OVERANALYZING THE TEXT

Canonical plausibility and reading practice. How do readers form a mental map of the "Spirit of Canon" from which they evaluate a speculation's plausibility? What factors contribute to that model? Uses Redeemable Draco and the "Heir of Gryffindor" theory as illustrative examples. Part one of two.

Potential causes for reader anxiety in the HP books: lack of adult content, "genre soup," and poor craftsmanship in the writing itself, with particular emphasis on Draco's depiction. Discussion of "fannish" reading practice in general, and the extent to which it can be said to lead inevitably to subversion.

Draco's inadequacies as Harry's peer rival, and other ways in which the text encourages a Redeemable!Draco reading, such as JKR's refusal to combat either Sympathy For the Devil or Hurt-Comfort when she writes the character of Draco Malfoy.

A bit more on Draco's narrative function, and further explanation of Hurt-Comfort

Discussion of the boarding school genre and its implications for Draco Malfoy's fated role in the story. Also, a discussion of the series' "genre soup" aspect, and how this affects the wide range and variety of speculations readers consider canonically suggested or plausible.

Discussion of whether people noticed SHIPping "evidence" in the early volumes on first read, or only through hindsight. Evidence for Draco having a "nasty twisted little crush" on Hermione. Suggests that the Malfoy family has been established as both Ron's and Hermione's nemesis, and that this may indicate that Hermione will have some role to play in Draco's future development in canon.

Argues that talk of a "redemption plotline" for Draco Malfoy is a bit premature, as Draco has yet to actually do anything all that terribly wicked.

More on Draco's need for redemption, now quickly shifting into conflicting definitions of what constitutes "evil."

Points out that Draco Malfoy has never once obeyed his father's wishes in the canon and in fact, often seems to go out of his way to do the opposite of whatever Lucius tells him. Also cites evidence for a reading of Draco as both profoundly weak and somewhat mentally unstable