Robert Pinsky is a Poet and Writer that provides insight into the mechanisms of poetry in our modern day. “Democracy, Culture and the Voice of Poetry” is one of Pinsky’s books on poetry that provides readers and fellow poets information and a space of reflection when it comes to Poetry in America.
I found this book helpful since I have been recently researching the role of poetry in American Culture, specifically when it comes to a surge of political writing and poetry during tumultuous times. Keeping in mind the protest poets of the past, I wanted to gain a more complex view of the role of poetry in America. What does it mean to write ‘political’ poetry? To write protest poetry? Do these poems last, are they cherished by audiences in another time and country? Or are they encapsulated in their own time and place as relics of specific events and times?
Pinsky’s book answered some of these questions I had although with a more complex response that pulled conversations and philosophical theories from people such as Alexis de Tocqueville . I also kept in mind that this book was published in 2005, not that old but it has been more than a decade since its first release. What is important is that Pinsky dismisses the idea that poetry is only for entertainment and that it does in fact (sometimes inadvertently) reflect the democratic culture of the U.S. at a specific time.
This book was insightful and interesting, a quick read too. I felt like it did a good job at bringing depth to Pinsky’s discussion and his own projects such as Favorite Poems Project. I did think that its purpose was to argue Pinsky’s own argument on the importance and role of poetry in America rather than discussing the ways in which one can write such poetry. I would recommend this book for any Pinsky reader and contemporary poet interested in the subject.
“Reflection: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling” will include my thoughts on the books, movies, The Cursed Child Playscript, and the controversy surrounding the story of Harry Potter.
Is the story of Harry Potter a bad influence because of the elements of witchcraft and wizardry?
Reading the Harry Potter Series: Diving into a Magical World
For the past eight months, I have been rereading the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. Growing up, I only read the first four books. I was one of the few people in my friend groups who did not finish reading the series. But I did watch every single movie when they came out. I also collected wands, Harry Potter merchandise, and related books (Fantastic Beasts and Quidditch Through the Ages).
I did not plan on my return to the Harry Potter world to align with the commemorative 20 year anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, but it conveniently worked out that way.
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Reflection of the Harry Potter Series: A Journey from Childhood to Adulthood (Books 1-7)
I became enthralled with the Harry Potter world after seeing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the theater in 2001. I kept the popcorn bag and movie tickets for years. Immediately after seeing the movie, I immersed myself in the Harry Potter world, collecting movie merch and the books. I remember reading the first two Harry Potter books when I was a kid and being completely sucked in (this was around the same time I became the avid reader I am today).
One of My Favorite Books in the Series: The Prisoner of Azkaban
When I read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I was around ten. I remember thinking that I was nervous and scared to keep reading. The first two books were amazing, but it wasn’t until Prisoner of Azkaban that I felt like I was reading a scary story.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban became my favorite book and movie for its dark content. The death of Cedric Diggory brought a new level to reading the books when I read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. First, they were getting bigger (literally in physical size and number of pages). Second, the death of Cedric brought gravity to Harry’s story. It felt like Voldemort’s threat reached beyond the world of Harry Potter and bled into the reality of my childhood.
Recalling What Happened in the Books
Rereading the first four books, I was amazed at how much I remembered. I read the third and fourth books multiple times growing up, but because of the increasing size of the books, I felt overwhelmed.
Reading them this time with having years of learning under my belt and a soon to be BA in English, I found myself dissecting the books, in the same way, I would a piece of 20th Century Fiction (natural habit for me now but for some yawn-evoking).
Pinpointing Elements to Analyze in the Harry Potter Book Series
Key aspects that I noticed and took notes on included character development, details on the Harry Potter world, the magic elements, and the classic story plot of good versus evil. These aspects sound simple enough, but when I took the time to pick them apart, suddenly, the genius of J.K. Rowling was obvious.
Reflection on Character Development in the Harry Potter series: The Golden Trio of Misfits, Harry, Ron and Hermione
I felt at certain times, especially as the books became darker and more dangerous, the character development was fascinating. The complexities within each character, the struggles, fights, and relationships reflected the characters’ ages accurately.
Following a small child’s life from birth to the final face-off with Voldemort at the age of seventeen is no small feat. The books contain the growing pains of a young kid but also the anguish of a child fighting for his life and trying to survive all while going to school, making friends, and growing up.
Moving onto the Order of the Phoenix
While reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry and his friends begin to feel differently. Their attitudes, actions, and behavior appear to be maturing while possessing the complications of teenage years.
Harry is continuously being pushed beyond his limits, fighting alone, or fighting with Ron and Hermione (who have their own issues). Barely surviving attacks and life-threatening adventures, the trio uses their talents, wits, and strengths to keep going, but underneath it all, is the theme of friendship and love that keeps them alive.
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Reflection on The World of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter Series
It is the little inventions and unique approach to magic and fantasy that make’s me admire J.K. Rowling as a writer. The simple idea of Quidditch (a wizarding sport that includes balls, hoops, and broomsticks) or the talking, moving, exploding candies to the more significant complex idea of Horcrux’s are all excellent examples of Rowling’s creativity.
For an author to sit down and think out these particular elements of their own fictional world is a feat that should be respected. Making complex fantastical ideas work within a piece of fiction requires skill. There are many places where Rowling’s magical creations could not have worked.
Still, honestly every aspect is so thoroughly thought out and woven together perfectly with the concept and theme that there is almost nothing that I could think of that could have been improved.
Good vs. Evil: Defeating Voldemort and the Other Bad Guys
I think we understate the gravity of the good versus evil storyline in Harry Potter. Rowling could have easily made the story simpler where it was only Harry Potter versus Draco Malfoy, but instead, she gave Harry more sorrow and pain.
The villain wasn’t soft around the edges or toned down, Voldemort killed, tortured and sought out Harry’s death throughout the series. Voldemort is the ultimate villain representing ignorance, hatred, and power-hungry selfishness. The political and social commentary that thrives under this story of Harry Potter is what really intrigues me.
What Real-World Evils Can Voldemort and Other Bad Guys Compare To?
The whole idea of Voldemort wanting wizards to rule over muggles, that ‘purebloods’ are the only real wizards and that ‘mudbloods’ are nothing, bring to mind the horribly similar goals of the Nazi’s in World War Two. The whole concept of House Elfs, Goblin rights and wars, and how wizards regard and treat magical creatures (think of the Centaurs and Giants). These details add social commentary on our reality in the fantastical world of Harry Potter.
Not only is there pure evil represented in Voldemort but also realities in child and adult relationships (not all adults are functional, they are complicated and have their own problems as well).
For instance, the short connection between Harry and Sirius Black (his Godfather), who is continuously reminded of James when he sees Harry and on more than one occasion, treats Harry as if he is James.
Another example is the complicated relationship between Harry and Dumbledore (Headmaster at Hogwarts), in the last three books, Dumbledore’s attention to Harry becomes more questionable, is Dumbledore using Harry to defeat Voldemort? Did Dumbledore really ever care about Harry?
Dumbledore’s intentions are complicated and mysterious most of the time since he is presented as good and whole, a sort of father figure, master protector, and mentor for Harry. But as Dumbledore’s past is revealed, his intentions are questioned by Harry and others.
(All of this is concluded and revealed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows)
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The Other Villains in the ‘Good vs. Evil’ Plot: Lockhart, Umbridge and Pettigrew
Gilderoy Lockhart, an egotistical writer, and briefly a professor of the dark arts at Hogwarts, puts Harry and his friends in danger for fame and glory.
Dolores Umbridge (works for the Ministry of Magic) hides her beliefs and support for Voldemort in public but soon reveals how evil and treacherous she really is when she temporarily becomes Headmistress of Hogwarts.
Peter Pettigrew a.k.a Scabbers, an animagus wizard who hides as a household pet in the Weasley family for years before discovery (finally redeems himself in the Deathly Hollows) his lies and devotion to Voldemort to save his own skin is repulsive.
And of course, Severus Snape is presented to readers and characters almost throughout the entire series as an evil man who torments Harry and is a double-spy (Order of the Phoenix and Voldemort follower). In the end, Snape is revealed to have protected Harry and impeded Voldemort the entire time, an unknown ultimate hero of the story.
The Harry Potter Series: When Magic Becomes Reality in the Movies
Multiple directors did the Harry Potter movies. Because of this, each movie has a particular feel and style that changes over time while a reflection of the Harry Potter series subject matter in each film (in my opinion, this is successful). The movies do leave out a lot of events, info, and details from the books but stay true to the storyline.
I found that at specific points, the movies almost paralleled the book precisely, then diverted off, or changed this and that.
Example: the Battle at Hogwarts, Neville’s role or how Doby is buried and where.
Little details and little things, but overall the movies are done well and even now hold up with the special effects used today (think of the Sorcerer’s Stone troll scene in the girls’ bathroom).
It has only been six years since the last Harry Potter film was released, but it feels like it was forever ago. It is incredible to think that I had this fantastic story growing up alongside me for almost my entire childhood.
Harry Potter is an inspiring story that encourages people to treasure friendship, and encourages one to fight against evil and intolerance.
From Screen to Play: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
I am not a big fan of scripts or screenplays. I find them to be a story without meat, just the bones, and hard to digest.
Admittedly I was fascinated by this story of Harry’s child, Albus, and Draco’s child Scorpius, as they try to fix the past but, in the end, fight against evil alongside their parents. I found the first part (the playscript is divided into two parts) lagging and without the cherished narrative of Rowling. It is simple, using the characters to tell another Harry Potter story, for the next generation.
The second part I found interesting because elements from the first part were finally beginning to tie together with the rest of the story and make sense. Reading the playscript feels more like a cartoon version of events than the life-like one in the books.
Overall, I recommend that any Harry Potter fan read The Cursed Child if they want to quench their thirst for the Harry Potter world.
Of course, there is also Fantastic Beasts, but that is another discussion for another time when it comes to a reflection on the Harry Potter series.
I have heard countless times from people that the Harry Potter books promote witchcraft practices and satanism. I remember when there were articles and news stories about Christians and other religious groups banning and burning Harry Potter books in fear that they promote devil worship.
Even now Harry Potter books are under attack in public libraries and other places because of their content, but regardless of this millions of Harry Potter books have been sold.
The fear of the devil and magic (from a Christian point of view) stems from fear of unknown pagan religions that include their practices and beliefs. Harking back to the time hundreds of years ago when Christianity was only barely beginning to take hold and the persecution of pagans was starting.
The story of Harry Potter should be treasured for what it teaches children and adults. That love, friendship, and family should be valued above all else and that in the face of evil and intolerance, we must come together and fight. Harry Potter promotes acceptance, peace, and the triumph of good over evil.
I believe that this message in the story of Harry Potter is vital and one that can help nurture and guide children and adults into becoming caring, empathetic, individuals.
Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, why do you love the world of Harry Potter? Do you prefer the books over the movies or vice versa? Do you think Harry Potter is a good influence or bad one and why? Leave a comment and start a conversation!
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I found this book at my beloved Sam Weller’s here in Salt Lake City. Their poetry section is large and impressive. Needless to say thanks to them I find amazing poetry books regularly. Thank you Wellers!
This collection of poems brings amazing insight into how Hemingway developed into the extraordinary writer he was. Among the prolific writers, artists and musicians of the Jazz Age, Hemingway brings his own attitude and style to the era. This collection spans from 1912-1956, from Hemingway as a young man to an older experienced one, the poetry that he wrote explored technique, style, form and subject matter. It is amazing to see and read the poetry of Hemingway evolve as he honed his skills.
The introduction mentions that because of Hemingway’s use of expletives and frank raunchy subject matter, many readers seek out the collection on purpose. I had no idea that because of these elements readers (maybe specifically Hemingway readers) would purposefully seek out this book since the reason I got it was because I love Hemingway and love poetry (simple enough). But I was not surprised that his poems contained this questionable material, since Hemingway’s style emphasizes on ‘telling it the way it is’, he did not seek to leave out the private details of intimate life nor the language that people use in any of his writing.
These are few of the poems that I loved the most from this complete collection,
(italicized years are not part of the poem title)
[Blank Verse] 1916
Killed Piave-July 8-1918
[“Blood is thicker than water…”] 1922
To Good Guys Dead 1922
The Lady Poets with Foot Notes 1924
[Little drops of grain alcohol] 1926
Poem, 1928
Defense of Luxembourg 1945
(bracketed titles are taken from the first line of the poem)
In many of these poems Hemingway critiques his critics, he also explores his experiences in war and his attitude towards politics and government. Of course, there is also a lot of references to drinking and women but there is also critique from Hemingway on maybe a certain female poet (or general types of female poets, I am not sure) in ‘The Lady Poets with Foot Notes’, which I found to be both amusing and fascinating. Many of his early poems have a rhyme scheme, or appear to mimic various traditional forms, as he gets older it appears that Hemingway chisels his words more effectively and dabbles in writing his poetry in freer forms (maybe the influence of key modernist poets such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound?) I believe the introduction mentions these poets among others that were involved in the writers community of the Jazz Age in Europe. Overall, I would recommend this book to any poet that loves the works of Hemingway since I find it instructive and inspirational. If anything reading this complete collections of poems has made me appreciate more the daily hard work that goes into writing whenever and wherever you can (on vacation or the battlefront). I admire Hemingway among thousands of other writers for his attitude and style of writing. There is something bare and true about his words that echoes with readers souls still.
What I love about this collection: It contains pictures of Hemingway throughout his life as well as pictures of the original poems and drafts. I love it when poetry/fiction books add these items because it brings the writer so much closer to the reader; to see his handwriting right next to the final printed word on the next page is incredible.
What I wish it had more of: The introduction gives sufficient background into the early writings of Hemingway (specifically his poetry). I am one of those book nuts that loves lengthy Introductions that delve deep into the subject matter of the book, if this one was just a little longer (it is only 15 pages) or double the size I feel that I could have learned more.
If you are reading this Thank You for taking time out of your day to read my writing!
I hope that you return in the future!
-Alina
p.s. I have decided to wait until I finish the last Harry Potter book to write a reflection on the entire series. Many people have written about Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling I know, but I want to specifically focus on the evolving writing in the series and character development. As a cornerstone series that every child should read, I think it is crucial to analyze Rowling’s technique and approach to her controversial subject matter, to better understand how such influential writers write.
In my reflection I will be discussing my favorite poems in the collection and why. I am also thinking of comparing a few select poems to key works of Hemingway’s such as ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, ‘A Moveable Feast’ and ‘The Sun Also Rises’.
I hope to have this reflection complete and posted on my blog by the end of the week (June 18th)!
Again I thank you all for reading my work! and I hope that you enjoy this upcoming reflection!
-Alina
p.s. Heads up, I am almost done with Pinsky’s Singing School, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince from my Fiction and Poetry Summer Reading Lists. I also plan on doing short reflections on these.
‘Books I love’ is a sub part of my ‘Book Lists’ posts. It is a post that contains a review/reflection of one specific book that I have read.
(picture source: amazon.com)
Beautiful City of the Dead by Leander Watts (a.k.a. Th. Metzger) is a young adult novel about a girl named Zee in a band who battles supernatural forces (not entirely sure how to define it, supernatural or sci-fi?). Yes, sounds cheesy I know. But actually this story is written in a style that I recognize now to be closer to prose and poetry. Initially I remember being captivated by the very first chapter which discusses Zee’s obsession with fire (almost a pyromaniac frenzy but not quite) which always led me into binge reading half the book in one sitting (the entire book is only 254 pages). The sentences are often jagged but so clear cut that I can recall certain lines even today.
I think about this book often because of its ability to sear certain images and events (that take place in the story) in my mind. It is a strange synthesis of music appreciation and teen problems meets the unknown (other dimensions? fame? or a bunch of old geezer’s with super powers?). I can never quite put my finger on exactly how to categorize this book and because of this I also love it dearly. I have always wanted a sequel but I know that the book stands alone as a unique piece that needs no continuation, it is only out of my adoration that I’d love to read more about these characters and their extremely weird heavy metal life.
I’d recommend this book to anyone, teen or adult, and especially persons that read poetry on a regular basis. It also has wonderful references to the first ‘Heavy Metal’ bands in RocknRoll. Since I love both poetry, heavy metal music and bands, this book is one in a million for me.
If you are reading this, Thank You, for taking time out of your day to read my writing! I hope you return in the future!
![Beautiful City of the Dead by [Watts, Leander]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/512TQ%2BnGt5L._SY346_.jpg?w=739&ssl=1)