Huck and Jim: a few musings

Hmm...what can I say without repeating what was said in class yesterday? The loyalty that Huck and Jim feel for each other which develops throughout the book is certainly stronger than friendships in many other novels—not only is it radical in the sense that the bond is between a Black person and a White person, (and even what I’ve read of modern authors don’t seem to make those kind of attachments very often; perhaps they are afraid of somehow ending up crucified in our hyper-p.c. society) there are not many who would choose to go to Hell for the benefit of the other (whether they were correct in that belief or not). It’s interesting that Jim’s name is the homophone of “gem,” an item of great worth, although before cutting and polishing that value is hidden, while a huckleberry has traditionally been associated with the idea of something very small and insignificant, albeit with affection, as huckleberries are a favorite with people who know them (I had a high-school speech teacher from up north that was obsessed with them).

"I AM yo' Huckleberry"

The character/narrator, Huck, already reveals Twain’s genius, specifically in his realism. Huck is frank, practical, and mostly logical, and people misunderstand Huck, assuming he understands concepts that he has never been taught (e.g. Miss Watson balking at his ideas of prayer and Providence, or Tom's annoyance at his ideas concerning the practical application of genies). The repetition of phrases such as "I don't take no stock in ___" set up a personal rhythm of speech and make Huck more real. Twain also lures the reader into reading further by describing events through the eyes of the boys in such ridiculous ways that the reader must read further in order to understand what is taking place (e.g. the A-rabs and elephants). The incorporation of superstition is interesting because Huck tells what he feels is important without extraneous details...it makes no difference that his touching the snakeskin is three days before Jim is bitten, or killing a spider couldn’t logically bring his father; they can't be coincidence to Huck. Finally, the quirky scene endings, such as “it had all the marks of a Sunday school" or that Huck’s father could only be "reformed with a shotgun" add to the narrative richness.

Let's work together, yeah yeah yeah

Though Harry technically "comes of age,” within book seven and the conflicts established throughout the series are resolved, it seems more like the series as a whole makes up a “Bildungsroman” than book seven alone, because the series as a whole functions as one immense story. Applying Freytag’s pyramid to the complete work, the exposition is in book one, when Harry is first introduced to the wizard world. The rising action takes place from then on into book seven; the climax/turning point could be when Harry decides that dying for the cause is worth it (though it’s also significant that at the beginning of the novel, Harry sorts out and throws away the “childish things” while reestablishing the value of his more significant possessions, and that after Dobby’s death Harry chooses to seek the Horcruxes instead of the Hallows). In the falling action final plot elements come together to yield the dénouement, the victory over Voldemort and the epilogue that shows the lasting success of the endeavor.
Like the characters within them, these books can’t really stand independently of one another because they cooperate to portray the larger story; book seven can’t be considered a Bildungsroman alone.

Would a werewolf resent being called, "Dawg"?

One character not mentioned in class today was Remus Lupin, who is nevertheless, fascinating not only because he is a defense-teaching werewolf, but especially because his dilemma with shame and fatherhood represents prejudice in a more personal way than say, goblins or house-elves, and because his doubts in his abilities as a father stimulate such ardent opposition within Harry (despite that fact that Harry shares the vice of self-doubt). Lupin attempts to answer a question that is relevant in today’s society; which is better, a bad father (or in this case, a father who thinks that he is because society says that he is) or no father at all? It seems implied within the story that any father is better than none, at least in Harry’s point of view. Lupin’s inclusion in the story is important because without Harry’s struggle and boldness to call Lupin, who, as a friend of his father and a teacher deserves Harry’s respect, accountable, Harry might not have had the personal strength to stand up to Voldemort and to make the ultimate choice of self-sacrifice. Finally, the fact that “nineteen years later” Harry is the surrogate father for Lupin’s child shows his loyalty and steadfastness.

The usual suspects

*Note the wild eyes, capricious coutures and odd expressions

Thoughts about that Little Warlock

Although the series as a whole could probably be considered a Bildungsroman on account of Harry’s growth, book seven conforms more to the archetypical hero myth because of certain elements it contains. First, Harry has lost his mentor Dumbledore, forcing him to progress on his own (similar to the losses of Gandalf and Obi-Wan). Another common element is that others believe he has a destiny and special abilities (83), but Harry doesn’t hold them and continually struggles against them despite their truth, like Frodo or Luke Skywalker. Next, there is a link between Harry and Voldemort (the wands [84], soul) and a vulnerability to the same lures (the Elder wand [435], disobedience of Dumbledore), like Luke and Vader’s father/son relationship and the lure of the dark side, and Frodo’s corruption by the ring. There is also a specific quest (433) complete with tokens (Horcruxes), and without Harry’s success, there will be genocide and destruction (like of the Shire). Finally, the elements of death, sacrifice and rebirth are present (691, 708), and Harry’s victory provides the boon of a secure future for both wizards and muggles. Together, all these elements make Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows fit the hero myth.

Primer Pensamiento

Yo estaba un poco desanimada cuando descubri hoy que necesitaba escribir un ensayo acerca de Harry Potter antes que tenemos la primera clase, porque todavia tengo otras cosas que quiero hacer en mi casa antes que regreso a Waco (por ejemplo, estoy tratando a terminar mi primer edredon), y no me gusta mucho la tecnologia. Pero, cuando descrubri que Ud. es el igual profesor que mi companiera de cuarto tenia el semestre pasado, y cuando pense mas en los libros que vamos a leer, me dio mas entusiasmo, y tengo ganas para la clase y todo que vamos a aprender este semestre. Espero que yo aprendera secretos de la "Bildungsroman" que puedo usar en los cuentos que yo escribo. (Me gustaria ser una escritora de ficcion algun dia). O, y una cosita mas... no se preocupe; no voy a escribir mis otras blogs en espanol. No se como escribir los acentos y eso me esta molestando bastante.

Bendicaciones,
P. Jackalope