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J.K.'s surprising revelation about Dumbledore
 by David Haber
 Just a little over a year ago, on August 2, 2006, J.K. Rowling made a statement at her reading in New York City, at Radio City Music hall, that was big news and related directly to what we talk about on this web site. Well, tonight she's done it again. This evening, again in New York City, this time at Carnegie Hall, J.K. Rowling dropped a bombshell on the Harry Potter fan community.
 > Read the full articlePages: << < 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 > >> Reader Comments: (Page 18) I don't see Dumbledore's being as a big deal. It's not integral to the story.
Aa to the article: The quotes listed describing Dumbledore's (fatherly) love for Harry should not be construed as anything else. Just because someone is , doesn't mean they are attracted to every member of the the same sex they come across or that it colors every relationship they are in.
The other question is, why are you so sure Lockhart is ? Yes, he's camp and likes to use hair products, but that's hardly definitve! Posted by pamela from Munich on November 2, 2007 12:51 PM
I think that perhaps while the idea of Dumbledore being is a wee bit bewildering, I myself never having considered his , I am also certain that it does not detract from the books in anyway whatsoever. I actually always kind of imagined Dumbledore as a bit like a priest, celibate I guess.
While I think some people throw up their arms at J.K.'s revelation I also think that the fact she thinks so deeply about her characters and their depths is one of the reasons I love the books. Posted by RJC from Central Scotland on November 4, 2007 09:43 AM
I think that the idea of Dumbledore being is an interesting tidbit to add to his character but not a shocking relevation. I've never really thought about his and this won't change my opinion of him as a kind, protective leader. I also think that saying that Albus might have had some relation of some kind with Harry is going too far. It's like he's assuming that just because Dumbledore is that he has inappropriate relationships with children. That is definitely stretching it out too much! however, i think it is very likely that he had a relationship with Grindelwald. Posted by Talia from Lexington, MA on November 5, 2007 2:58 PM
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A wee-bit of information that could have attached a load of controversy to an enjoyable bit of fantasy. Props to Rowling for not putting that in the book. Tactfully done.
As for the fact itself and the response it's getting, really highlights the narrow-mindedness of those who are up in arms about it, and even more so to those who are impressed by it. Firstly, to assume personality on someone just because of their is a poor way to look at people. You look at Dumbledore and you see his character and personality, and his sexual preference has absolutely Zero effect on that. It neither adds or takes away from it.
As for 'Rowling's Genius,' yes Rowling is a great writer, she captures characters extremely well, but I really wish people would stop gettin every little thing she wrote or fact she reveals and coming up with wild and strange meanings behind them (many of which I don't think even she could have ever imagined) and then credit it to her as genius. It's over. It's like 'Ron patted his toad whilst chewing a toffee,' and then all the psychos out there read it and interpret it in a way where it reveals how she always planned to have Dumbledore , and is symbolic of racism etc. etc. If you really wanna do that go read Kafka's Metamorphis. But honestly people, your trying turn these delightful books into a subject for crazy hadrcore English Uni professors. Posted by Cynic from Sydney, NSW on November 6, 2007 8:32 PM
I think that this is unthinkably important to the character of Dumbledore, but not to the plot of the story. I also think that Dumbledore did not keep this a secret, but he also didn't declare it publicly, (The Slytherins, among other prejudiced people, hate him enough already, why give them the ammunition to make a truly hurtful, and probably public, statement?)
All this information means to me, is that J.K is truly the most inspirational person ever to effect the lives and hearts of an entire population. Other then that, it's just something that make me smile every single time I hear it. Because I am truly Dumbledores man, (in this case woman), through and through, now and forever, and thats all that needs to be said. Posted by Lady Malfoy from Malfoy Manor on November 6, 2007 11:19 PM
this news shocked me. J.K rowling was always a good writer, but i dont see the sense in turning a perfectly good childrens book into a semi adult book. however, i cannot deny that i was a little suspicious that dumbledore was a little "bi-curious". i think it was their secret correspondence at night that made me feel it. however, im still checking up for more evidence and any way to disprove this statement. Posted by jonathan from usa on November 11, 2007 01:52 AM
The Fact that Dumbledore is has nothing whatsoever to do with who he is as a person, within the books. I understand that this fact makes many people upset, but if Rowling was to define Albus Dumbledore on who he really is the fact that he is would not be in the picture. He is a man, a Headmaster, he is caring, and compassionate, he is always fighting for good, and always tries to find the good in people, and he is HUMAN, that is something everyone should remember...
Now that I look back to the first description of Dumbledore, in the first book it all seems to fit. "His sparkling bright blue eyes, behind half-moon spectacles long sweeping purple robes, long silvery hair, and high-heeled, buckled boots."
So finally, J.K. Rowling, I say power to you! Your books are excellent, I have enjoyed them very much and I thank you for always making a point to include equal rights, and respect of others, no matter what. Posted by beth from here and there on November 11, 2007 2:36 PM
Honestly, I see no reason why Lockhart should be . In my opinion, he is more like David Beckham and just a guy who cares very much about his appearance. Why is every guy who does more for his looks than brushing his teeth considered ?
Don't misunderstand me: I would be okay for me if Lockhart was , but I simple can see no indication for it.
The news that Rowling saw Dumbledore as , stunned me. It brings so much depth to his character and makes him more human. I think the idea of Dumbledore having a relationship with Grindelwald is great - how else could Grindelwald convince Dumbledore of his strange ideas about wizards' superiority? Posted by Monika from Germany on November 12, 2007 01:32 AM
It absolutely doesn't change anything about Dumbledore in my mind after this revelation. It simply comes as an added information on the character and we just keep it for the records thats all.
What I am really curious about is the showdown between Dumbledore and Grindelwald. It's pretty clear that Grindelwald had the Elder wand at the time of the duel and as we know, you just can't beat the Elder wand then how come Dumbledore managed to do it and later owned the same wand?
Or was their love played some part in that duel and gave Dumbledore an upper-hand but if not then the whole elder wand thing appears very contradicting to me. Posted by no0r from india on November 12, 2007 07:35 AM
I think that JK just made this up after DH was written. It just doesn't fit with the character we know as Dumbledore. I am don't know for sure, but I have a feeling that JK makes some of these things up without thinking about it in advance. Posted by oscar from Il on November 13, 2007 4:41 PM
I think it fits but still there are children reading Harry Potter who don't even know what means yet. But still I think JK was pretty smart about when to reveal it. Anyways I laughed when I read about Lockhart. That one was pretty ovious. Posted by Mars from USA on November 14, 2007 5:51 PM
I was surprised because I didn't catch that in the books. So just last week I finished rereading the whole series and none of the books read any differently "knowing" Dumbledore is . You can, if you REALLY NEED to, make an assumption based on JK's writings.
But, it doesn't matter.
Dumbledore, was, and is the greatest Wizard ever.
Well, maybe it's a tie between Dumbledore and Harry. Even Dumbledore said that Harry made "right" choices that he couldn't, or wouldn't, have made. Posted by sherri b. from battle ground, washington on November 14, 2007 5:55 PM
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