[Bitter? Nah. I'm well-aged!]
Jul. 26th, 2005 05:17 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
reenkaThe more I stick around, the more I feel like slash fandom in particular is something like the cure for canon-love, if by 'canon' you're meaning the general work rather than some specialized obsessive corner. And it's funny, 'cause I wouldn't have thought I loved the HP canon enough for this sense of protectiveness to kick in... but the wankiness has sort of swept me under at this point.
If you love canon more than fanon, it almost seems counterproductive to be in a fandom for it, because the most intelligent responses tend to also be the most blatantly critical ones, with the rest being sort of a noisy background of squee. Possibly this is what you get for hanging out around slashers rather than the folks at HP for Grownups, I admit. Not that I want to talk HP plot theory or be all grownup, either. It's a conundrum.
I think currently, my only consistent sources for joy in fandom (given that most fanfic for my pairing makes me gnash my teeth most of the time) have been the fanartists-- stuff like![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
tetherhooks' HBP art review. Man. What would I do without the happiness that is fanart? Probably I'd just read some more of those awkwardly written, badly-characterized YA fantasy books.
You know what I've realized? Especially after reading Amanuensis' (spoilery) essay on romance in HP-- it struck me that while I agree with her point that they're largely plot-driven, not character or romance-driven books overall, and I should be dissatisfied with that since my primary interests are all about character (and often romance), I'm not. Possibly because I'm lucky, and the characters to get the most development automatically become my favorites (thus I'm easily drawn to whatever character is at the story's focus is at the moment, and always most invested in Harry himself.) In other words, because I don't tend to insist on which characters get developed, or how, as long as I can have something to focus my interest on. It doesn't have to be what I expected to like; it doesn't have to involve my favorite character. In fact, I'm all the more pleased if it's a surprise.
I'm not unhappy with the books at all, really, because it's not like I expected anything from them, either in the plot or characterization department (or, I tried not to). I do read for Harry & for character development on various other fronts (I'm not too picky), but most of all I read for pleasure, not really fanon-fodder or analysis-fodder or any of that. I know the books aren't that great in this-and-that way. I just enjoy them anyway, and largely find that focusing on their shortcomings only upsets me & adds nothing to my life.
In the end, I do think this all comes down to the reader's level of expectation-- at least, the level of disappointment or surprise is directly correlated to one's level of pre-existing expectation, and I suppose it's in the nature of fannishness to expect certain things from the canon text, maybe. Though I actually expect a lot more from fanfic, since I'm usually (...usually) asked to make more of a jump in belief, with less thorough context. I think this mad pickiness with fanon is what seems to identify me as a canon-leaning fan, though I actually am more invested in my personal fanon than canon. It's all pretty... weird, I think. But almost all the wank I see has to do with crushed/twisted expectations, to the point where I'm starting to wonder if having any (and thus caring in the first place-- or is that 'projecting' rather than 'caring'?) is like, the original error (though it seems like a basic human tendency).
I expected things to make sense, for the characters to follow some sort of internal logic I can grab on to, and on a return to the same world that follows the same general rules. And, of course, I did get that much, though I follow the books' logic rather than necessarily my own in saying that. And that's what allows me my contentment, I believe-- not necessarily an active agreement with the author (and definitely not some wanky belief that Author is God), but rather a willingness to read for pleasure; to allow the story to tell itself to me without undue cross-examination on my part. I question things that remain unresolved or ambiguous, and accept the things that are laid down, inelegantly perhaps but in line with the general arc of development, because it's easier that way. Because it allows the rest of the story to continue. JKR is actually pretty self-consistent in the meta sense, it seems to me.
But my point is really about fandom: and that is that fandom-style analysis drains my love for canon like nothing else can. In fact, if I didn't love fanon (mostly just one aspect at this point, really, that being H/D), I'd leave fandom without a second thought, because it's like the canon-love killer, I swear. It's great for the fanon fan, really kind of depressing for the canon fan. Since I'm both at different points, mostly it just makes me schizoid.
Maybe it's just the meta circles I hang about in, but almost every nitpicky or bashing or negative post makes me more and more 'serious', less and less -wanting- to write -or- care about these characters, less and less enthused.
~~
So. I'd really appreciate it if you commented with something-- anything-- you really loved about any of the books, especially the latest one, that doesn't deal with your pet character/pairing/theme, though that stipulation isn't necessary. Lemme feel some love :((
If you love canon more than fanon, it almost seems counterproductive to be in a fandom for it, because the most intelligent responses tend to also be the most blatantly critical ones, with the rest being sort of a noisy background of squee. Possibly this is what you get for hanging out around slashers rather than the folks at HP for Grownups, I admit. Not that I want to talk HP plot theory or be all grownup, either. It's a conundrum.
I think currently, my only consistent sources for joy in fandom (given that most fanfic for my pairing makes me gnash my teeth most of the time) have been the fanartists-- stuff like
tetherhooks' HBP art review. Man. What would I do without the happiness that is fanart? Probably I'd just read some more of those awkwardly written, badly-characterized YA fantasy books.You know what I've realized? Especially after reading Amanuensis' (spoilery) essay on romance in HP-- it struck me that while I agree with her point that they're largely plot-driven, not character or romance-driven books overall, and I should be dissatisfied with that since my primary interests are all about character (and often romance), I'm not. Possibly because I'm lucky, and the characters to get the most development automatically become my favorites (thus I'm easily drawn to whatever character is at the story's focus is at the moment, and always most invested in Harry himself.) In other words, because I don't tend to insist on which characters get developed, or how, as long as I can have something to focus my interest on. It doesn't have to be what I expected to like; it doesn't have to involve my favorite character. In fact, I'm all the more pleased if it's a surprise.
I'm not unhappy with the books at all, really, because it's not like I expected anything from them, either in the plot or characterization department (or, I tried not to). I do read for Harry & for character development on various other fronts (I'm not too picky), but most of all I read for pleasure, not really fanon-fodder or analysis-fodder or any of that. I know the books aren't that great in this-and-that way. I just enjoy them anyway, and largely find that focusing on their shortcomings only upsets me & adds nothing to my life.
In the end, I do think this all comes down to the reader's level of expectation-- at least, the level of disappointment or surprise is directly correlated to one's level of pre-existing expectation, and I suppose it's in the nature of fannishness to expect certain things from the canon text, maybe. Though I actually expect a lot more from fanfic, since I'm usually (...usually) asked to make more of a jump in belief, with less thorough context. I think this mad pickiness with fanon is what seems to identify me as a canon-leaning fan, though I actually am more invested in my personal fanon than canon. It's all pretty... weird, I think. But almost all the wank I see has to do with crushed/twisted expectations, to the point where I'm starting to wonder if having any (and thus caring in the first place-- or is that 'projecting' rather than 'caring'?) is like, the original error (though it seems like a basic human tendency).
I expected things to make sense, for the characters to follow some sort of internal logic I can grab on to, and on a return to the same world that follows the same general rules. And, of course, I did get that much, though I follow the books' logic rather than necessarily my own in saying that. And that's what allows me my contentment, I believe-- not necessarily an active agreement with the author (and definitely not some wanky belief that Author is God), but rather a willingness to read for pleasure; to allow the story to tell itself to me without undue cross-examination on my part. I question things that remain unresolved or ambiguous, and accept the things that are laid down, inelegantly perhaps but in line with the general arc of development, because it's easier that way. Because it allows the rest of the story to continue. JKR is actually pretty self-consistent in the meta sense, it seems to me.
But my point is really about fandom: and that is that fandom-style analysis drains my love for canon like nothing else can. In fact, if I didn't love fanon (mostly just one aspect at this point, really, that being H/D), I'd leave fandom without a second thought, because it's like the canon-love killer, I swear. It's great for the fanon fan, really kind of depressing for the canon fan. Since I'm both at different points, mostly it just makes me schizoid.
Maybe it's just the meta circles I hang about in, but almost every nitpicky or bashing or negative post makes me more and more 'serious', less and less -wanting- to write -or- care about these characters, less and less enthused.
~~
So. I'd really appreciate it if you commented with something-- anything-- you really loved about any of the books, especially the latest one, that doesn't deal with your pet character/pairing/theme, though that stipulation isn't necessary. Lemme feel some love :((
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no subject
Date: 2005-07-26 11:48 pm (UTC)I really loved the Trio interaction in this book, although there wasn't all that much. I especially loved when Ron didn't get jealous about the OWL scores and (oddly enough) when he'd try to butt into the conversation whenever Hermione said anything nice about Harry. ^^ And the last moment in the book, of course, was absolutely classic.
I liked Hermione in this book, actually, which is saying something because I've always thought of her as sort of a Mary Sue (like Ginny...grrr). She really got rounded out as a character, and I think her insecurities were very consistent with what we've seen of her up until now.
Ron/Hermione. RON/HERMIONE. Also, Won-Won had me in hysterics. As did the birds.
U-No-Poo
Draco...dude, I've always loved Draco, and have always seen him as a character with a lot of potential for a lot of depth. But I never dreamed she'd take it as far as she did, or do it nearly as well. Brilliantly handled from start to finish. Also, that FINNALY, Draco is officially better at something than Harry in canon. Pushing Snape out of his head..what a feat. ;)
I am beautiful enough for the both of us, I theenk! Fluer actually made my day, and the way she put it (that the scars show her husband is a hero) gave me chills and made me all weepy all at once. I actually can't wait to see more of them as a couple.
Harry himself. I mean...I loved the Sytherin that came out in him in this book, and also that it was all very author-approved. I love that he seems to have grown into himself, but that he still thinks he's a lot more grown-up than he actually is. I have enjoyed so much watching him grow and learn and find himself and slip up and get frustrated and just...be Harry. And the "I'm with you" line almost made me cry (although I was not so found of the weird stomach monster. Or the perv that came out in him around 11-year-old Goyle...^^)
Kretcher's mad, mad crush on one Draco Malfoy *snickers* And Myrtle's, as well. Also Pansy's. And possibly Snape's. Oh, right, and can't forget about Harry...
Worried!Narcissa, because I called it before the book came out. And because it makes the Malfoys that much more complex (gee...they actually DO love each other, who'd 'a thunk?)
The idea of Bellatrix taking over Draco's magical education over the summer. It connects Draco more with the Blacks, brings out the strength of Malfoy/Black familial connections (Cissy, anyone ;)) and seems consistent with Lucius and Narcissa's desire for Draco to be well-educated. I never could reconcile that last one with Umbridge.
...although I hated the way that the Harry/Ginny was done (and also just Ginny) with the passion of too many suns to even count, I did like that, for once, Harry had something that made him happy. His only real refuge from the constant storm that is his life has been the Trio for so long, and half the time, its the cause of all the drama. So it was good that he finally got a spot of sunshine that was private and sort of roped-off from the rest of his world.
From a writing standpoint, he way that book six was constructed in general amazed me. Especially when put into context with the rest of the books. When she finally ties everything together, I may spontaneously orgasm…
LUNA!! Luna, Luna, Luna... :)
Black Slytherin Power!! *snickers* Really, though, if she doesn't WANT us to like those Slytherin guys, she should stop making them so sexy/snarky/BLATANTLY ATTRACTIVE....
Right. All I can think of at the moment, and it's all from this book. Hope it suffices.;) [/delurk]
no subject
Date: 2005-07-27 12:38 am (UTC)Ron interrupting (yes!) and Hermione (first time I've really liked her, she seemed so... real with the insecurities that were always there but less obvious, yeah), two new interesting Slytherins (Blaise! BLAISE!! Omg I'd always was so 'meh' about him before, but now... we have fanon!Draco in canon, omgwtf... sadly without the Harry obsession... 'tis sad), and yeah I really liked the construction & the way she weaves in little things makes me sparkle like omg WHOAH ('cause I can't do that at -all-), and ahahh PERV!HARRY IS CANON OMG, & all the Slytherins (Draco, Bella, Snape... it's really all about the Slytherins & the Trio, yeay)-- and to see someone who's meh about Ginny happy for Harry makes me all warm & fuzzy :D Especially 'cause Harry wanting someone all to himself, roped-off (YES) is something so many H/D fics are based around and omg that was canon :D :D :D
Yeeee, THANKS >:D