We all know that Harry Potter has a huge fan base. From little kids to elderly people. But I noticed that in HPDH there were some swear words included and I was thinking about Harry Potter's younger fan base and how appropriate/ inappropriate this was for them. Parents might complain about the language in the book.

Yes, Harry's getting older, and yes, this is normal in the real world, but wouldn't JK think about it? I mean, I can't really picture a mother reading HPDH to her little kid and using those words. I personally think that the first few books were a lot more kid-friendly than the last few and that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows should be aimed towards a more mature audience.

What do you think?

It simplely wouldn't be realistic to have Harry Potter act like an elevan-year-old when in DH he is 17. Yes, i do see your point that the first few books were aimed explicitly at kids, but the kids who read them when they first came out are ten years older now and are mature enough to handle the more adult content. With Harry getting older nad the wizarding world facing dark times, it;s obvious that there will be a shift in the contents-and audience-of the books. But i expet the kids who still are having their parents readin the books to them would have to wait a few years before they could even grapple with DH to begin with, so i don't beleive JKR should have to censor her writing.

The words are there to express the feeling and attitude. They were at WAR, close to dying, not sitting around in Umbridge's office, sipping tea and having a nice chit chat with all the cats on the walls. I think that people need to udnerstand that one day kids grow up, and they learn, it's not like they're so sheltered from the television, radio and computer. Kids learn things a LOT faster in these new generations, so a mere few curse words in a book about darkness and DEATH shouldn't do that much to harm their minds. I think people make things bigger than they are. How about Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix movie? It was rated PG-13, and yet i'm sure manyy parents took their children to see it, even though it was violent and "scary". I think people look way too much into it. Though, I must admit, it even grossed/scared me a bit to picture a snake coming from a ladies neck...?

yeah but i don't feel that the language will be the biggest problem in this book. think about all the death and suffering that is lord voldemort. the real world ideas(for lack of a better word) behind the muggle-born registration and such are sooo very much worse then the curse words.
and with all the death and torture...come'on really?
you're worried about a swear word?
and if they aren't old enough to read the swear words and understand that they are swear words, and that the words are bad, they shouldn't be reading them at all.

I think parents know that they are getting themselves into when they buy the books for their kids - i mean, it's so well publisized, how could you not?

I think JKR is aware that most children have grown up with Harry, so the average reader would have morphed from 8 to about 14-15 (I actually read this somewhere). She would also have taken into account that the darker themes were necessary to the plot. For example, if the whole deal with the snake and Godric's hollow, which was an eerie part of the story had not happened, then Harry would not have disarmed Draco and the elder wand would never have been his etc. etc. You get my drift.

Basically, children know of the darker themes and the scarier scenes, as it has been getting steadily darker as the years go on. Every child who read this book would have read the previous, and therefore known that either Harry or Voldie had to cark it, so that's one thing they have been warned of. As for the rest, it's just too bad for them. Everything JKR does, she does for a reason. The B word which was yelled by Molly was used only to portray the enraged emotions she was feeling. I mean, would you be any different. I'm surprised she avoided the F, D and C words, which I would have used had I been in the same situation. Come on, it isn't that bad - people use it all the time when labelling a female dog.

I think it probably isnt appropriate for younger children, but it is their choice. If they want to read it, more power to them. You must remember that there is more to the book than just the darker and sinister themes, there is also love and friendship and the message that good will always prevail over evil. I think people get too hung up on what shouldn't have been and ignore what is actually there...

I mean, come ON!

-thesolitaryone-

I think that if your a young kid, and you love the books.. then when the book was being read to you.. the person reading would just miss out the swear words. Mind you, for a seven year old or something, the book could seem abit like a horror story in some parts. Like that charity woman when she was begging snape for her life, thats quite dramatic. I was shocked at some parts in the book and im 15. I think its a really good story, with good morals, and it teachers people that theres a choice between good and evil.

I think that people are looking way too far into this to. like, seriously now, they're probably exposed to WAY worse language at either home or school, cause if they're old enough to read DH, then they're old enough to realize that mom cant hear them when they're at school, which gives them the freedom to use the words in an all around worse environment. but thats just part of growing up, learning what words shouldnt be said, and how to be responsible about using them.

Even if they DID censor Jo's writing, then theyd still have to accept the fact that they cant follow their kids around everywhere and make sure they dont swear. the thing is, is that alot of things are getting way to safe nowadays. everythings being censored, listed as a hazard, child proofed, and diagnosed. If people want their children to grow up, they have to realize that they need to be exposed to certain things. swearing is one of them. its all just part of growing up. but if a mother or father wants to censor it if they're reading it to their kids before bed or something, then they can go right ahead.

I agree with most on this topic and that is to say that swearing in these books is not a big issue, i had this disscussion with some people here and they have sadi stuff along the same lines. my view is thisi started reading the harry potter books at the age of 11 and read through them and grew up with harry potter. the content of these books increased and so did my capacity and willingness to accept things such as cursing and death. i belive that if you havent gotten over either of these two things then u most likely didnt read books 5 6 and 7 due to the death of cedric diggory in book 4.i think the biggest issue about these books is that people aere trying to change what has already benn written. they dont want peopl to know that "oh my gosh harry and voldemort are related" but JK did and people like the woman in georgia in the united states are trying to get these books band for influencial reasons. many people have read and comprehended these books, and i also find it funny that people are dening our youth literature.

When I was at the store buying my copy of Deathly Hallows, I saw this mother buying a copy of the book for her son, who looked like he couldn't be older than seven or eight. She asked him, "Is this the book you want?", so it was definately for him. That goes to show that it is not just older people who read the books, there are still young children that read the books.

I think that considering the number of deaths and how they were described, it is a little too inappropriate for young children. But then again, I think that parents should take in to consideration the fact that the books are darker and more intense, and maybe not suitable for younger readers.

As for the swear words, it wasn't anything too bad, it's not like they said the "F" word or something really bad. Kids are going to learn these words anyway, but I suppose in the case of younger ones parents can just omit the swear words.

I would think that a lot of parents are responsible enough to know what their children are reading. Unfortunately there are some parents that could care less about what their children are into, let alone reading, so it's a moot subject for them. But, there are some parents that have come to the realization that Rowling's later books are portraying the characters as being older, as having sexual encounters and using swear words. And so, these are the parents that know what is inappropriate for their child(ren) to read or not read.

To be fair, I'm sure JK writes in the knowledge that she has a young audience but I think she aims more strongly at the people who were old enough to have read the first book when it was originally released.

vicki34 I wouldn't call it irresponsible for JK to put that Ginny/Harry scene in, like you said older audiences can read between the lines but I don't think it stands out as too vulgar to have in the books- after all they have matured along with the characters. Younger audiences would hopefully not realise the true intent behind what Ginny was offering.

NM
xxx

Dumbledore's Widow, I have to disagree with you on the spoiler mark about Ginny. I think that for people, aimed mostly at children, that are not old enough to realize what that meant, it's a kiss, an itimate kiss. They see it as no other. As far as you know, it could have meant nothing of the sort, it really could have just meant an intimate kiss, and nothing further. Regardless, if the child is too young to understand, it doesn't harm them in anyway. THat's just a part of growing up.

Like others have said I think the pure content is more terrifying than just vulgar language. I mean the books have and even in the beginning been dark and now very dark. Chamber of Secrets wasn't exactly non-scary. I think also that kids now today are more familiar with these themes. If they haven't seen something horrid on television that outshines this then well, their really not a modern 21st century child are they? It is also realistic for their age (the Trio, the Order (of course),DE's,etc.)the times, and the war going on. Death was very close to everyone's door.

Well she has said that she wouldn't alter her writing to suit what other people wanted.As the author it's her decision to put as many swear words as she wanted.It's up to the people to decide if they want to read the book or not.Though does it matter if it is slightly inappropriate for younger kids? I dont understand why people think children should feel so sheltered from bad words.It's not like they're even that numerous(or words they haven't heard from their parents at some point)

well if you think that the last book is too graphic or inappropriate then really all the books are inappropriate
heres just a small list for you.
HP1.
1. there are two faces on a mans head and one of them is voldy's
2 a cloaked figured(quirell/voldy) drinks blood of a dead unicorn
HP2
1. giant snake petrifying people in castle
2. things written on wall in blood
3 giant snake attacks and bites harry
4. diary posses Ginny and then sucks out her life
HP3
1. werewolf
HP4
1. cidric is killed
2. wormtail chops off his own hand
3. kids are cruciated
HP5
1. sirius dies.
HP6
1.the idea of the horcruxes themselves is bad enough
2. inferi
3. DD dies at the hands of snape

idk but these seem pretty "graphic and inappropriate"
not saying the books would be better with out them..but just they are there
and really this book is during a WAR and lody is once more approaching the height of his power

Again i have to agree that its not the launguage or the vulgarity thats the problem to most people. It is in fact the content and what is being stated. i dont believe there would be any need to alter her writings anyway because i dont know about the rest of you but i like them as is, curse words and all.

Everything nowadays has bad lanuage and vulgarity and children are being exposed to it left right and centre. I really don't think that the very mild language in Deathly Hallows is anything children haven't heard before; and the vulgarity it pretty much the same in all of the books. The kissing - as if they haven't been exposed to that. Come on.

Well, when they make the Deathly Hallows movie, it might be too graphic, like the splinching of Ron both times and just the fact that there are so many deaths may really turn movie goers off.

i dont believe they are going to edit the movie from the book because of movie- goers. again this comes down to changing what has already been written. if people find that the book or movie are too graphic the they should stoping reading/watching them. the only reason the would cut something like that out is because they would not be able to add every detail from the book into the movie (although id like to see them make extended verisons of these movies for us hardcore fans). All this topic comes down to is this: Vulgarity and language in today's society is irrelevant because it is an everyday occurance, JK feels that she should express the trio as they should be, older and more mature and in doing so comes the language and the provactive material.

I understand your point, Vickie, however I think that you must also take into consideration that not only have the characters in the books grown older over the years, but the fanbase of them has also. People who began reading the books at, say 11, are now 21 years of age, and surely can expect the books to grow as they have. The characters are facing more in-depth situations and adult prediciments, it's naturally going to get a bit more "unsuitable for young children", but really, compared to the music some kids are listening to and the movies they are watching, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is very timid.

Personally I didn't think there was anything too "adult" in the books. A few swear words and here, sure, but what child hasn't heard those same words before, week in, week out in some situations? JK Rowling is a mother herself and I'd hazard a guess to say that she lets her children read the books, I doubt she'd do anything too adult for children to read.

And besides. I really doubt that mothers read there children the books. If the chid is so young that he/she can't read it then there is no way that the parent would read it to them, and even if they did the child wouldn't understand what is happening anyway. The way the book was written was perfect for the fanbase and the time in the book. Lord Voldemort was taking over i really doubt people are going to be skipping merily, and using language that they use in tellatubbies. People were dying, killing, and all the other stuff that was in perfect unison with the cintent in the book.

Kreacher Black

Personally i find that a large majority of the fans started the books at a young age like myself.

I was 10 when i first read the and i am now 16 so i think in a way for a majority of the fans it was appropraite because we have grown up as Harry has and understand all the teenage traumas he goes through in the last few books which makes them a lot easier to read.

The older fans obviously are fine.

However the younger fans usually have there parents reading them and i would have thought the trust that there child understands whats going on and the swearing used or change the words until the child is older and can then read for themselves the swearing that is used. Also if the child reads it themselves then their parents should know from reports on it that the books are darker and therefore decide for their own child whether they think its appropriate for them to read!

I feel that Harry Potter teaches so many beautiful life lessons! Bravery, courage, fierce friendship, loyalty, faith, love. Ummm, let me think. Who wouldn't want their child to embrace these values?? Yes, the book was action-packed and exciting. Yes, there were deaths: some "expected" some tragic. My child has read the books and was well ready for the last installment. Would I start reading DH as a first book for my first grader? No! I believe that by first grade they can start with the first book and progress from there. My child read Order all by herself in third grade. Yes all 800 some pages. So if you are progressing through the novels, you know that like in life it gets tougher. I hope that every child can embrace some qualities of Harry, Ron or Hermione. Who wouldn't wish for such wonderful friends.

Well, most people have grown up with the journey. I first read the first 3 books before GoF came out, and that was back when i still shared a room with my sister ... so i must have been about 9-10. Now i'm 15. Which seems weird that i've been with this book for so long. But i i've said, the fan-base has grown with the books. And in a way, the books have grown.

I mean, look back on the first one-it seems really tame compared to DH, doesn't it? It does to me. The books have grown and i don't think they're that inaproprite. Sure there's swearing, but people (at least in my city ) are basically surrounded by swearing 24/7. Sure Harry's naked at some point, but it's not as if it's discribed or anything.

Basically, i'm glad it's gotten ... darker i supose. It'd be rather boring if it were the same as the first book, wouldn't it?

PS.

Haha, i agree to a point, but don't think that just because they can't read it means they can't understand it. My sister is 12 and dyslexic and can't read. But when i read them to her, she understands fine. Lol.

I think that as the series progresses, the vulgarity, language, and violence increases. This may or may not be intentional. It just showes the series getting darker. Yes, I was a little shocked to see the increase of the swearing and the suggestive language...but I was amused by it. I found myself laughing when reading about Merlin's saggy left--whatever Ron was intending on saying.
There wasn't anything in this book that I had never heard before, but I do understand the concern that is presented above. There are certain references that could upset a younger audience, such as children eight or nine years old. But I don't think that it's really too big of a deal, because Rowling tends to work in her vulgarity and language discreetly. Although, I guess you could say Mrs. Weasley's little outburst was branching away from that, but there were phrases that you wouldn't catch if you were reading too quickly.
There wasn't too much kissing...what was the word Rowling used? Oh...embracing. And I think that most people have been exposed to that somewhere....
Overall, I didn't think that there was anything overly shocking. I found it all hysterical...

-Layla-

You know what the biggest problem here is? JKR was trying way too hard. I felt as though I was being clobbered about the head at points with a great big plank emblazoned with the words 'HARRY POTTER IS A TEENAGER!!'

Erm, yeah, I know he is. I don't need to be thwacked upside the head with it at every turn.

I'm sorry to be in the minority here who find the type of language used in DH to be totally and wholly inappropriate. The problem is that JKR is writing a children's story - and it IS a children's story, no matter what anyone would like to believe about it. In plotting and delivery it is a highly simplistic vehicle and not a complex and multi-layered piece of literary art. Aspects of it are, I don't deny, but for the most part, it is nonetheless a children's story. I found the bloody, gory violence, the language, and the intimation of sex to be completely antithetical with the themes of the book and the nature of the story. It almost seemed to me at some points that JKR may feel more at home writing a crime thriller, because she seems to want to use that level of violence, but she's fettered in many respects by the world she has created.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not a prude, and I'm not in the least bit offended by language, sex, or violence. Among my favourite films are Taxi Driver, Silence of the Lambs, Reservoir Dogs, Gangster No.1, The Godfather, and a whole host of other bloody, violent, graphic films. I swear like a sailor, too - but not around my nephews, and not in public, where people might wonder at my upbringing.

What I'm basically saying is that there is a time and a place for everything - including violence and language - and that a children's book is not one of those places, and certainly not merely as a rather clunky tool for trying to stamp this series with the 'Also Suitable For Adults' mark.

Actually, Molly's little outburst was so completely out of character and out of place that I laughed when I read it - which I'm sure was not JKR's intention. It brought to mind the scene from Aliens for me, which just made the comparison all the more hysterical.

It doesn't mean that the series is getting darker and more adult - far from it. It just means that JKR has had to resort to underhanded means of trying to highlight maturity when there was no need for it. Harry burying Dobby the way he did and his thoughts as he worked said far more about the character's maturity than did a volley of swear words and his sucking Ginny's face off. Not that he was the one swearing, but that's beside the point.

There are other ways of showing maturity and development - and having a foul mouth is not one of them, any more than smoking and swigging back bottles of Coors is. Or Firewhisky, as the case may be. It's a clunky tool, and JKR is capable of better.

Whether something is inappropriate is different in everybody eyes.

I think that just as many have said, that the books have changed over the series. Not only the swear words and violence, but the language too - it's got more adult and is aimed at an older audience as well. The words are not all five letters long. If you read PS/SS then DH's, then your see what I mean. It's a different vocabulary.

As to the younger readers, I hate to say it, but I'm sure that the swear words are nothing new, and even if they are, that's life. You don't see adults (and adolescent for that matter) speaking in a polite manor when they're arguing or are angry. As others have said, the characters have grown-up and can't stay children in how they speak, act, and behave forever. Swearing, suggestive language, violence, etc, etc, is life. As we get older, we are expossed to it more and more. You can't stay innocent and unknowing about such things forever. I was 7 or 8 when I started reading the books, and I'm nearly 16 now, so nearly over nine years I've loved these books. The fact that the language has changed just makes me appreciate how loyal JKR is being to the stages of adolescent life. As for the kissing and firewhisky, well thats all part of growing up too. So that fits in with what im saying above.

Louise has a point that there are other ways to show that the characters have grown like Harry digging Dobby's grave by hand and everything.

So basically, I think that the series IS appropiate for children, because it's life, and they're going to be exposed to it later on in life anyway.

I've been a fan since I was nine and I'm now 12 so I count myself as a 'younger' fan.


Because of my parents jobs i have to be pretty mature. I'm trying to think of it as a younger point of view and think maybe it has got too inappropriate. The swearing was uncalled for. She hasn't used it in other books (as much) so why use it now.


I agree that the books mature with the caracters, but she;s got to remember the fans.


I didn't mind, but i think a lot of people would have.

I didn't think the swearing was totally inappropiate but I reckon it was overused. They are older, at war, and under stress so it makes sense that the characters woudl say them but not why J.K. would put them in if that makes sense. Like Louise said it is a kids book.

The Ginny thing. Well often times I don't read those bits all that closely. I'm too busy being impatient for finding out what's going to happen. For littler kids they'd probably miss it completely. They just wouldn't make the connection bless them, like you need to explain to a six, seven year old.

However for some kids none of this would be a big deal at all.Most kids are exposed to a lot mre stuff like swearing and sex earlier these days. I know a family who lets their kids watch stuff my parents wouldn't let me watch in a zillion years and three of them are much younger than me and I watch a lot of movies too.

I'm reading it to my brother and there's a chance I might gloss over some stuff. I am definetly not saying what Mrs. Weasley calls Bellatrix which had me gasping in shock I'll tell you that. I reckon for parents reading to young kids can just edit as they see fit.

ive never really thought of these books as childrens books. except perhaps when i was younger and reading the very first ones. but as ive been growing older and the books have been becoming more dark, i definitely think of them as books for teens and adults as well. so overall, i think the books are perfectly fine the way they are. in essence, i think they could be worse. i mean, look at most fan fiction... that tends to be much worse.

I personally agree that the language and the violence and the sex is a little innappropriate from children. And I dont personally have a problem with that... because I have grown up with the books. I started reading them when I was 11 and now I'm 20. But i would never allow my children to read them in their entirety until i knoew that they would understand and be mature enough to handle the books. But then again I dont consider this series a childrens series. Im not sure where i read this (or if im imagining it), but ithink i remember jo saying that she never actually planned on writing a childrens story. And yes the characters are younger, but they are dealing with very adult situations, even disregarding the language and romantic aspects. Yes it is marketed towards younger children but is that jo or the marketting company? I dont know... but i just think that people, if they are concerned with what their children are exposed to, should just be aware of what their children are reading. If a 8 year old is reading this book its because someone bought it for them... at least i dont know any children who can afford to buy the book without their parents (plus who would drive them to the store). I just think that in the end its up to the parents to decide whether or not they allow their children to read hp (or see the movies)

I have a comment about the "spoiler". In case no one has noticed, these books aren't for kids! The last one that was really for a younger audience (8-12 year olds) was Goblet of Fire! Their behavior is completely reflective of their age and maturity, and also of the aging and growing maturity of the reader. Books five, six, snd seven were undoubtedly for more mature readers and NOT kids and anyone who has been referring to them as kids books needs to get a grip.

I too, like a few others, found this book somewhat inappropriate for younger Harry Potter fans. Afterall, they are children's books even if the last few were aimed for a more mature audience. It really doesn't matter that kids do hear these words or see such provocative scenes on TV and use such curse words among their friends, JKR didn't need to reinforce the veiw that it is okay. It just gives parents more of a reason to hate these books, and I don't think that I would be able to continue to stand up for the series when some books are questionable.

And Louise, I too laughed at Molly's outburst. It completely came out of no where and left me rolling for a good ten minutes. It was just so unexpected that I couldn't help but laugh, especially for the words to be coming out of Mrs.Weasley's mouth.

I think this book is inappropriate for children. A friend of mine asked if her 10 yr old could borrow the book, and I told her no. I think he is too young.



Not necessarily. My children do not hear bad language at home, and I send them to a private school where swear words are a punishable offense. I think swear words in books and movies marketed to children is offensive.

To me, the language wasn't the most offensive part of the book. I would be more worried about a child reading about the violence. DH was more intense and had very frightening moments. Moments that a child could certainly have nightmares about!

However, these books are about Harry growing up, and all people as they grow up face more intense and sometimes inappropriate moments, so its only fitting that these books have more mature material in them. If you find these books to inappropriate for your child, then don't let your child read them, simple as that, because there are many readers out there that don't care about how intense the books have gotten.

What people really need to understand is that Harry Potter is not like a fairy tale. It's a dark story. Infact all the Harry Potter books have had their share of dark scenes. In Philosophers Stone for example the scenes where voldemort appears at the back of Quirells head was pretty scary to say the least. Book 2 was scary and book 4 when Voldemort rises to power was seriously scary.
Book 6 is the first book where we really find some bad language being used when Morfinn calls Merope a ( well I can't write it here ) . In addition to that there are several references to rude hand gestures.
Book7 ofcourse is the book where Jk Rowling actually uses uncensored profanity rather explicitly in the books. Yet the use of such words were entirely justifiable in their context. This is the darkest of all the novels in some ways, and the language needs to reflect it accordingly. If Mrs Weasley called Bellatrix a hag instead of a ( well you know what she called her ) to make it more suitable for younger audiences then the scene wouldn't be as powerful as it was. Similarly had Aberfoth called those muggles, rascals instead of what he called them the intensity of his hatred would have been immensely reduced. Profanity is one of the most powerful mediums to express raw emotion and is used accordingly in Deathly Halllows. I admit that it really wouldn't be nice for a mother reading the book aloud to her 8 year old son or daughter to come across such language in the book, but what parents need to realize is that a few years down the line their little kids are going to be using abusive language almost everyday whether they like it or not. I'm 16 now and I know how much abusive language people in my age group use ( and beleive me it's a lot ) so there really isn't any point in protecting younger children from such language.

No offense, but I went to a private school where swear words are a punishable offense, and I still heard (and said) many. Unless they have microphones on the kids, I'm sure there's plenty of cursing going on. In fact, there's probably more simply because it is a punishable offense!

For the most part I agree with Louise. The one thing that really annoyed me was the use of 'effing' by Ron. Look, either say the curse word or don't. Projecting without saying is lame. And I know real kids say it. But frankly, they're lame too.

There are two inappropriate words in the book and both are not that abusive, so i think it should be fine. And as for Ginny and Harry case, that is only snogging not more than that so it should be fine. I mean i saw kids reading Davinci Code and that is much more inappropriate.

True, but this is a children's book. And it doesn't matter that several older people read the series because it is what it is, a book of fantasy for kids, or at least that's how it's been catagorized. So when writing to a younger audience, some words do need to be censored. I mean, you may curse all the time (like I sometimes do), but you wouldn't talk to your 10 year old cousin using the same words. And believe it or not, there are other ways to convery anger or hatred without using profanity, even if it isn't the most powerful expression. I, personally, sometimes find it funny when people curse when angry, and sad because those appear to be the only words they know.

I see your point, free. But it doesn't seem to be that we can't do anything about it. They COULD edit it in the films. If someone wanted to borrow the book and they were to young to understand, I'd say "no" sternly. If the kids parent came up to me and asked why I rejected, I'd explain and show the parent the places of concern. that's what I'd do!

I thought that the book i got was fake at first. It just shocked me. I was like wth theres curses. Not exactly the word but people still know what eff and arse means..

To me, the books are children's books and I believe that it's up to a child's parents decide that beyond the language, death, and graphic image portrayals, that the child is still allowed to read it. The series has drawn interest from all age groups, and the ability to handle what's put into the book is based upon that readers' maturity level.

Personally, I think that such language use shows how the characters themselves are maturing. It shows how the hardships they've gone through has turned them into adults, much faster than they should, and therefore they speak using words that are expected only out of an adults' mouth.

This is the part where I slap myself really hard with a saucepan and say 'Bad Mother, Bad 'Mother!'

I bought 2 copies of Dh, one with the childrens cover, and one funnily enough with the adults cover

Anyway, I didn't evem think about checking for bad laguage when I gave my youngest her book. Off she went merryily reading away. Ofcourse I read my copy in record time and on the Saturday evening, she came to me and said,"Mum, what does this word mean?"

Now, obviously swearing is not allowed on the forums so I will just explain where she was in the book.....Mundungus had just been dragged back to Grimmauld Place with Kreacher and was shouting...expletives!! Thank's JKR, my 10 year old now knows the shortened version of a word that she didn't know beforehand plus it's meaning!!

My own fault I guess, I had read the book, I knew what was in it, I should have said I'd read it to her. But then, I'm proud of my girl, she said, "Oh, mum, it's one of those words you say when you're angry that I'm not allowed to say ever!"

What was the question? Oh yes....the language is inappropriate for certain age groups. The language I would have thought is perfectly appropriate for teenagers and it's a language they use and understand unfortunately. But in truth, it's not nearly as strong as they use on the streets, so by that account it's tame!! I just don't want my kid to read it!!

for me the cursing just seemed more out of place than anything. In the past books (and correct me if i'm wrong... i may not remember correctly) JK actually put in phrases about the words instead of the words themselves. Im not sure that I'm explaining myself correctly and i dont hahev my books. But instead of the curse word she would put in for example "ron said a word he wouldnt have dared say in front of his mother". or whatever... cursing, or the idea of the characters using that language, has been in the books for a while and JK has always refrained from actually usingv the words (no matter how intense the situation). So i guess I wonder why now? there have been plenty of situations where i feel cursing would have been used in other books... so why did she choose (and this was a choice) to use them in this book?

if its too inappropriate then dont **** read it!

To Valarian10 I think that you could apply your same silly logic to this forum then??? No need for the over the top verbal assault...

I didn't mind the swearing as most of it was "effing" - pretty mild by today's standards. Was it out of place? Maybe.

The deaths were tough but not too extreme (maybe the Burbage scene was)

Cheerio

I think that J.K Rowling did a good job in avoiding making the final book too juvenile while not crossing the line into overly adult or vulgar content. I thought at some points she was pushing it a bit ("effing" actually surprised me), but overall I didn't see any major problems in this department.

I am pleased that she made the book morbid, because I think it was necessary for the series to show that Voldemort was a dark, menacing figure rather than just a misguided genius. Voldemort also showed his more shrewd and intelligent side in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", but his wickedness and murderous ways were apparent. In a story that deals so much with life and death and soul-searching, I don't believe that it would have been fitting to "cloak" the adult nature of the series. Part of Harry's journey was discovering that evil has real effects and that even the greatest and most respected figures in his life may have demons or serious flaws.

I don't think so at this school. It's strict Southern Baptist, by the second offense you are expelled. The point I am trying to make is that there are many homes and schools where swear words are not the norm, nor tolerated. Personally, I feel those people who use offensive language often are not well bred, and lack either imagination or an expanded vocabulary.

Indeed I thought it was abit off on the language for example Molly Weasley useing the 'B' word we'll I thought it was quiet funny to me but my mother did like the language it had in the book and Hermione saying 'arse' we'll its not like people never heard of swear words.
But if anything from the book should complain, then it should be about the 'death's' in the book I mean I thought there were going to be 2 didnt she say?Anyone ways..if you think its so violent then dont read it.Thats my answer