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by lukan 236 days ago
" Harry Potter, like Rambo, The Matrix, and Frankenstein, supplies metaphors and narratives through which nearly everyone today interprets the world around them, even if they haven't read it themselves"

I did read the books, but I don't think I have really encountered the use of "Muggles, horcrux, mudblood" in every day life, nor do I personally feel they shaped my metaphors or narratives on how I see the world. Frankenstein is much more catchy for the metaphor of the man made monster for example. What does Harry Potter stands for?
2 comments
kragen 236 days ago
The young woman I was standing behind at the bus stop tonight had the Deathly Hallows logo tattooed on her harm.

What does Harry Potter represent? You can't replace a book-length narrative with a short phrase.

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lukan 236 days ago
Well, possibly I miss something, because I wouldn't recognize a Deathly Hallows logo if I see one. (I assume this is rather from the movies?). But there are occasional references to Harry Potter I have seen.

Apart from that, I would say Harry Porter represents some things.

The glass eyed bullied nerd, that steps into a magical realm to become a superhero. In general, the concept of a fantastic magical realm hidden besides this dull concrete reality. But those are old tropes I would think and unlike with Matrix(blue pill, red pill), Star Wars (may the force be with you, the dark side), Lord of the rings (The ring of power that corrupts), I don't see such strong concepts coming from Harry Porter that

"supplies metaphors and narratives through which nearly everyone today interprets the world around them"

Just my impression, I don't have a strong opinion here, rather curious what I might miss.

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kragen 236 days ago
It's not the main thrust; it's the details.

I think you're right that the Deathly Hallows logo was introduced by the films.

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kragen 235 days ago
On her arm!
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coderatlarge 236 days ago
i don’t have a strong view either way, but as a data point: I've heard the word “muggle” used in casual conversation and i don’t run in circles where harry potter is considered required reading.
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