“When we read something the first time it’s for the plot. But every time after that, it’s not about the plot, it’s about the important things,” novelist Greg Garrett said.
Last night, Garrett and a room of about 30 people conversed about “Harry Potter.” His theme for the discussion was “Harry Potter, Wisdom, and Spirituality: Learning from the Boy Who Lived.” Garrett spoke about how Harry Potter is unlike anything in history, not because of the money generated or the amount of books that sold (which is over 400 million), but because of the story it tells and the lives it continues to touch.
Harry Potter’s story is one that tells of a culture, a lifestyle and an era. J. K. Rowling spins the world around her into a magical story that appeals to people of all ages and teaches each and every one of us a lesson. Harry Potter and the protagonists of his story are the heroes we all want to be, but the heroes that our culture doesn’t want.
Garrett emphasizes that celebrities and heroes are opposite, giving Paris Hilton as a prime example. As a great author, Rowling incorporates this idea in her book through Gilderoy Lockhart.
Garrett also emphasizes how much a community of certain people influences individuals, either for the good or bad. Citing the influences of Potter, Malfoy and Longbottom, Garrett shows how much your surroundings really influence your life.
Garrett makes many points using Draco Malfoy, Dumbledore, Neville Longbottom and Voldemort to draw parallels to the real world. His ideas give insight into how much thought Rowling put into a book seemingly geared toward children. Spirituality and wisdom, he argues, can be gained from the “boy who lived.”
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