The Wisdom of Harry Potter: What Our Favorite Hero Teaches Us about Moral ChoicesIn 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 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. |
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS | 11 |
PLOT THREADS AND MORAL FIBERS | 45 |
GREED CONVENTIONALITY DEMONIC THREAT | 129 |
Copyright | |
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Abanes adults alchemy ambiguity assess Cedric Chamber of Secrets chapter characters children's literature Christian claims context cultural death dementors demonic depictions Dobby Dumbledore Dumbledore's Dursleys Eccleshare emotions empathy ethical evil fantasy fate fiction Flamel Goblet of Fire Gryffindor Hagrid Harry Potter Harry Potter books Harry Potter Novels Harry Potter's World Harry's adventures Harry's stories Heilman Hermione hero historical Hogwarts Hogwarts Express house-elf human Ibid imaginative important J. K. Rowling J. K. Rowling's J. R. R. Tolkien kids Kohlberg's literary myth Little Whinging Lupin Malfoy McGonagall Ministry of Magic Moral Development Muggles Nicolas Flamel nonetheless Nussbaum offer parents Pettigrew phoenix portrayal Prisoner of Azkaban Quidditch readers reading reason religious critics Rowling's Rowling's series Sirius Slytherin Snape Sorcerer's Stone Stoic Stoicism symbols themes things tion Tolkien Tower and Harry Triwizard Tournament ultimately understanding University Press virtue Voldemort wand Weasley witchcraft witches wizarding York