HP exemplifies good morals as opposed to destroying them. The stories are a basic struggle between good and evil, and so far, good has triumphed each time. The fact that the triumph is complete reflects the unending struggle in life. So children should be allowed to read the books, in my opinion. They're great!
Posted Mar 16, 2005 at 10:58 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 30
Eilonwy says:
I would just like to voice the opinion that one of the reasons most of the Harry Potter critics have NOT read the books is that many of them are fanatics and fanatics never give anything a real chance to prove that their beliefs are incorrect.They are afraid of the books, and not always for good reason. The problem is that if they were to admit that the books had good moral lessons (and the other good points that advocates try to argue that they have), they would have to admit that something that talks about magic, etc. can contain good lessons. The thought that magic/withcraft can be connected to ANYTHING good is anethma to those fanatics out there who ban/burn books. Personally I find it a little strange that people claim the books to be an influence of Satan since the books never mention any kind of worship to gain power unless you count the followers of Voldemort and the main characters are clearly against them. So, in conclusion, yay for a clearheaded scholarly analysis, uncolored by either bigotry OR overly-obvious fandom.
Posted Mar 29, 2005 at 8:49 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 24
Margariti says:
Very interesting. I totally agree with Professor Kern. I do believe that Harry Potter does have some underlying messages about moral conduct and moral fiber. Good job to Mrs. Rowling for her inventing Harry Potter.
Posted May 12, 2005 at 5:36 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2852
H/HrShipper4Ever says:
I totaly agree with Kern..... I mean Harry has to deal with death and sacrifices all the time... And he deals with his problems and dosent run away from them... I think thats a great thing to teach children...
Posted Jun 2, 2005 at 8:22 PM EST
Dragon Rider
Points: 4437
~MalfoyPotter~ says:
This is great and should be kept on! Yay! We love Harry Potter! HP shows moral fibre! Yes!
~MP~
Posted Jun 19, 2005 at 3:51 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1688
Dumbledore's_Ghost says:
This sounds like a great book for parents to read, especially those that have some concerns about Harry and the book series in general. I think this Edmund Kern has actually gotten things right about JK'work. Her stories are so well written, that even the fantasy is believable. She also parallels Harry's "magical" world to the realities and hardships that we will all face. I would definately read this book.
Posted Jun 26, 2005 at 1:58 PM EST
Heiress of Gryffindor
Points: 3537
Nienna Narmolanya says:
Awesome!
Finally, a book that supports Harry Potter. I think he's right. Harry Potter does teach those morals, and pretty well too. I guess the reason Harry's so successful is because he always does the right thing.
When I grow up, my children are gonna grow up on Harry Potter, from before they're even born.
Posted Jun 29, 2005 at 6:37 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1240
*bewitched* says:
This book is such a great idea! Now parents can check out the ideas behind the books if they are worried about the effects on their children. I love all the moral/ethical debates and JK obviously understands there is a fine line between good and evil and the consequences of crossing that line, which we will probably see more of in the later books. Harry Potter is great wholesome reading for kids, so much better that some of the trash (excuse my harsh words here) that is around nowadays. Go Harry Potter! Educate those kids!
Posted Jul 5, 2005 at 8:54 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1240
*bewitched* says:
Oooh, I just have to post again, just seen a very interesting point on pure/half bloods etc. Harry Potter also teaches kids about the evils of racism! A very important issue in today's world where equality and unity are vital- just like at Hogwarts! How can this possibly be connected to devil-worshipping??
The mind boggles.
Posted Jul 5, 2005 at 9:03 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1041
hedgehog says:
Sounds very interesting. Has anyone read it? I agree that ambiguity and uncertainty play an important role, as well as values and decisions. We have to face ambiguity and the loss of absolute thruth and ever valid values, everything is relative and changes when you watch it, but you have to find your own truth and relate to values not because of authorities but because you choose to do it. A very postmodern book.
I am convinced the Harry Potter books can be helpful in raising children (I think there is a thread around it in The Threee Broomsticks), and be helpful to cope with fear and pain. Particularly Book 3, the Prisoner of Azkaban!
Posted Aug 25, 2005 at 11:34 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 341
Hermione Downunder says:
I think it does sound like a very interesting book. It is fascinating to read all the theories on why Harry Potter is so popular. I think it has something to do with a balance of normaility (kids can relate to it) and the extraordinary (kids want to be in the world - and me too!).
But I'm interested... a lot of people have said that HP has taught them about moral issues - what sort in particular. I agree about the mudblood/pureblood thing. But is their something in the book that has caused you to make a different choice about something in your life?
Posted Sep 17, 2005 at 1:01 AM EST
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