I’m not thinking spiritual specifics, nor Christian specifics (such as you cite) that might divide. I’m thinking the influences and hat-tips to Great Lliterature, the alchemical structure for her books, the keys John has written about specifically in UHP and DHL.

She could also discuss traditional symbolism, but do it in a Western literary historical context. She doesn’t have to go into her personal beliefs to discuss those things. John and Travis could have a perfectly good conversation about such topics, which she hasn’t discussed with other interviewers. Check out what John says in DHL that he would like to discuss with Rowling–nothing inflammatory there. One thing he said was that he’d like to see her bookshelves. I don’t think there would be too much flamethrowing in that.

Kitties, contrary to popular opinion, definitely have personal beliefs; they just choose to keep them to themselves…

The worst sin one can commit nowadays is to actually truly believe in something & exclude contradictory beliefs as untrue. Objective truth & reality is anathema to our post modern sensibilities.

Now, if Jo talked about her beliefs in a sort of “oh, it’s true for me but not necessarily for you sort of way,” then she’d be mostly fine.

Still, I’m guessing she hasn’t really talked much about the Christian aspects because, 1) she knows she’ll get hit by both sides of the culture warriors & 2) she thinks it so obvious that she doesn’t really need to talk about it, as per her interviews where she said if she did talk more openly people would know the ending. Of course, she talks about other obvious things like prejudice & tolerance for others, but those are pretty pc topics.

I do agree that “the penny has not dropped” for all readers, especially very young ones, who don’t need to bother with counting change. However, as Rowling’s readerships spans all age and maturity levels, I think it would generate interest to extrapolate on what went into her books. And as young kids see older siblings, friends, etc., suddenly reading great lit due to Harry Potter; well, it would raise their curiousity level, even if only to reading today’s approximation of Classic Illustrated Comics. “Manga Tale of Two Cities!!”

Pat, you’re right; some avowed fans would object, but I’d think these were in the minority and have shown closed minds. Their oxymoronic love of the books is brain-twiddling, but as long as their neurons still fire, I guess it won’t damage them too much.

Having stood up to the Harry-hating religious right, Rowling certainly has the spine to speak on what has gone into canon. I can’t see letting a small number of fans (and there will always be such fans) “dictate” what she speaks about now.

Good luck with your film project; my sympathies.

Cats are great posers–even poseurs–in or out of bags….

Well, Arabella, I think some of them DO mind – they are the same ones who didn’t like Deathly Hallows, and were irritated because it might turn out that love saves all back in Order of the Phoenix. They are also the ones who profess loudly that they love Harry Potter books. Huh? That never made sense to me. If I didn’t like the direction an author was going, then I quit reading the books by said author rather than ranting about what she should have written. Stupidest arguement I have ever heard.

But I do agree that I had hoped that at some point after the books were all done, that Rowling would embrace her readers who are over the age of 14. And I don’t understand either. Maybe it has to do with fame. She really got burned by all of that when she was first writing, and she might just not want to give the press, or those who disagree with her religious overtones, any reason to attack from the other side of the fence.

I think I’m going to wait for the book before speculating. I’ve read the synopsis for each one and they sound wonderful. But I’m looking forward to reading them with a fresh and open mind. If I think too much about it now, I’m afraid it will spoil it.

btw, John – that’s a marvelous, and well-deserved, review. I loved the book, and plan to re-read it soon. But right now, I have to put together a short “movie” for a friend who is doing a fund-raiser dinner. Problem is, I’m using someone else’s photos, which is . . . not terribly easy. Even photoshop can’t fix a photo that is just awful because the person doesn’t understand how to focus the camera! Argh! But that’s another problem altogether. I’ll be back when I am done.

Pat

..and by the way, in my earlier reply to you, instead of putting ‘give the game away’ at the end I do so wish I had written ‘let the cat out of the bag’ sigh…

As far as I understand, the game has been given away. And no one apparently minds.

Having used literary influences and traditional Christian symbolism so overtly in the books, and having spoken directly about same, why not speak with those who understand and speak intelligently about them, thus opening doors to great literature and understanding symbolism for young fans who are “under the radar?” I’m sure literature teachers everywhere would rejoice.

Fled and Gorge are up to tricks again…

My guess is that it is connected to C S Lewis’ advice on how to get past the “sleeping dragons”, as likely referenced by JKR in the Hogwarts motto: “Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus”.

And so if JKR entered into debate with say Prof John and Travis P – would it not give the whole game away?

Ah, well, there you go, John! I’ve of course not looked at the bibliography at all so no wonder I didn’t see your name.

You’re mentioned & not negatively either. That’s something!