Calls For Essays
Scribbulus is looking for quality essays on a variety of Harry Potter-related topics. Given the rich world that J.K. Rowling created, potential subjects are virtually limitless. The fan base also includes individuals from across the globe with an array of talents, interests, experiences and expertise that can be applied to the various themes and ideas portrayed in the pages of the Harry Potter books.
While we welcome you to submit essays on any subject that interests you personally, we would also like to suggest several topics for general consideration. Hence we ask interested fans to write and submit essays on the following subjects:
May 2008 Issue: Death, Sacrifice, and the Afterlife (Please submit by April 5, 2008)
Death and sacrifice - themes that have been omnipresent from the opening chapter of the first book, right through the astounding act of self-sacrifice Harry chose in the final chapters. We've lost many beloved characters over the course of the series, and have seen many choose to sacrifice for others, or be sacrificed by others. There are many avenues to explore in these themes - the impact of loss on the loved ones left behind; what is beyond the veil; choices to become a ghost or go on to the next great adventure; choosing to lay one's life down for others or to treat other's lives as if they exist merely as sacrificial lambs for one's own selfish needs. These and many other topics are available for exploration within this call!
June 2008 Issue: Draco Malfoy (Please submit by May 5, 2008)
One of the most intriguing characters in the last two Harry Potter books is Draco Malfoy. He emerged from his role as Harry's school rival to take a major part in the main Voldemort plot and face significant moral dilemmas of his own. Who is this pale, pointy-faced boy? What does his story and his fate have to tell us about the Harry Potter series? And just who is this Astoria Greengrass he marries?! Character analysis, canon-based speculation, defense, criticism, and humor are all welcome.
July 2008 Issue: Family Dynamics (Please submit by June 5, 2008)
The wizarding world has some notable clans: the Malfoys, the Blacks, the Dumbledores, the Crouches ... not to mention the Weasleys, the Lovegoods, the Gaunts, and the Riddles! And then there are the Muggle families like the Dursleys. Do you think these families are convincingly portrayed? How do their inner workings affect the outer plots? What symbolism do they carry? Do children in the series grow up and interact with their families in realistic ways? Is J.K. Rowling trying to convey ideals or messages about family life? Compare or contrast these families, dig deep into any one family, apply theories of psychology, child development, or literary criticism, or even compare them to your own family.
There will be no August 2008 Issue to allow for a summer break.
September 2008 Issue: Plot Holes and How to Fill Them (Please submit by August 5, 2008)
J.K. Rowling prides herself on her plotting, but nobody's perfect! What plot holes do you see in the Harry Potter series, and how do you think they affect the quality and lasting legacy of the work? How does Rowling compare to other authors in this respect? Do you have theories explaining why a seeming plot hole really isn't? What plot holes do you think might be addressed in the future encyclopedia? Do plot holes allow "free space" and stimulate you to speculation and fan fiction? Explain!
October 2008 Issue: Dark Magic (Please submit by September 5, 2008)
With the last book, and the interviews J.K. Rowling has given since the last book came out, we now have many new perspectives on "Dark Magic" - what it is, and just how bad or forbidden it is. Is there a clear distinction between acceptable magic and Dark Magic, or is it a continuum? Do intentions or results count, or are some spells unacceptable in all cases? Is "Darkness" a legal issue, a moral issue, or perhaps a spiritual one? What does it mean that Harry performed two of the three Unforgiveable Curses in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? What about Snape? Give us your thoughts on the meaning of evil in a world where magic is real!
November 2008 Issue: Everything I Know I Learned From Harry Potter (Please submit by October 5, 2008)
Seriously - or perhaps not! - what have you learned from the Harry Potter series? How has it affected your life, your literary tastes, your talents, associations, pleasures, manners, morals, and/or British slang vocabulary? We are looking for stories of personal growth, inspiration, or enlightenment, satires of the series (or its fandom), practical applications, entertaining reactions from your children or students, and any other interesting responses to this prompt.
Please submit essays on any of the "called" topics by the deadlines noted above. Essays on other topics can be submitted at any time.
Please email your essay as an attachment to scribbulus@the-leaky-cauldron.org
Submitted essays should meet minimum standards as noted in the criteria. Not all submitted essays can or will be published. Submitting essays in response to a call does not ensure publication. Please note the Staff of Scribbulus reserves the right to revise submission deadlines and call topics as needed.