Is 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child' Canon?

The question of whether Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is canon has been a topic of debate among fans and scholars alike. While J.K. Rowling has officially declared it as part of the Harry Potter canon, many argue that its inclusion is more promotional and financially motivated rather than a genuine narrative addition to the series. This article delves into the arguments from both perspectives and explores why the public's interpretation of this play may not align with the author's original intentions.

The Author's Perspective

Although J.K. Rowling has stated that Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is part of the canon, the concept of a work's "canon status" is more complex than simply accepting an author's final word. The essay "The Death of the Author" by Roland Barthes argues that once a piece of art is released to the public, its interpretation is no longer the author's alone. In this context, J.K. Rowling's declaration may carry less weight in the eyes of fans and critics who have already formed their own interpretations based on their experience of the play.

The Fan's Perspective

Many fans argue that The Cursed Child should not be considered cannon for several reasons. One of the primary concerns is the inconsistency in the rules of time travel. The books previously established that the use of time turners is limited to a few hours, yet in the play, characters are able to travel through time to a significant extent. This inconsistency raises questions about the integrity of the author's original vision.

Plot and Interpretation

Another major point of contention is the plot. The play's storyline is criticized for being implausible and contradictory. For example, the dialogue between Harry and Albus at Platform 9 3/4 shows significant discrepancies compared to the books. Additionally, the idea of Voldemort fathering a child is seen as preposterous due to the established lore of Voldemort's detest for love and affection. The storyline also includes several plot holes and illogical events, such as Harry's irrational rage at Albus for befriending the son of Draco Malfoy.

Public Interpretation vs. Author's Intent

According to Roland Barthes, the public's interpretation of a piece of art becomes its own reality. This means that even if J.K. Rowling declares The Cursed Child as cannon, the compounded interpretations and discussions among fans can create a different "canon" altogether. Many fans and critics have deemed the play as "high budget fan fiction," suggesting that its main contribution is to the franchise rather than to the narrative consistency of the Harry Potter series.

Conclusion

While J.K. Rowling has officially declared Harry Potter and The Cursed Child as part of the canon, the public's interpretation and fan reactions often diverge from the author's original intentions. This raises questions about the fluidity of canon and the role of the author in the interpretation of their work. Ultimately, the debate over the canon status of the play reflects a complex interplay between author's authority and the collective narratives shaped by fans and critics.