Given that this is the start of a new year, this month's discussion is fairly simple. However, remember the guidelines for earning points. Quality and involvement are highly desired.

Topic: What are you hoping to get of this class this year? Which assignments on the course outline interest you most? Why do you personally feel it is important to study the Harry Potter books? How do you feel about negative comments made by critics, and do believe they are justified in any way?

As a student, I've taken literary analysis classes for the past four years. I've had my high points and low points in those classes, the high points being when I have a unique idea that I can support with the text and the lows being when I feel we've over analyzed the text and the teacher wants a specific answer that I don't see in the text. Being a fairly structured person, I love math and science (hello, I teach Arithmancy, this should be a clue :P), but literary analysis gives me a chance to value some more creative aspects of learning, while still doing what I love to do: dissecting things down to the smallest possible parts (which would be what analyzing means, to break up). I like to analyze things for fun, but for some reason find that my English classes don't always live up to my expectations, and our books are chosen for us. For that reason, I personally am looking forward to this class because the course outline seems to show that we will go a little more in depth this year, so I can analyze things, or at least read someone elses analysis and form my own opinions of that analysis, that I enjoy to read, rather than a dull book that meets requirements for RL courses.

Looking at the course outline, my the two lessons I'm looking forward to most are October's lesson on the Weasleys and March's lesson on Neville. I always thought the Weasleys were unique in the family structure, and the personalities of each are so different, but they all have some traits that are similar. They have such strong convictions that I just love to read about them and to think about them (I was actually having a conversation before I left school about an hour ago about the Weasley twins oddly enough). Secondly, Neville has always reminded me of myself a bit. I love to learn, but I often mess things up because I either forget to do something, or am just a klutz in the lab and pour our sample on the counter or other such catastrophes. While Neville sort of lost part of his place to me because of the whole passion for Herbology thing, I realized that what he likes about Herbology matches up with some of the things I like about chemistry and physics. I always felt sorry for him because he's forcd to live in the shadow of others. In OotP when Malfoy taunts him about his place in Gryffindor, I felt so bad for him. Looking at some of the motivating factors of Neville, and spending some time on him as an important character will be interesting to me because he's such an under-estimated character. Also, I can sort of picture Neville sitting there watching HOL and saying, "Geez, they always talk about Harry, when do I get my turn?" He would be proud to have a whole month's work devoted to only him. ;)

The thing I love about the Harry Potter books is what I really love about all the timeless movies. Books and movies are remembered most when they touch multiple generations and are layered with different depths of plot. When I was studying the Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck mentioned that there were five layers to his novel, and each person, based on their intellectual depth could see a corresponding number of layers. That's how I see Harry Potter. There's the fantastical story on the surface that appeals to the younger generations. Slightly below that is some commentary on relationships and family, maybe for a late elementary school age group. Then there are some morality and ethical issues, along with motivating factors of each character that teens could grasp. Deeper still are commentaries on contemporary issues that some of the older readers can value. Therefore, it's important to study the books to grasp the deepest possible level of understanding of the novels. Personally, I feel a great satisfaction when I've realized something I didn't think of about a book before. I enjoy learning about them, then going back and reading the book because then I catch things I missed the first time.

I didn't start reading the HP books until about a year and a half ago. To begin with I didn't want to read them because then I wouldn't be "cool," yes, I was just that pathetic at the time--I've grown out of it lol. Then one of my friends was telling me how horrible they were because they were satanic and stuff, and since I didn't really have an extreme passion to read them, I just didn't. But then, one of my friends was telling me about them, the first movie came out and I went to see it. The movie didn't seem to have anything wrong with it, so I decided I needed to read the books. About a month later, I was in an airport and had about three hours to kill, so I took my money for food and bought SS at an airport book stand. I finished it on the flight home and fell in love with it. Over the next month, nothing could keep me away from the books. I read all four and then reread them the next month. Thus began the obsession lol. Supposedly the worshipping of a resurrected person took place in the third book--which oddly enough is now my favorite one--so I looked out for it because I was really curious to know why my friend had hated it so much. Oddly enough, I couldn't find anything of the sort. I think someone had told her some myth about the books, she took it as fact, and then refused to go near the books again. I personally have no problem with the books, and I know we're not really allowed to get into religion on HOL because it could be offensive to some people, but based on my personal data-gathering, every single one of the people who told me that HP was evil and such, had never even read the summaries on the backs of the books. Hatred of the unknown is something that our society has dealt with countless times, and for some reason we never learn. I will continue reading the HP books, talking about HP, watching the HP movies, and participating in HOL despite what I've been warned about. I can generate my own opinions about a book and I don't need someone else telling me what to think. Throughout history there have been plenty of banned books, and every single one of them I've read, I can see what aspects the critics blew out of proportion, but can refute their arguments in every case. It's truly sad that some people wish to prevent the public from valuable literary works just because they don't agree with some of the things being said.

I have now spoken for entirely too long and I will shut up. I once had a gag order in English class one time, so what Prof said about silencing whoever wins the award thing, has sort of happened to me before :blink:

An idea for the name of the award: Athena Award (Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, it made sense to me)

As far as what I want to get out of this class, I would really like to come away with an even deeper understanding of JKR's brilliance as a writer. I myself like to write, but she writes with such creativity (i.e. the use of particular names, "coincidences" that are anything but, and the way she wraps it all in a beautiful symphony of words) that there are times, I'm at a loss as to what she is referring to. I have already sat down and tried to analyze Book 5 on my own (had to stop due to my RL job), and upon doing this, I have already had several pages worth of questions I haven't found satisfactory answers to.

Personally, I think that the Harry Potter books are wonderful. I really think that, even as an adult, I have learned alot about the inner feelings of not only myself but also others. They are also great books in regard to different feelings such as loyalty, friendship, and bravery. In a great many ways, I can just as easily relate it to my religious convictions in a positive way. In that respect, I think all of this hooplah over Harry Potter being so negative is a lot of garbage.

There are some parts of Harry Potter that I wasn't entirely comfortable with (Cedric dying, drinking of unicorn blood, physical abuse of Dobby and Harry, discrimination against muggle-borns and half-breeds, and of course the death in Book 5), but as everyone knows, this is all part of life. All of these things happen. I'd rather a child read about it and the almost positive ways the characters react to such things. In one way or another, all of these things happen. I don't agree with letting children grow up before their time, but they do need to be aware of these things and how to not allow themself to become one of those that percecutes (sp?) others.

I also agree with Cynthia in regards to discussing the Weasleys and Neville. Neville has always been a character I have been interested in. I have always thought he was a character that was more than he appeared. I think that there will be much more in the way of Neville and his life.

I look forward to this class!

I just had to add my two knuts worth, too. :lol:

As I took the class last year as a student, this year I am hoping to go even further in depth with the HP novels. Even though I have read the first 4 books about 8 times and the 5th book twice, I know that there is much more out there for me to learn.

The assignment I'm most looking forward to is "The Boy Who Could Have Been the Boy Who Lived." To me, Neville has been one of the most overlooked characters. I loved that Rowling pulled him into the action and into the main storyline in Book 5. I can't wait to hear what our professor has to say!

Personally, I love to dissect just about anything dealing with literature and film. Even if we don't always believe in or agree with some of the literary aspects that are studied, they make us work our brains. I'm a sucker for literary criticism and love to compare and contrast film and books. SO, getting to do this for Harry Potter is like receiving a great deal of chocolate--it makes me very happy!

Unfortunately, I tend to get severely irate with the negative comments made about these books. Some of the criticism is true. However, most of the criticism I have read is written by people who have not bothered to read the books with an open mind. Some critics are great writers and usually point out the good along with what they feel is bad. However, most tend to bash Harry and J. K. I can't stand that.


;) Prof. Chutney

I completely agree with this. I think in today's world we try to shelter kids from reality and idealize the world, when in reality by doing this, children see things that we hide as insignificant so they do not respect danger in the way they should. I'm not sure that makes sense. The two extremes I see in society are oversheltered kids and desensitized children: either they are overexposed to the world so nothing moves them any more and we will have a generation of cold-hearted children, or we protect them from everything and they are afraid to live. I realize this is a major generalization and there are exceptions to this, but that's my opinion. Children should be able to use their imaginations and have an escape from the cruelty of the world, but they also need to know a bit of the reality of the world so they aren't overly naive. The Harry Potter books are written in a way that they are in some fantastical situation that allows for children to imagine themselves away from their lives, but they address issues that are very real. In showing characters' reactions to the situations, Rowling gives kids a model of how to deal with situations that may be hard for them.

P.S. I have been informed that my previous post was a little long, I apologize if I went a tad over board lol. I tend to be a bit long-winded, and because of that I value brevity in other people's writing. Kind of ironic.

What are you hoping to get of this class this year?

I'm hoping to have as much fun as I had last year. I love analysing the books, and it helps me with lots of questions and things I've had when I read the books. I can look at the books and think "Hey, I learned that in HP Book Analysis"! Last year, it was my only, but favourite class, and I love it so far this year! You're a great Professor!

Which assignments on the course outline interest you most?

Well, last year, I liked to learn the roots of the names and stuff. This year, I love all of the English work and everything. English is my favourite class in school, and it's fun to see it in my HOL classes as well. I think I'll like next lesson, the one on the Weasley's, the best, though. I love all of the Weasleys. :) Or perhaps the one on Neville, I love him, too :D

Why do you personally feel it is important to study the Harry Potter books?

I think it's important to know what you're reading and some of its background. I enjoy picking things apart and learning more about them. It's good to have a serious look at what you're reading or watching [in relation to the films].

How do you feel about negative comments made by critics, and do believe they are justified in any way?

I hate it when people who haven't even read Harry Potter make comments that are truely unfair and they don't even know that plot. For example of one that has nothing to do with publicity, there is my bect friend Jackie, who hates the books. She did, however read them, but was forced to by her father. She hates them all and think Harry Potter is just a spoiled brat of a boy and the book has no plot.

We all know, however that it does, and it's a Good Vs. Evil sort of thing that focuses a lot on his parents' love for him.

As for the critics, most of them never read it. I sure most of us remember when some crazy people thought that it promoted witchcraft? Well, they never read it, obviously, and didn't know that it focused on love and good conquering all, or they wouldn't be so against it!

Now I've babbled a bit, too. :D I'll stop now, hehe.

Forever,

*~Ella~*

This year I'm hoping to learn more about the HP books. The thing that was so cool about this class last year was the way everything we took should have been horriblly obvious, but wasn't. (If that makes any sense at all) JKR has such a masterful way of hiding the clues so close to the surface that when they're finally revealed, it feels like we should have known all along, especially when rereading the books looking out for the clues.

The subjects that interest me most this year is the class about the role of gender in the books (I have always wondered why there are no girls on the Slytherin team. :P ), and the lesson about the Death Eaters, as they're probably the most interesting characters in the books.

It's important to learn about the HP books to be able to fully appreciate JKR's writing, and to be able to figure out what's going to happen in the last 2 books. *points up at first paragraph*

Mainly I ignore HP critics, because most of the time they're just full of crap. People love to criticize anything that becomes popular on a worldwide scale. Pokemon, Pop groups, and now Harry Potter. If some people feel it's their duty in life to criticize everything they see, then let them get on with it. I bet if they had read just one of the books with an open mind, they wouldn't have anything left to put down.

~mia

Firstly I would like to bring forward the Award name idea that Cynthia suggested. I think the Athena Award is a marvellous idea! I am absolutely obsessed with Greek gods and goddesses, so I’d love to have the award name after that. I have a question about that though, will this be the type of award that’d appear in our student files? Just curious that’s all. But yes, I believe the Athena Award is a splendid name, good thinking Cynthia.

I learnt a lot in Harry Potter Book Analysis last year, Prof. Atlas did a wonderful job and opened my eyes to many things I never saw in the books before. This year I hope to further my new found knowledge and deeply analysis the books. I’d love to take a look at the Prisoner of Azkaban simple because it’s my favourite book. Even more so, I’d love to take a huge look into Book 5 because I believe it has so much potential for analysis. Harry goes through such a huge change, I’d love to see what everyone else thinks about this and learn more about the techniques and hidden clues within this wonder. I’ve never taken analysis seriously and always found it rather boring but last year, Prof. Atlas gave me a new point of view and I actually enjoy analysing the books and tend to see more than I usually did when reading. I notice the small things now. I guess another good point to bring forward is that I love Harry Potter so analysis instantly becomes more enjoyable.

Has anybody else found a new love for analysis? Has this class changed you at all?

There are two months that I’m particular interested in, both October and November. I think learning about birth order would be fascinating. I’m interested in that kind of stuff and I do believe that birth order does affect some aspects of a families life. Like the infamous, “Middle Child Syndrome”. Whether or not that’s the same thing, I don’t know but I definitely see this syndrome in everyday people. I am looking forward to learning more about how this birth order works as I’ve only ever seen it briefly explained. Once again I’ll agree with Cynthia, the Weasley family are extremely unique and each of them having such different personalities but as she mentioned they have similar traits. The twins probably have more in common than any other “pairing” from that family. I think the major thing they have in common, is pride for who they are. We’ve seen a handful of the Weasley’s get rather hot-headed when it comes to insults upon their family.

I am looking forward to November’s discussion because sexual placement in certain situations is something I’m highly interested in, just like the birth order. I’ve always wondered why the Slytherin Quidditch Team have no females. Though, I swear in the Philosophers Stone, the movie version, the Slytherin Keeper looks like a female!! Does anybody else see this? Sure, it’s probably just a guy with long hair but I always look at that section of the movie and frown, trying to figure out what he or she really is. So I believe that the next two months are going to be interesting and hopefully I shall learn something new! I’m always up for new experiences.

Side Note: Cynthia, don’t worry about your’s being so long. It was a highly interesting post! Good to see that someone else likes to ramble. I have a few points from yours I wish to bring forward, so I’ll slip that in here.

I too, only starting reading the books about 1 ½ years ago and I didn’t read them because of the lack of “cool” the books attracted. I feel in love with the book instantly, I only read it because my aunt offered to buy it for me, I never get anything off them so I wasn’t about to say no! Anyway, I took it home and spent four straight hours on my bed. I had my mother banging on my door at midnight demanding I go to sleep. Though my eyes were heavy and body half-dead, I could not put that book down!! I still get sly comments from my brothers or friends about Harry Potter but just because they don’t appreciate the sheer brilliance of these books doesn’t mean we cant right? Good to see you don’t let that bother you. I’ve never regretted picking up that book and no longer care about what others think about me. It’s those things that kill a persons personality, allowing others to dictate the things they do. We should all be proud that we’re so different! I too was curious as too why my brother hated Harry Potter so much. He never goes a day without making an insult, I just shrug and continue playing on HOL. I love Harry Potter too much to care. Heh. You know, he’s never even read the book. He only read the first page and put it down. The first page had me hooked! The opening, in my opinion, was fantastic.

Before I stray far off topic, I’ll go into the next section of this months discussion. I believe that it’s a great opportunity to analyse something you love and should you take that opportunity whenever its available too you. This class has allowed me to explore a world of possibilities within the books and I’m thankful for that! It gives you a deeper understanding and appreciation of the literature you’re reading. You can pull up the book, not literally, and break it into tiny pieces and marvel at how the fabulous J.K Rowling has put all this together. Her imagination is the one thing that amazes me above all. How does one person come up with a world of weird and wacky things, a world that works so perfectly through our eyes? It’s pure genius. While she may have gotten inspiration and ideas from many places, it takes a great mind to piece it all together and create a fantasy world that the common person, you and me, can escape too. We can only dare to dream of what she has instore for us next. Fully understanding something you love is a wonderful thing to posses and highly important too me, its helped me grow with the books and realise how truly special they are. And it’s my bet that a lot of people will think I’m a little odd for believing Harry Potter is such a wonderful piece of work wonderful! But, of course, you all agree with me, right?

I believe the critics point of view is extremely important and many of them may have a point. I take into account everything the critics say and some things, in the past, I have agreed with. It’s important to be able to pick out the things you don’t like in a book, things you believe just don’t work. For example, I found that Harry Potter 5 was a big let down and it took me a long time to truly love this piece of work. I found the ideas she used and the events she brought forward were a little odd but I did like it. Not love it though. You have to remember that critics don’t always say bad things, they are there only to give a point of view on a movie or book and yes, sometimes it can be harsh. I believe what these critics say are justified by all means, while I may not like or agree with what people say I do know that they are entitled to their opinion. After all I often criticise what other people love, so I can’t be hypocritical and claim those people are wrong to express negative views on Harry Potter. Though, I can say that many people need to read the books before forming an opinion. I’ll never respect their opinion if they’ve never read a word of the book. If they have, then I’ll respect whatever they have to say about my favourite books! Done!

Ashlee

P.S: Sorry about the length. I went on little like Cynthia did. Heh.

Personally, what I want to get out of this class is knowledge. I love to learn and anything that can help me further my learning skills is right by me. The thing I like most about analysis, in general, is taking all the details and breaking them down into what they really mean. I especially like to do this when it comes to diction. I love trying to figure out what exactly the author is trying to say, whether it be surface or between the lines reading. Of course, the tone and mood will also have an obvious effect but it's fun trying to figure it out nonetheless. This really helps me when it comes to Shakespeare, for example. I love the story of Romeo and Juliet and I have a great comprehension of that play, but when it comes to something like Richard II, I just want to stab myself with a spork. So that's when I try to take analytical steps to the play and work from there. Of course, it could be the fact that I don't care for his historical plays! *LOL*

The assignments I'm most looking forward to are the October, November and December assignments. I think that the birth order of the Weasley children will be interesting to learn. Previous birth order studies that I've seen done have been realistically accurate and seeing how that will relate to the Weasleys will be interesting. As for November's gender lesson, I am interested to see how the role of the sexes are approached especially when it comes to Slytherin and Voldemort. To me, they retain that Old World patriarchal society, while at the same time a female (Bellatrix) is one of Voldemort's most loyal servants. Last, but not least, December has an Order of the Phoenix essay. YAY! I think that's all that needs to be said about that! *LOL*

I think it's important to study the Harry Potter books because I believe that they are very similar to real life. Sometimes you have people who have to play the role of hero, even though it's not what they want. You always have incompetent people who are in power. There are people who are manipulative and out for themselves. There are also those who are completely blind to everything around them. You also have some of the best people ever, people who love and care for you through all the hard times. People who will sacrifice themselves to help you. And you do know that life is not fair. Harry Potter is important to study because I believe that you can read the books and come away feeling like you know certain characters because you have went through a similar experience and you can relate to them on some level. "Fiction" aside, Harry Potter, in my view, is a very realistic life story.

As for the negative critics, they are entitled to say what they wish, but I think that they are just full of hot air. There will always be someone out there waiting to bad-mouth and discredit good things; it's inevitable. I don't think that anything "negative" can be justified, unless it's something like a critical analysis with factual proof to back it up. Bottom line for me is that I could care less what critics have to say. Their opinion does not sway me in the least. I've read some of the worst reviews on movies and plays, only to find out for myself that they are ten times better than what they critic said. Honestly, I could do without "critics."

I really enjoyed HP book analysis I last year, basically because I'm obsessed with everything HP. I had considered teaching a Harry Potter analysis class myself at the beginning of last year, and I had looked around at different websites and analyzed different parts of the books. Discussed theories with others and tried to get all the knowledge I possibly could about the books. Then I decided the class wouldn't turn out interesting enough, and I was afraid no one would really want to join (notice, this was before I actually joined HOL, so I had no idea what people here were really like). So when I did finally decide to join as a student, and I found this class, it was amazing because I was able to view everything from a different perspective, and I was able to discuss my own views, while gathering new ideas from all the other HOLers. Anyway, when I saw that HP book analysis II was up, I decided I'd have to continue, the lessons appeared to be more interesting than those in HP book analysis I and more deep. I'm hoping to learn more about the themes of the books, the imagery used, the foreshadowing, just to be able to see the books on a deeper level. When I read I really don't analyze anything, it's more on the third or fourth reading that I actually begin to notice stuff. At first, I'm only interested in the plot itself and the mood. I think it's important to study these books to better understand the reasons behind everything, to be able to relate to the characters and their moods and further understand Rowling's choice of words, and how this aided in the success of the books. I want to learn to further appreciate the books… And I'm also hoping that through this class I'll be able to learn to love the fifth book, maybe this class will at least encourage me to read it a second time. I was so disappointed by it, but I think if little details that show Rowling's ingeniousness are pointed out, I might learn to love it.

The lesson I'm most looking forward to is probably the November lesson about genders in HP. Why is it that most of the main characters are males? Why is it that all the characters of power are male… Harry, Voldemort, Dumbledore? What if Harry was a female? I find all that really interesting. How is it that Rowling managed to choose the genders of her characters? The March lesson and April lesson also look like they're going to be interesting.

I do believe that some of the negative comments made by critics are justified. I don't really make it a point to read their comments, but if I find an article about Harry Potter in front of me, or if someone sends me a link to a certain article, I'll read it. Personally, I feel there is basis to some of their comments. What bothers me though is when you get the feeling the critic is just criticizing because the points he/she is bringing up sound good, not because it is their actual opinion. What *really* annoys me is people that start making fun of the books when they haven't even read them, or when they've only watched the movies. You get people giving you weird looks and telling you to get a life when they don't even know what it is they're criticizing. People should respect others' opinions and even if they do want to criticize something, there's a civil way of doing it.

On a very basic level I can see why people say it promotes witchcraft. Some children aren't going to notice that the conflict between Voldemort and Harry is a fight between good and bad, or a fight between hate and love. And that love and good always take over. They'll take it on a basic level, that two people are fighting and one wins, not that that one person represents something. Children might only see that it’s about a world filled with witches and wizards, and I'm sure most of them would then want to be witches/wizards which may lead to them getting involved in RL witchcraft. I'm not saying I agree that it promotes witchcraft, I'm just saying I can see why someone might argue that it would.

Again, on a young child's level, the Harry Potter books do not offer realistic situations. No one battles with a great dark wizard in nearly every year at school and comes out not the least bit emotionally disturbed, with absolutely no need for counseling. There aren't real wizards and witches. People don't carry dark lords around on the back of their heads… etc. Older readers see the parallel between the Harry Potter books and our real lives; however, I highly doubt the Harry Potter books give young children a lot of in-sight on the real world.

LOL Ashlee, well if you call it "playing" you can't really expect people to take it seriously ;)

~Nagini~

Nagini, no matter what way I put it, people never take me seriously. They just give me the raised eyebrow look and continue to ignore me. Besides, "playing" was the only word I could think of, I don't consider it playing it was just the word I used at the time.

*shrugs*

Originally, when I signed up for it last year, I simply wanted to learn some more stuff about the Harry Potter books, about the world and how it works. Now, I wish to go beyond the surface of Harry's story and go further in. I'm a fanfic writer, and generally love to write, so I hope that this time I'll learn some writing tricks and tips. Learn some *but not all* the magic behind the world created by JK. As long as we don't shread the story (as in analysis to the extent that you hate the series, now really do you want that? <_<) I'm an estatic camper!

As for the lesson I'm looking forward to... It'd have to be the March lesson. I LOVE finding out things about what it's like to be a hero of the day or the villian. If there's one thing I love figuring out, it's the thing of villians. In a lot of books there are villians who are pure evil, like say, Sauron from The Lord of the Rings and so on. But in so many others, there are villians who well, really don't act like a villian, Which makes for a just as intruiging story. Same goes for heroes! So I'd love to analyze that aspect a bit, to see how both totally different aspects can create just as exciting stories as the next. ^^

As for the studying of the Harry Potter series, I can't really say it's important, but I can say you learn lessons in there, lessons of life, love, faith and courage. And that in itself is important to study. The intricasy of it makes it all the more worthwhile that way. So I can't say why I feel it's important to study, but why I feel it's WORTHWHILE to study.

As for critics, they may be justified calling Harry Potter brain candy, but I've yet to see a book that is not considered 'brain candy' be so madly popular and get their themes across so clearly and precisely. There are so few books like that, and even few reaching out to the age range that Harry Potter reaches. So the fact JK made a book both enjoyable, witty, fun AND meaningful and you learn something, makes it extraordinary.

And thus ends this month's discussion. As much as some of you may have worried about the length of your entry, I must say I was excited to see that you had so much to say and I took great pleasure in reading everyone's comments.


Mia: It IS weird that sometimes the obvious things are the ones we don't see. Its even more terrible because sometimes those elements we miss...are the most important.

Ella: Thanks! I'm always glad to see English fans. Love the subject myself, of course. And relating things to HP makes it all the more enjoyable. That's how I was first taught archetypes, by watchinig the Star Wars movies in English.

Ashlee: The birth order lesson IS about phenomenon like "middle child syndrome." But that's not all. You would hardly believe how many different theories there are.

Anya: Ahh, the Neville lesson! I've revised the outline for that lesson a dozen times over. It'll be interesting, to say the least.

Brianna: Please feel free to email me any questions who may have had on book 5. They might make for some good discussion topics or some points I might want to look at in future lessons.

Mirabella: Its funny how analysing HP has helped me with reading other classic texts. And I must agree that what makes the pull of the books so strong is their relation to real life.

Moraine: I'm also every excited about March's hero lesson. It'll probably be my favorite lesson. I already have pages of notes on the subject of archetypes and character roles so now I just have to tie it in with Harry Potter.

Nagini: I think the witchcraft debates are interesting to read and important to note. It's a very delicate subject given its religious nature, but I think by discussing the books with a person on the other side of debate, we have a valuable oppurtunity to learn something about people with different views and backgrounds. I have my own real-life-HP-witch-critic and as long as we keep the discussion mature, I can learn about her religious beliefs and she can learn about mine.


Points for extra credit will be posted in The Grade Book.


And it was a hard decision (everyone made some remarkable points) but this month's Ickle Inputter Award goes to:

Mirabella Nevlome

Your award is being processed and sent through review but just so you know, you'll get it eventually. Congratulations.

:o This is me shocked.

:blink: This is me going "huh?!?"

Wow...um, I can honestly say that I wasn't expecting that. Thank you very much for the award.

I totally loved Cyn's and Ashlee's posts, and was honestly not expecting this, and I'm rambling so I'm just going to say thank you again and end this post! *LOL*

Thank you,

Mira