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 and 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 highlights her call to meet them with
typically Stoic virtues: constancy, endurance, perseverance,
self-discipline, reason, solidarity, empathy, and sacrifice. Children
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 weird 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, explains the Stoic
principles found in the stories, considers the common critiques of the
books, discusses Rowling's skillful blend of history, legend, and myth,
and provides important questions for guiding children through Harry's
adventures.
This fresh, instructive, and upbeat guide to Harry Potter will give
parents many useful and educational suggestions for discussing the moral
implications of this continuously popular series of books with their
children.
Note: This book is not authorized, approved, licensed, or endorsed by J.
K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any other individual or entity associated
with the Harry Potter books or movies. Harry Potter is a registered
trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
