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Reader Comments: (Page 4)

I think that his ity is totally unimportant to understand his character. His relationship with grindelwald was not a relationship, it's just normal for young people to be attracted by their equals, we accepted their friendship easily, it seemed logical and we weren't aware of Dumbledore ity.

I also don't think that his admiration for Harry is something else than what we always thought.

I think that dumbledore's being is a little bit a cliché, the old british gentleman with no interest in women, and probably just some platonic attractions. Who could imagine Dumbledore kissing or "more" someone else?

Posted by enrico from rome italy on October 20, 2007 2:19 PM

I do not feel that Dumbledore's being has any great meaning for the story beyong what we already know about his unrequited love. I see no reason to look for hidden meanings in his relationships with Harry, Snape, or anyone else.

However, this revelation absolutely delighted me for one reason - Rowling has clearly been 100% thorough in her creation of the Potter world. It's details like this that have me so eager about the idea of an upcoming Potter encyclopedia... just imagine all the things we have yet to learn about these wonderful characters and the world they inhabit!

Posted by Jaye from Saskatoon, SK, Canada on October 20, 2007 3:06 PM

I think it was pointless for JK to tell us that he was . Why not just leave us with the memories we had of him before he d and be done with it?

I also truly don't believe that he is, but according to some people, if she says it, it's true. Then why can't we just remember Dumbledore for all the great things he achieved and his wonderful life that he lived instead of the way he felt towards other males?

Posted by Paco on October 20, 2007 3:43 PM

It's fantastic to hear little details like that about the characters, and it's something that does seem to fit. I'm kind of glad that she didn't reveal it before though- because, think of the fanfiction that it would have produced!

Posted by Seth from Canada on October 20, 2007 4:02 PM

Announcing that Dumbledore was does change how we think about him. Many of his lines could mean completely things, such as the ones mentioned in the article.

Everyone is saying JK should not have announced this because it is a childrens book. Well the first two, mybe the third are childrens book, but later on the books become more intense and scary, which is too much for children. Even if they were childrens books, Dumbledore being would not make them inappropriate.

Posted by mourneforsev from Birmingham AL on October 20, 2007 4:35 PM

I don't know what to make of this! I don't mind whether Albus was left, right or centre - he was a fantastic literary creation, and an imaginary character of whom I'm tremendously fond. I don't love him any more, or any less.

But I don't understand what this revelation serves in terms of the text. There aren't any clues to his in the texts - other than the ones we now choose to "interpret" between the lines - and I don't see any way that the story is enhanced or diminished by this background detail. It seems a bit arbitrary to me.

If you want a character where their outing would have an effect, and assist in a new reading of the books, then your obvious choice is Sirius. Imagine the impact that the revelation that Sirius was in love with James could add to the story; and the arguements for tolerance that that story element could have advanced. (Muggle girls on the wall, pah! A beard that irritated his mother!) Young, gorgeous and with an unrequited love for the Quidditch Captain - it works for me!

Dumbledore just seems the wrong candidate, somehow. However, this does fit with Dumbledore's emphasis on the power and mystery of the magical force of Love.

So he never told Harry - so what? Frankly, he never told Harry a lot of things.

It does make one wonder who else is hiding in the magic cabinet - Horace Slughorn, anybody?

I only hope that ignorance doesn't muddy the pure waters of Albus' grandpaternal love for Harry. The world is full of such fools, but Love is a more powerful magic!

Posted by Goff Morgan from Wales UK on October 20, 2007 5:03 PM

I don't think Dumbledore was necessarily "hiding" that he was . It simply never factored in to what was going on. It would be fairly awkward if he was introduced as "the headmaster" or some such. His was irrelevant, and so it wasn't mentioned. Most of the characters' sexualities are ignored except for Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and that's almost entirely because they attended the Yule Ball.

Posted by Mackenzie on October 20, 2007 6:00 PM

Maybe the reason it wasn't talked about, was because eveybody knew.

Posted by pam from ar on October 20, 2007 6:55 PM

JK was asked a question and it was answered truthfully. Why should she lie about something that does not affect the story or what type of person he is.

Hearing little facts about these characters are wonderful and I am just itching for the encylopedia.

Posted by Ebony Blackwood from Melbourne, Australia on October 20, 2007 7:02 PM

I think that it was awesome that JKR revealed this. So what if its a childrens book? Its also a book thats supposed to represent what really goes on in the lives of people. Love is love, either way.

Posted by Saphire on October 20, 2007 8:17 PM

I'd first like to say bravo J.K.! I am a huge supporter of the community and this is the first time that such an iconic character in fiction has been . And a strong, masculine man at that. The fact that this series is labeled a children's series should not stop J.K. from including a character. people are everywhere, why not in the wizarding world!

Posted by Deanna from Aurora, IL on October 20, 2007 9:55 PM

I agree with James from the UK, We all look at each character differently, in the end WE decide the minor details.

I also think J.K. needs to leave some of the details left to our imagination, it's great to find out new information but sometimes it's great to leave it up to us.

Posted by laura from OC on October 20, 2007 10:11 PM

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