Harry Potter Questions
Elie has a list of questions that he’d like to ask JK Rowling.
On a side note here are a couple of comments. I am fan of Harry Potter. I very much enjoy the books and will be sad to see the series come to an end. One of the ways that you can measure the success of the series is by looking to see what groups lay a claim to Harry. A couple of examples that jump to mind.
I have seen essays that promote the idea that Harry is Jewish and essays that promote the idea that he is Christian. I think that it’d be kind of fun to poke at both groups by producing evidence that Harry is a member of some sort of pagan religion. Imagine the looks some people might give if they found Harry worshiping a plant or goat.
Anyway, I am looking forward to reading Deathly Hallows when it comes out.
Updated With Harry Potter/Jewish links
Harry Potter and Judaism
What’s so Jewish about Harry Potter?
Harry Potter is Jewish!
Jack's Shack March 6, 2007 at 4:54 am
Thanks Krulwich.
Krulwich March 5, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I certainly think it’s silly to claim that Harry is Jewish, but I wrote a whole book of Jewish perspectives on Harry Potter themes, titled Harry Potter and Torah, at http://www.harrypottertorah.com/
The book’s blog is at http://harrypottertorah.blogspot.com/
Feel free to add either to your list of links, and I’ll comment further (and crosslink) on the book’s blog.
Jack's Shack February 25, 2007 at 6:01 am
I hear you. Updated this with a few links that I found.
Elie February 23, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Jack: Thanks for the link!
I’d be curious how someone can claim Harry is Jewish, given that he celebrates Christmas, and has not been depicted as Jewish in any way. If JKR wanted to imply Harry was of Jewish ancestry, she would have done so by now.
On the other hand, I think an analogy can be made between the wizarding world and the Jewish people, as I recently wrote.