[FFML] Ref:Re: [News][Potter] Rowling Speaks on Dumbledore

[Jorge Pratt Blanno]

>> I've actually found this news to be a good indicator of the level of
>> homophobia in an individual.  If all of a sudden they think this entirely
>> changes how they look at Dumbledore and they're suddenly uncomfortable
>> with him as a character, that person is fairly homophobic.
>> If they say, "Cool!", they tend the other way.
>
> And if you're someone like me who goes, "Eh.  So what?", what does
> that code into in your paradigm?  <grin>

Pretty much. I'm more intrigued by how this relates to the concept of narrative integrity, wherein the author chooses to develop her characters further _outside_ the actual body of her literature. She believed this tidbit to be relevant; indeed, if it changes one's vision of the character, it's only to provide an intriguing and refreshing angle to the relationships shown in that last book. So, why not present it in the actual text?

According to the article, she was asked "whether Dumbledore finds 'true love.'" As developed in the novels, Dumbledore was more of a father-figure, a mentor, which Rowling decided to humanize in the latter installments. His love-life was all but irrelevant for the plot development, as it was centered squarely on Harry, and therefore his preferences remained as ambiguous as the rest of his private life. So, when confronted with that question, she could have simply said "Yes" or something to that effect. By coming out and revealing this facet of the character so conclusively, she's giving it particular importance --so, again, shouldn't that have been in the books, even if only implied? Because, as quickly as this info spreads, there will always be people in her audience who will be none the wiser, and will continue to write from a standpoint that doesn't jibe with the latest news. It's not their fault; they're simply following what the books say.

Now, I'm sure that this will make its way into the character profiles and appendices for her upcoming HP encyclopedia. At best, it'll be similar to the endless Star Wars technical journals, which go into further details on the technology and settings in the movies: nothing is changed from the main body of work, but they provide additional assistance for those who want to learn more. At worst, it's bad form and smacks of retroactive continuity, which typically only comics indulge in, but at least comics print and publish that sort of thing at a point while it's still a relevant part of a character's development.