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New J.K. Rowling Interview: Confirms Working on "Scottish Book," Reflects on Dumbledore, Homophobia, Fundamentalism, Future Writing Projects and More
JKR InterviewsJ.K. Rowling has given a new interview with the Edinburgh "Student" newspaper, where the Harry Potter author gives her thoughts on future writing projects, the reaction to the news on Dumbledore's sexuality, religious fundamentalists, and much more. In this lengthy interview, Jo confirms she is indeed compiling information on the "Scottish book," or the encyclopedia involving the world of Harry Potter as she says "...I am working on it in fact. I just don't want to have to work to a deadline, but I am slowly piecing it together." The article mentions that the children's book that Jo is currently working on as well is still not finished and one that is for adults "may never see the light of day at all." Jo declined to elaborate further on these books noting "The minute I say anything, immediately my life becomes more complicated." She does go on to say that she "aways wanted to write a novel about a stand-up comedian. That is not what I am writing though, so if something comes out next week, that's not me, I'm not doing it! But for ages, I've had a real thing about it."
In a wide ranging conversation, Jo gives her thoughts on such things as dealing with depression and the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ("I would recommend it highly"), fame and recognition by her readers ("people coming up to me in Starbucks are always charming, Always") and whether she reads her own books ("The only one I've gone back and re-read since publication is the seventh book which is my favorite.") Jo Rowling also discusses at length two subjects which have generated much conversation among her fans: the repeated attempts of Laura Mallory to have the Harry Potter books banned in Georgia, and the large reaction to the news last October that Jo always felt her character of Professor Dumbledore was a gay man.
Regarding the Harry Potter book banning issue Jo says quote:
"I can cope with a bad review. No one loves a bad review but a useful review is one that teaches you something. But to be honest the Christian Fundamentalist thing was bad. I would have been quite happy to sit there and debate with one of the critics who were taking on Harry Potter from a moral perspective. In a sense we have traded arguments through the media. I've tried to be rational about it. There's a woman in North Carolina or Alabama who's been trying to get the books banned-she's a mother of four and never read them. And then- I'm not lying, I'm not even making fun, this is the truth of what she said-quite recently she was asked [why] and she said 'Well I prayed whether or not I should read them, and God told me no.' Rowling pauses to reflect on the weight of that statement, and her expression one of utter disbelief.
"You see, that is where I absolutely part company with people on that side of the fence, because that is fundamentalism. Fundamentalism is, 'I will not open my mind to look on your side of the argument at all. I won't read it, I won't look at it, I'm too frightened.' That's what's dangerous about it, whether it be politically extreme, religiously extreme...In fact, fundamentalists across all the major religions, if you put them in a room, they'd have bags in common!" she laughs loudly before sobering. "They hate all the same things, it's such an ironic thing."
On the matter of Dumbledore, Jo candidly states the following:
"I had always seen Dumbledore as gay, but in a sense that's not a big deal. The book wasn't about Dumbledore being gay. It was just that from the outset obviously I knew he had this big, hidden secret, and that he flirted with the idea of exactly what Voldemort goes on to do, he flirted with the idea of racial domination, that he was going to subjugate the Muggles. So that was Dumbledore's big secret.
Why did did he flirt with that?" she asks. "He's an innately good man, what would make him do that. I didnt even think it through that way, it just seemed to come to me, I thought 'I know why he did it, he fell in love.' And whether they physically consummated this infatuation or not is not the issue. The issue is love. It's not about sex. So that's what I knew about Dumbledore. And it's relevant only in so much as he fell in love and was made an utter fool of by love. He lost his moral compass completely when he fell in love and I think subsequently became very mistrusting of his own judgment in those matters so became quite asexual. He led a celibate and bookish life."
Clearly some people didn't see it that way. How does she react to those who disagree with a homosexual character in a children's novel? "So what?" she retorts immediately "It is a very interesting question because I think homophobia is a fear of people loving, more than it is of the sexual act. There seems to be an innate distaste for the love involved, which I find absolutely extraordinary. There were people who thought, well why haven't we seen Dumbledore's angst about being gay?" Rowling is clearly amused by this and rightly so. "Where was that going to come in? And then the other thing was-and I had letters saying this-that, as a gay man, he would never be safe to teach in a school."
An air of incredulity descends on the room as if Rowling herself still can not believe this statement. She continues: "He's a very old single man. You have to ask: why is it so interesting? People have to examine their own attitudes. It's a shade of character. Is it the most important thing about him? No, it's Dumbledore for God's sake. There are 20 things that are relavant to the story before his sexuality." Bottom line then: he isn't a gay character; he's a character that just happens to be gay. Rowling concurs wholeheartedly.
You can see scans of this long new interview here in our galleries. Many thanks to Catherine for sending this in! UPDATE The author Adeel Amini let us know he has the article now available on his website in a very clear pdf format- here. Thanks Adeel!
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meant to say I cant persuade you, sorry I type fast.
I have just spent a considerable amount of time reading these posts and while I found some of it laughable I think the big point that most of you seem to miss is a very simple point THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION. These books are a fantastic work of fiction meant to take the reader on a journey in there minds with written words. JKR did a fantastic job with all of the books. And personally have really enjoyed reading them all. These books were never intended to be an outlet for homosexual or anti homosexual debate. if you wish to spend time on that issue then you have totally missed the boat. IT’S a BOOK. as for the possibility that she might continue the world of HP in a latter book that would be great and I would read it for what it is. an enjoyable work of fiction.
Carl, if you sincerely believe that the works of fiction which we as a society produce and imbibe are completely divorced from the social and cultural climate in which we live, then I think you do all literature a severe injustice.
Debating the meanings of our popular culture is worthy and worthwhile. Mindless consumption without reflection makes for a society of zombies.
Thats just what half of us are saying Carl, she made this a more ” today and futuristic” issue by saying he is gay, and Rain is right all seven books have societal background in them. Voldemort= Adolf Hitler, Death Eaters= KKK, Fluffy= Cerebrus,......... and so on. And the themes are very real too.
BellaSnape
Voldemort is NO Hitler. The comparison is simply inadequate.
I hate such stupid simplifications. And those stupid conclusions are Rowling´s mistake.
Greetings from a German whose grandpa suffered under the Nazi regime.
In response to Macao, “It is the first time Jo admits Gellert Grindelwald was gay?”, she didn’t ever say if Dumbledore’s love was reciprocated. Dumbledore may have loved without ever having admitted it to Grindelwald.
@ German Voice, well then I would think you would understand the comparison, if not oh well your loss but dont slam me for something that I believe. Alot of people see the similarety , have an imagination – its called using analogies. I will not respond again , I dont argue with ignorant people.
@ German Voice, well then I would think you would understand the comparison, if not oh well your loss but dont slam me for something that I believe. Alot of people see the similarety , have an imagination – its called using analogies. I will not respond again , I dont argue with ignorant people.
Questioner, Who is deleting messages? I don’t know what a “mod” is. Is that a Brittish term?.
There are so many other parts to Jo’s interview. She seems to have dealt with depression in her life. That is something I can completely identify with. Somehow that makes her just a bit less star and a bit more like a sister.
Yet the discussion revolves around just one part of the interview. I understand that it is an important subject. I am fascinated by the opinions shared.
But what is the ultamate goal of the conversation, to persuade, let off steam, or unleash rage? By all means make your own choices. I was merely hinting at a preference of mine.
BellaSnape,
you call me ignorant? Well. If you answer me or not: the comparison is an affront to all who suffered under Hitler, like my grandpa. You have no clue and your knowledge about history is as humble as Rowling´s is. To call me ignorant is the same as to say: it was your grandpa´s mistake he suffered under Hitler. You don´t know what you are talking about. I forgive you. Take care. By the way. You should learn more. It´s better for the understanding of reality.
I have read all the books. When Mrs. Rowling stated that Dumbledore is gay, well I was shocked. I never got that impression. I am aganist homosexuality and since this a free country and world I believe I have the right to my opinions and beliefs. Maybe Dumbledore was in love with the idea of some one else like him with his same beliefs and ideas and when someone betrays you so deeply then you shut out all love from all side. Maybe if he was able to get over that betrayal and see their is love around him he would have found it in a “woman”. Because i can see him with the opposite sex. I will never stop reading the books and will continue to be a big fan. But I will never see or belief that Dumbledore is gay.
This will be my last comment on this article. First I want to say to “read Better Books” that if you think she should have never said anything than maybe we have abused her kindness of answering our every question. We as a fan base have been the ones asking her to tell us every little background info on ALL of her characters. That is one of the things I LOVE about her and this series. The fact that he is gay should not matter any more than what Neville’s middle name is. If you have a problem with it then fine just dont bash her for it. Its part of our reality whether you agree with it or not. She makes up her characters as she pleases and thats how it should be. She shouldnt have to lie or sugar coat any information because YOU think its immoral or inappropriate. Why was it not immoral or inappropriate when she described (in great detail I might add) of all the snogging?? If you have problem because it has to do with childrens book then you should of had a problem with this also. Why werent your views so adamantly heard then? Also I want to address the person who said that it was wrong for JK to say he led a celibate life afterwards. That it was stereotyping the ones that stay celibate out of fear to let anyone know they were gay. Have you read any of the posts before you commented? Did you read the article correctly? I dont think you did and should read it again. He didnt lead a celibate life because fear of being gay, he led a celibate life so that he would not fall in love again. Because he was a wise man and knew what love could make him do. Thats not stereotyping, thats showing what kind of self control he had and the greater love he had to do what he truely thought was good in his heart. He made a sacrifice and put his feelings and needs for a significant other on the back burner so he could help others instead of dominate them. There is nothing wrong in that. It teaches self control, priorities, and a need to know ones self. Besides the fact that this whole debate (which shouldnt even be a debate in the first place) is tiring, its very intolerant and bigotted. If people would come on here and comment that they it was wrong for Harry to date an Asian decented girl than it would be the same inproper hate. We live in a world where there are gays whether you like it or not. If you dont like the fact that DD is gay then dont read the books or comment on a HP fan site. It makes no sense to be so entirely against something yet still try to supportive of it. Its hypocritical and down right aggitating to those who agree with this or can be adult enough to put it past us for the love of a great piece of modern literature we have followed for over 10 years now. Grow up please and move on from this. Its predjudice and the very thing these books fight against. And the very thing we ALL once said were the greatest part of reading them.
Well everybody is free to live her or his personal and sexual live pleasantly and individually as long as it is between agreeing adults. So DD is free to choose if the readers agree or not.
I personallt think that after some age books, travelling, education … are more important than a sex partner, the same as Dumby thought.
Well the books are so good why bother with critics ?
JK Rowling doesn’t have to ask any of you for permission to create her characters the way she imagines them. But that’s something many people seem unable to comprehend. „She shouldn’t have said that”?! You’ve got to be kidding me… She said what she thought of a character that she was creating during her 17-year-long work. Or maybe she shouldn’t have even thought that Dumbledore might be gay…? She didn’t even wrote that in her books. Just answered a question. And I like her answer very much. And that’s quite a leap from her saying that she always thought of Albus as gay to „celibate old gay stereotype” LOL. There is nothing about gender issues in her books, people. Nothing at all, really. You’ve read them, haven’t you? Reread them or read Ann Rice instead.
I smiled at the thought that Dumbledore loved someone, and thought that it was nice of her to share this additional infowith her fans. After reading many of the comments here, I think that she must be really brave to be honest. I hope she stays that way.
While I agree that books often reflect current issues in our real world that does not mean that you tear a book apart to see it’s social standings. I believe that all of us posting here are true potter fans but we snipe at each other over what amounts to fantasy that were the problem is if most of these posts had been thoughtful I typed in the spirit of debate and or discussion then I can see the chats as worthwhile but several of the people who post here tend to lower themselves to name name calling when they can’t come up with a more reasoned argument. and this part is to voice of a german you should consider rethinking some of your argument about the Hitler comparison. While I doubt anyone here is downplaying the suffering of your grandfather or the many more that were in his situation the comparison of Voldemort to hitler is a valid comparison in this realm they both believed there race or particular group was superior to all others and that because of this the torture and killing of people not the same was completely right. I can think of no other real world comparison that would make sense I could go on with more examples but will stop there. Have a great day all
Well, at some points the comparision V. Hitler is much the same. Both were very unhappy guys with a hug problem with their origens (Hitler was a 1/4 jiddish.) Both gained power using prejudices (jews-muggleborns) they already existed in the population. And in both cases a big number of comon people and politicians where helping their rise to power in one way or the other.
The big difference I see is that Hitler was used by economical powerfully family clans to do their biddings, V. was a solitary loonatic who did it for personal vengance and personal power to feel himself great.
I didn’t know that Hitler was part Jewish.
German Voice reminds me of Victor Krum. I’d be angry if it was my grandfather too.
Alice MIller investigated the troubled life of Nazi leaders and how they became so cruel and inhuman. One of them was educated to become a bishop… Hitlers grandmother was maid in a jewish household and got pregnant from her boss.
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@ Susan then you would have a problem with the majorety of couples in the world- Im not neive- I probably cant spell, very good at the moment but I do know alot about sexuality. I am studying to be something in the medical feild and to do that my requirements were to take pyschology and sociology and we dicussed both asexuals, bisexuals, heterosexuals and homosexuals- in that class, along with fundamentalism and other aspects of society. I am not predjudice against homosexuals , I have already stated that I dont know where I stand because I have been taught since I was old enough to understand my religion that it is not ok, its part of being a Roman Catholic you dont accept that along with abortion, and war. But I can persuade you and you cant persuade me because this is religion, and that and politics are two things that should never be publicly discussed.