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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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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
Squib
Points: 178
ravenclawrox says:
This thing was posted like ages ago!!
Posted Oct 1, 2005 at 10:14 PM EST
Squib
Points: 112
Maximum says:
This was posted ages and ages ago but, I'll give my perspective of it. ;)
Sounds interesting.
*laughs*
Posted Oct 8, 2005 at 9:14 AM EST
Mage of Celestial Melody
Points: 3324
Telos says:
I love books like these. It just shows how stupid people are and we can say " We told you so ....you gits"
Posted Oct 8, 2005 at 11:08 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1483
DragonTattoo says:
Aw, everyone already knew that harry potter gave us moral choices etc. i mean it IS a kid's book.
Posted Oct 9, 2005 at 10:18 PM EST
Witch
Points: 508
Trianna says:
He has got it correct!! That's what angers me about religious groups calling this a sinful book-- how can it be sinful when it positions good over evil, and Harry almost always makes the moral choice (cheating on his homework nonetheless). He is so human when it comes to those things and that he where these books get their attraction: kids in a fantasy world where the normal world's problems are writ larger than life!
Posted Oct 11, 2005 at 10:05 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 92
*GinevraW* says:
I think that these "underlying messages" are what we might call subtext; anyone who thinks that they are in the books by accident is sorely mistaken.
Posted Oct 12, 2005 at 6:51 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 453
whitebumblebee says:
There are so many children's stories out there with morals- what are we going to do next- ban Dr. Suess? Of course books are going to bring people into different realities. It is ridiculous to think that these books could make children morally complacent or acquire a perverse interest in witchcraft and the occult. There is a fasination with other realities- that is what stories are all about. They bring us to places that we wouldn't otherwise go.
Posted Oct 25, 2005 at 3:42 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1370
hellothere says:
Er... that's a little bit confusing, but anything Harry Potter realated is good... right?
Posted Nov 30, 2005 at 7:56 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 379
Urodela Caudata says:
Great. I'll take 50 copies please.
I'm glad there is an opportunity for Mr. Kern, but I think it's a shame that there are so many who condemn the books without reading them. Or, worse yet, read them and condemn because they are unable to see the stories for what they are.
Posted Jan 11, 2006 at 4:15 PM EST
Charms Mistress
(Moderator)
Points: 5162
Weesa says:
Yeah a book that shows people Harry Potter is not evil he fights evil. I think people who say things about the series should read this book. Kids can learn from Harry and his friends about a lot of things.
Posted Jan 25, 2006 at 1:11 PM EST
Points: 304
Badgertail says:
Unless you live behind locked doors, there IS a whole world out there, full of amazing, sometimes dangerous things. Kids are smart. The notice the details and the depth of the characters. And it's always more effective to SHOW someone rather than PREACH about morals, decisions, consequences... JK captures her readers imagination, but there is substance enough for young and old to really chew on
Posted Feb 17, 2006 at 1:36 PM EST
Points: 304
Badgertail says:
I was reserved about reading the books at first. I am an adult, by the way. But then, they have to be GOOD books or interest would have long faded...so I took a look and they are very finely crafted fiction. A person needs to cultivate the ability to discern for themself, not regurgitate what others are saying. I have seen the Bible itself used for hateful things and to justify hateful reasoning...so the reader brings his own ideology to the book...you'll find whatever you are LOOKING for
Posted Feb 27, 2006 at 2:06 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1596
alastor_moody says:
Well this isnt fully a childrens novel anymore teens that started with the seires are now in thier 20's,and this is the same story people been shooting for years three stoges teach violence cartoons teach immortal thoughts ...
Iunctum tam unus, apud Severum stamus
Posted Mar 12, 2006 at 9:38 AM EST
Points: 304
Badgertail says:
A book about a book. Yeah, well, and why would this guy's opinion matter to me? How do I know I agree with HIS morals? Better to just read HP and decide for myself, not read a book about a book to talk about a book and if it's a good book, ..... head hurts now
Posted Mar 18, 2006 at 11:36 PM EST
Squib
Points: 167
Miss Eeylop says:
This raises an important point: Classics aren't made out of fluff.
JK is going down in history with the likes of CS Lewis and others. She has real meaning in reading her books...not just another piece of fiction that came out of someone's head...but merely for the story.
Posted Apr 18, 2006 at 3:51 PM EST
Squib
Points: 137
SnApE iS mY hErO says:
This book sounds great, and I have to agree that Harry, Ron, and Hermione can teach us all some good moral lessons.
Posted Apr 18, 2006 at 9:25 PM EST
Squib
Points: 124
goldeneagle622 says:
I agree, every one who claims that is immoral is just plain stupid.
Posted Jun 9, 2006 at 10:38 PM EST
Malfoy by Nature
Points: 12528
WickeDraco says:
I don't know if I'm allowed to post still, but this "The Wisdom of Harry Potter: What Our Favorite Hero Teaches Us About Moral Choices." seems really interesting. I have The Science of Harry Potter, and I want this!
Posted Jul 12, 2006 at 8:55 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 526
TheWhiteTombIsEmpty says:
I don't think ther needs to be a book like that. If you can't understand the book itself, yu have got problem! And if you need to read a book that talks about Harry Potter because you don't understand the books, you need HELP!!!!!!
Posted Jul 30, 2006 at 11:28 PM EST
Witch
Points: 624
A Wild Jessticulator says:
I think any type of literal examination of the HP books is utterly ridiculous. There is no hidden meaning or moral lessons within.
JK did not set out to write guidebooks for children to learn and grow with moral fortitude...
She wrote to be read.
Posted Aug 27, 2006 at 5:11 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 480
Geowitch says:
Sounds like an interesting idea for parents of kids reading these books. Would have to have a look at it in a book store first to see how thoughtfully it is written
Posted Sep 4, 2006 at 11:29 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2307
Queen_Democrat says:
Professor Kern has great thoughts about Harry Potter. He merely explains why Christians would hate it and talks a little more about the good stuff about Harry Potter. I give a tip of the hat to him.
Posted Nov 5, 2006 at 10:21 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1206
*Jinxed* says:
Wow I know this is old, but it's funny how some arguements never chang over time. I love it how some people fully have to analyse everything and feel the need to tell everyone else about it, but I know I simply enjoy the books for their great fantasy story aspect, and it may ruin it for me to think about it too deeply. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving discussing the moral dilema's faced byt he characters, and trying to guess what's going to happen in the last book, but I think it's amazing that some people can think about it that much!
Posted Jan 11, 2007 at 2:29 AM EST
Celtic Epona
Points: 6699
Val-Halla says:
Seems like an interesting book to me. I may just be tempted to take a look at it if I get chance...
*Pokes thread*
Posted Jan 23, 2009 at 7:31 PM EST
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