Re-reading Harry Potter
Earlier this week, I finished re-reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for the first time since finishing Deathly Hallows. Now, I've always had a deep appreciation for the HP series - read oodles of fanfic, kept up with all of the films and video games, even taught classes on them. However, after rereading PS in light of the end of the series, I think my appreciation has increased tenfold.
JKR's narrative is so incredibly tight, and the architecture of the series is much more impressive than I realized, even given my rabid appreciation. Almost everything and everyone that will play a pivotal role in the story is at least briefly introduced in the first book. Just a few examples:
Sirius Black's motorcycle (yes - we all know this one)
The concept of flying vehicles
Harry imagines Snape can read his mind (of course he can - Snape is magic)
Parseltongue (again, obvious)
Aunt Marge
Bathilda Bagshot
Dumbledore's connection to Grindelwald
Snape's protection of Harry
Snape's discussion with Quirrell regarding choosing where one's loyalties lie (great precursor to the Snape as double agent narrative)
Dumbledore's blatant manipulation of Harry and willingness to put him in harms way all too easily (sneaky old wanker)
Scabbers (his reaction to the children of the Death Eaters is particularly telling)
The sorting (an overwhelming number of the major - and even minor - student players are mentioned here)
Really, there's much more. I should have written this up right after I finished reading so I would remember it better, but I've been a lazy poster this week.
Ah well, on to Chamber of Secrets.
JKR's narrative is so incredibly tight, and the architecture of the series is much more impressive than I realized, even given my rabid appreciation. Almost everything and everyone that will play a pivotal role in the story is at least briefly introduced in the first book. Just a few examples:
Sirius Black's motorcycle (yes - we all know this one)
The concept of flying vehicles
Harry imagines Snape can read his mind (of course he can - Snape is magic)
Parseltongue (again, obvious)
Aunt Marge
Bathilda Bagshot
Dumbledore's connection to Grindelwald
Snape's protection of Harry
Snape's discussion with Quirrell regarding choosing where one's loyalties lie (great precursor to the Snape as double agent narrative)
Dumbledore's blatant manipulation of Harry and willingness to put him in harms way all too easily (sneaky old wanker)
Scabbers (his reaction to the children of the Death Eaters is particularly telling)
The sorting (an overwhelming number of the major - and even minor - student players are mentioned here)
Really, there's much more. I should have written this up right after I finished reading so I would remember it better, but I've been a lazy poster this week.
Ah well, on to Chamber of Secrets.