The Wisdom of Harry Potter

by Edmund M. Kern

In 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. 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.

Genres: Harry Potter, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Books About Books, Literary Criticism, Adult

298 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Elliott Bignell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only real complaint I can make against this book is that it was written and released before the Harry Potter series itself had ended. I suspect that the same author, writing a book with the same theme in 20 years' time, would produce a work of lasting value. As it is, I fear it is destined to a mayfly life like the the deluge of titles with which it in part also deals. This would be a shame, as it is clearly and accessibly written and says much that is useful.

Kern proposes that Potter presents us with a Renaissance of the classical Stoicism of Zeno and Seneca. It is a striking fact that Dumbledore was first played by Richard Harris, a man who seemed born to play the role, and who had shortly before played the great Stoic Marcus Aurelius in "Gladiator". This seems like synchronicity. More seriously, perhaps, Kern's analysis seems to have been borne out as the series reached its culmination. Rowling threw a few curves, and some of Kern's predictions were a bit off, but ultimately Potter's philosophy fits Kern's Stoicism. Certainly his decision to make the final sacrifice in order to yield up Voldemort ("flight from death") to defeat fits the mould.

Kern was also spot on about the centrality and complexity of Snape, now by far my favourite character. He also displays a kind of stoic endurance, finally giving everything to remain true while in constant pain from obdurate fate and the sight of his loved one's son.

The volume of secondary work feeding off the Harry Potter phenomenon is obviously greater than I ever suspected. The book deals in detail with half-a-dozen or so works analysing, praising or condemning Harry and Rowling. The criticisms divide roughly into stylistic, leftist-social and rightist-religious. The religious objections are so absurd and solipsistic as to barely require dismissal; the leftist ones centring about the endorsement of social power structures less obviously so but still presuming too much of others' mission to correct the world. Rowling is a Christian and a Liberal and both sets of critics have missed the good she does.

The stylistic criticisms have, I think, been defeated by argumentum ad populem, as there is no logical proof of the quality of a work of popular literature beyond its popularity and endurance, no other sound metric, The books have been a work of mastery, in my opinion, one of the greatest feats of storytelling of my lifetime, and their impact bears this out. What is reassuring, therefore, is to have a professional academic with the appropriate skills write a work endorsing this view. It would just have been better had he waited a little longer.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate that this book was written, and that Mr. Kern took the time and research to share his thoughts on Harry's moral choices, and presenting Harry Potter AS a hero. I only wish he'd waited until all the books of the series were written. I don't think his conclusions would've changed at all. After all, eleven-year-old Harry is worlds apart from 17-year-old Harry. And rightly so.

Good for parents or adults who wonder what's "demonic" (nothing) or "witchcrafty" (just fictional spells and charms) about the book series that shook practically the entire world into a refreshing reading frenzy.

Don't read this book if you HAVEN'T read the Potter books. Spoilers galore.

This book is very dry in parts, and not written for children, obviously.

Not bad for Potter fans, just to add food for thought about the series. Favorite line of the book: "There's a little bit of Slytherin in everyone". ;)

[Gigi · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting read. I would not necessarily recommend. It was published just after the fifth book came out, and everything but a quick afterword only acknowledges the events of the first four books. Therefore it obviously does not acknowledge all of the hateful stuff JK Rowling has said since and how that impacts the moral high-ground she purports to take in her books. But I'm glad I finally finished it.

[Meghan Szady · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was written before the 5th book came out. It was interesting to read the thoughts and predictions of the books to follow. However, some of the conclusions and predictions are inaccurate.

[Mari]

Couldn't understand this book, not worth picking up

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was drawn to reading this book because I adore the HP series and was interested and delving deeper into the meaning of the books. The book was weakened by two main factors. First, was that Kern had written this book before the entire HP series had been published. I felt that doing so was premature and could have added more to his book if he had waited. The last couple of books contained the most intriguing morals that could be derived from the series. Second, Kern seems to spend more time praising JK than he does discussing the text. It's like every few sentences is pure frothing praise towards JK to convince parents who may be against having their children read this book. It's true that J.K. Rowling was and is an amazing author who wrote an incredible series but I would have liked less butt kissery and more analysis of the text.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is rather an academic read, but if you are in the mood for that, it satisfies. The PhD author explores major themes in Harry Potter and compares it to the classic Greek philosophy of stoicism. I was suddenly transported back to 11th grade English, and enjoyed it. The only caution regarding expectations is that this book only covers the first 4 books and not the whole series. However, the concepts definitely translate and anyone can extrapolate and apply them.

[Nathaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I imagine that this book was helpful several years ago when parents were nervous about letting their children read a book involving witchcraft and wizardry. The book seems a little outdated now (as it was written before books 6 and 7 of the series were published) but still makes some interesting ties between classical wisdom, problem of evil, and morality with the Potter series.

[Adam Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some substantial good here, but his thesis is that Harry expounds Stoic philosophy. While there is the idea of constancy and such in the books, on the whole the thesis doesn't seem supportable by a close reading of the text.

[Izlinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just read a few chapters, not the entire book, but this guy is pretty repetitive and it seems like J.K. Rowling can do no good. It was an okay read.

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 1 out of 5]

terlalu bertele-tele... hm... beginilah kalo beli bukunya hanya karena harganya murah doang di stan gramedia pas bazar kantor... ;P

[Merve · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting! discussing quotes and argumenty in an understandable way. entertaining and informative at the same time.