Presentation at Lumos

[pegkerr]

Here is my (belated) abstract for my programming proposal at Lumos, which I just got off to the programming committee:

A Shining Silver Thread: Memory and Identity in the Harry Potter Novels

Memories in the Wizarding world may be captured and embodied in wizarding photographs and portraits, erased or altered with memory charms and spells, and examined for patterns in the Pensieve. They may even be used as weapons against the self as when Dementors torment prisoners by forcing them to relive their most painful past. This paper will examine Rowling's flexible thematic use of memory through the series, considering Harry's gradual construction of his own identity as he learns more about the night his parents died through successive revelations from the memories of others--in contrast to Tom Riddle, who fragments himself as he seeks to alter and destroy all memories concerning his past.

Comments

[airemay.livejournal.com]

Wow!!! It looks really interesting. :D

[gamps-garret.livejournal.com]

That sounds really intriguing. I've thought a lot about the way memories are utilized both offensively and defensively in Rowling's work. And every time I recollect Harry looking at the picture of Lily and James, I think of Bastian in The Neverending Story (2), and the way that fantasy writers use memory-theft -- either as a form of attack/victimization, or as a starting point for a character's journey.

I'm sorry I'll miss your presentation. If the paper is published anywhere at a later date, I'd love to read it.