The Sociology of Harry Potter: 22 Enchanting Essays on the Wizarding World
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George MacDonald: Literary Heritage and Heirs
Roderick McGillis, editor
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0972322132
This latest collection of 14 essays sets a new standard that will influence MacDonald studies for many more years. George MacDonald experts are increasingly evaluating his entire corpus within the nineteenth century context.
“This comprehensive collection represents the best of contemporary scholarship on George MacDonald.” Rolland Hein, author of George MacDonald: Victorian Mythmaker
In the Near Loss of Everything: George MacDonald’s Son in America
Dale Wayne Slusser
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982238533
In the summer of 1887, George MacDonald’s son Ronald, newly engaged to artist Louise Blandy, sailed from England to America to teach school. The next summer he returned to England to marry Louise and bring her back to America. On August 27, 1890, Louise died, leaving him with an infant daughter. Ronald once described losing a beloved spouse as “the near loss of everything”. Dale Wayne Slusser unfolds this poignant story with unpublished letters and photos that give readers a glimpse into the close-knit MacDonald family. Also included is Ronald’s essay about his father, George MacDonald: A Personal Note, plus a selection from Ronald’s 1922 fable, The Laughing Elf, about the necessity of both sorrow and joy in life.
A Novel Pulpit: Sermons from George MacDonald’s Fiction
David L. Neuhouser
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1936294036
“In MacDonald’s novels, the Christian teaching emerges out of the characters and story line, the narrator’s comments, and inclusion of sermons given by the fictional preachers. The sermons in the novels are shorter than the ones in collections of MacDonald’s sermons and so are perhaps more accessible for some. In any case, they are both stimulating and thought-provoking. This collection of sermons from ten novels serve to bring out the ‘freshness and brilliance’ of MacDonald’s message.”
From the author’s introduction
Behind the Back of the North Wind: Essays on George MacDonald’s Classic Book
Edited and with Introduction by John Pennington and Roderick McGillis
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1936294109
The unique blend of fairy tale atmosphere and social realism in this novel laid the groundwork for modern fantasy literature. Sixteen essays by various authors are accompanied by an instructive introduction, extensive index, and beautiful illustrations.
Through the Year with George MacDonald: 366 Daily Readings
Edited by Rolland Hein
and with Introduction by Douglas Gresham
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1936294109
George MacDonald was a many-faceted nineteenth-century writer-an ordained minister without a church, a popular lecturer, college professor, and most famously, the author nearly 50 books. From sermons to poetry, scholarly essays to novels, and fantasy romances to fairy stories, his writing often combines the flavor of the fantastic with a scent of the spiritual-all the while evincing wisdom based in reality. Rolland Hein, eminent MacDonald scholar, biographer, and editor of this anthology, aptly quotes from MacDonald's novel The Marquis of Lossie, "Life and religion are one, or neither is anything...." The selections from Through the Year with George MacDonald are proof of the unity of MacDonald's vision. They are also proof of the decades Dr. Hein has spent immersed in the writings of this remarkable author, compiling a devotional book that readers will return to many times over for inspiration.
Many who are aware of C.S. Lewis's indebtedness to George MacDonald and, as a consequence, have desired to know this Scottish author better, will find this anthology to be the perfect way into his writings. Rolland Hein is a wise and accomplished guide to MacDonald, presenting readers with selections that speak engagingly of deep spiritual truths such as kindness, trust, obedience, holiness-and chief among these always, the unending love of God the Father for each one of His children. Indeed, in this volume you will encounter, as MacDonald compellingly demonstrates, 'life essential.'
Marjorie Lamp Mead, Associate Director,The Marion E. Wade Center, Wheaton College
Poets and Poetry
Remembering Roy Campbell: The Memoirs of his Daughters, Anna and Tess
Introduction by Judith Lütge Coullie, Editor
Preface by Joseph Pearce
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1936294044
Anna and Teresa Campbell were the daughters of the handsome young South African poet and writer, Roy Campbell (1901-1957), and his beautiful English wife, Mary Garman. In their frank and moving memoirs, Anna and Tess recall the extraordinary, and often very difficult, lives they shared with their exceptional parents. The book includes over 50 photos, 344 footnotes, a timeline of Campbell’s life, and a complete index.
In the Eye of the Beholder: How to See the World Like a Romantic Poet
Louis Markos
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/193629401X
Born out of the French Revolution and its radical faith that a nation could be shaped and altered by the dreams and visions of its people, British Romantic Poetry was founded on a belief that the objects and realities of our world, whether natural or human, are not fixed in stone but can be molded and transformed by the visionary eye of the poet. Unlike many of the books written on Romanticism, which devote many pages to the poets and few pages to their poetry, the focus here is firmly on the poems themselves. The author thereby draws the reader intimately into the life of these poems. A separate bibliographical essay is provided for readers listing accessible biographies of each poet and critical studies of their work.
The Cat on the Catamaran: A Christmas Tale
John Martin
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982238509
Here is a modern-day parable of a modern-day cat with modern-day attitudes. Riverboat Dan is a “cool” cat on a perpetual vacation from responsibility. He’s The Cat on the Catamaran – sailing down the river of life. Dan keeps his guilty conscience from interfering with his fun until he runs into trouble. But will he have the courage to believe that it’s never too late to change course? (For ages 10 to adult)
“Cat lovers and poetry lovers alike will enjoy this whimsical story about Riverboat Dan, a philosophical cat in search of meaning.” Regina Doman, author of Angel in the Water
Miscellaneou s
Through Common Things: Philosophical Refelections on Pop Culture
Adam Barkman
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1936294060
Through Common Things is a philosophical exploration of both western and eastern popular culture. Barkman achieves what is rare: to preserve the integrity of the popular culture in question - while at the same time looking at it from a variety of angles. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the subject matter and encounter insights that can lead to personal awareness and growth.
Above All Things: Essays on Christian Ethics and Pop Culture
Adam Barkman
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1936294168
In an ever-changing world, new situations arise demanding ethical re-sponses from Christian thinkers. This is particularly true in our modern context with hyper-changes in areas like popular culture. Through a series of essays, Barkman explores the contours of this phenomenon - from movies to comic books, from TV series to novels - attentive to new ideas, or old ideas made new, requiring Christian ethical reflection. Topics such as the ethics of sex, deception, drugs, tattoos, slavery, incest, hypnosis, and gender, to name but a few, are explored Christianly vis-à-vis culture as diverse as Game of Thrones, Sherlock Holmes, Gladiator, The Big Bang Theory, Thor and many others.
Virtuous Worlds: The Video Gamer’s Guide to Spiritual Truth
John Stanifer
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1936294133
According to a recent report, there were 34.2 million units sold
of video game hardware or “consoles” in 2009. Popular titles like Halo 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess fly off shelves at a mind-blowing rate. John Stanifer, an avid gamer, goes beyond a general overview and shows readers specific parallels between Christian faith and the content of their favorite games. Written with wry humor (including a heckler who frequently pokes fun at the author) this book will appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike. Those unfamiliar with video games may be pleasantly surprised to find that many elements in those “virtual worlds” also qualify them as “virtuous worlds.”
Spotlight: A Close-up Look at the Artistry and Meaning of Stephenie Myer’s Twilight Novels
John Granger
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982238592
Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga has taken the world by storm. But is there more to Twilight than a love story for teen girls crossed with a cheesy vampire-werewolf drama? Spotlight reveals the literary backdrop, themes, artistry, and meaning of the four Bella Swan adventures. Spotlight is the only book that explains Twilight-mania and is the perfect gift for serious Twilight readers wanting to learn why the books have become as popular as they are.
The Iona Conspiracy (from The Remnant Chronicles book series)
Gary Gregg
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1936294141/
Readers find themselves on a modern adventure through ancient Celtic myth and legend as thirteen year old Jacob uncovers his destiny within “the remnant” of the Sporrai Order. As the Iona Academy comes under the control of educational reformers and ideological scientists, Jacob finds himself on a dangerous mission to the sacred Scottish island of Iona and discovers how his life is wrapped up with the fate of the long lost cover of The Book of Kells. From its connections to Arthurian legend to references to real-life people, places, and historical mysteries, Iona is an adventure that speaks to eternal truths as well as the challenges of the modern world. A young adult novel, Iona can be enjoyed by the entire family.
To Love Another Person: A Spiritual Journey Through Les Miserables
John Morrison
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00A6DDF4E
The powerful story of Jean Valjean’s redemption is beloved by readers and theatergoers everywhere. In this companion and guide to Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, author John Morrison unfolds the spiritual depth and breadth of this classic novel and broadway musical.
Endnotes
* * *
[i] Schefer (ed.) Beachman Publishing, 2000
[ii] Whited (ed.) University of Missouri Press, 2002
[iii] Baggett and Klein (eds.) Open Court, 2004
[iv] Mulholland (ed.) BenBella Books, 2006
[v] Heilman (ed.) Routledge, 2008
[vi] One social institution which receives a great deal sociological attention, but is noticeably absent from this book, is education. The Harry Potter books have been widely analyzed by scholars in English, Curriculum and Instruction, Education, Library Studies, and so forth. And while Sociology does have a particular disciplinary view on education as a social institution, I decided nonetheless not to re-invent (i.e., analyze) the educational wheel.
[vii] Social Darwinism is the view that those who are currently are the top of a society have been evolutionarily handpicked to be in that position and, therefore, they are and ought to be the dominant group. In the 19th century, this concept gave rise to the justification of white dominance and, in relation to the Harry Potter series, the justification of pureblood dominance.
[viii] Indeed, a perfect example of this occurred at the end of the students’ fifth year. At the end of the school year, Harry was nearly attacked on the Hogwarts Express Slytherin students, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. Before they are able to attack him, however, several members of Dumbledore’s Army, including Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Anthony Goldstein, and Terry Boot, jump to the rescue and prevent Harry’s attack (OOTP 864). This example illustrates the differences that existed after the formation of Dumbledore’s Army: a significant increase in camaraderie and a banding together, or higher level of mobilization, could be observed.
[ix] Actually, Snape never believed that any of the students were talented in his subject. Hermione was brilliant, but even she couldn’t make the perfect potion when the instructions need improvisation (HBP 190-191; 194).
[x] Grades are as follows: O for ‘Outstanding,’ E for ‘Exceeds Expectations,’ A for ‘Acceptable,’ and then P for ‘Poor,’ D for ‘Dreadful’ and T for ‘Troll.’ (OOTP 237)
[xi] Thank you to Matt Mohr for providing the summary of Stryker’s (1980) theory.
[xii] “Innocent” here does not mean guilty of no crime, but being innocent of a grave offense. When Amycus spat in Professor McGonagal’s face he was not “innocent;” but Harry was nonetheless able to successfully harm him with the Cruciatus Curse (DH 593). This is likely because of the difference in the severity of the offense of killing someone versus disrespecting them, with anger for the latter being less “righteous” than the former and thus allowing one to produce an effective Cruciatus Curse.
[xiii] While there is some overlap, the word reciprocity, as used here and by Simmel, refers to the defining of social roles and meaning via interaction, not the Parsonian concepts of exchange and social order that were presented in the previous chapter.
[xiv] Symbolic Interactionism, as discussed in chapter 2, is a school of sociology whereby the researchers are concerned with how people relate to each other and interact as mediated by signs and symbols and symbolic rituals and practices.
[xv] Ron’s initial reaction in the Shrieking Shack four years prior is exemplary: Despite knowing and respecting Lupin all year, he instantly tried to move far away from him and shouted “Get away from me, werewolf!” after Hermione revealed the truth about his condition (POA 345).
[xvi] Nash (2006:3) captures this eloquently: “It is possible for subjects to read resistive meaning in space… in this way, subjects can appropriate spaces to allow for new or alternative subjectivities and identities to operate.”
[xvii] The mass media is not the only agency that creates this kind of discourse but it is one of the most important arms of the state thus acts as an agent of Occlumency.
[xviii] Here I wish to pose a difficult but interesting question. Given the terror and trauma that had rendered the children incapable of discussing what happened, would it be hard to believe that some kind of sexual experimentation may have occurred? Silence in children can indicate abuse or trauma in their past. Something important happened there; Riddle clearly saw the encounter with the children in the cave as a pivotal moment in his life, evidenced by the fact that he later chose the location to hide a Horcrux, part of his soul.
[xix] Proposing such an optimistic model of youthful engagement means the acknowledgement “the engaged youth paradigm” (W. Lance Bennet 2008), which foregrounds the importance and potential of civic actions carried out online and which sees young people’s media engagement as empowering. Nevertheless, one has to bear in mind an alternative position on this issue, and in particular, the misgivings of some critics concerning dispersal, personalization and privatization of the political sphere, which marginalize the importance of the civic. (See David Buckingham, qtd. in Bennett 2008). Still, individualization of online activities does not necessarily mean the lack of open debates on public issues.
[xx] For the history of fan fiction, see Francesca Coppa (2006) “A Brief History of Media Fandom” Pp. 41-59 in Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of Internet: New Essays, ed. by K. Hellekson and K. Busse. Jefferson, NC and London: McFarland.
[xxi] An extended study of fan fiction and its history as a literary phenomenon can be found in Sheenagh Pugh’s The Democratic Genre: Fan Fiction in a Literary Context (2005). Fan fiction can also be approached from a psychological perspective, as a space for fans to engage in affective play of destabilizing boundaries between internal and external realities by playing out fantasies and desires about their own i
dentities. Finally, fan fiction has been analyzed in light of its potential for increasing both expertise at writing and media literacy. For a detailed bibliography of critical studies of fan fiction see Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of Internet: New Essays (Busse 2008)
[xxii] To counter this argument, Travis Prinzi (2009: 257) contends that Rowling purposefully “left us in a world in which much injustice still exists” as “to eliminate all prejudice and slavery, and create peace and harmony in the world in that one final year would be an utter insult to the depth of the problem of racism.” Instead Rowling wishes to indicate that change has to occur gradually, as a consequence of emotional and mental transformations of individuals. Therefore, in the final novel she presents hopeful beginnings of such inner transformations in the main characters so as to initiate a debate “for our own world, which alas is so much like the Wizarding one.”
[xxiii] I want to thank Agnieszka Muc, a 2009-2011 MA student of mine, for suggesting fics to be analyzed in this chapter.
[xxiv] As Remus is not an animagus, it can be assumed that the author means all witches and wizards who can transform into an animal.
[xxv] Interestingly, John Granger argues for a similar future scenario for the development of the relationships between the Houses, which he reads in the context of Rowling’s allusions to Dante: “But there is a third wave of generations that we meet on the Epilogue platform. I think we can expect, just as Hermione was the infolding into the Inner Triumvirate of the Lily figure of Harry’s father generation, that Draco’s son Scorpius will be the inclusion of the Slytherin foe into Albus Severus’ trio. Albus, Rose and Scorpius won’t battle Voldemort, but they will, as the third generation and “white rose,” enter the Paradise of Love and the end of the Four Houses metanarrative, which divides and causes the prejudices of all wizards and witches at Hogwarts” (Granger 2008: 149).