His Dark Materials: Why the Controversy? - Part 1

Book #1 - The Golden Compass
A couple months ago I was involved in various conversations with fellow Library Media Specialists (LMSs) about the potential challenges of having Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy on the shelves in our library media centers. This in itself was nothing out of the ordinary. At times, our occupation demands that we explore controversial writings, discuss the literary scandal de jour (think Harry Potter), and share tips about how to handle demands for the removal of these materials from the library. What was out of the ordinary was that several highly educated and experienced LMSs were seriously considering removing these titles from their shelves, or not purchasing other books by Pullman, simply because of the controversy.

I had not yet read the series, so without much delay I enthusiastically devoured all three books. There is nothing like a good controversy and a bit of censorship to peak my interest. In that way I am a lot like my YA students. At around the same time an article was published in my local paper, the Hendricks County Flyer, titled: ‘Golden Compass’ movie stirs controversy. This article, clearly playing off of the hype generated by the movie, included cautious and somber quotes from both a local religious leader and an upper elementary LMS (see: http://www.flyergroup.com/archivesearch/local_story_344165234.html).

In this article, Greg Otolfki, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, was quoted as saying of The Golden Compass, 'It is not simple fantasy.' Thankfully for fantasy fiction fans like me, he is so right! Far from simple, I found the series rich, complex, and more than a bit challenging. The controversy surrounding the storyline of this trilogy is most definitely a testament to Pullman's brilliant craft. He takes the biblical stories of Lucifer's fall from grace and original sin, and winds around these a fantasy tale about the preadolescent life of one innocent child.

Before anyone falls pray to the fear mongering of the censors or the media they should first ask themselves this fundamental question: Why do young people and adults read fantasy fiction? I believe that those of us who are attracted to this genre read it because fantasy fiction allows us to momentarily escape reality and dream of a world where the laws of nature, science, religion, and society are turned upside down and inside out. And when the novel is really good, this parallel world of "unreality" exposes symbolic, but recognizable, elements of human nature that help us better know ourselves and imagine our own miraculous possibilities.

Still, I find myself curious about the controversies surrounding these novels. After all, ignorance breeds contempt, right? I believe most literary controversies (especially when a movie version is released) are based more on propaganda and sensationalism than fact. In my next post I will uncover some of the hullabaloo surrounding "His Dark Materials" trilogy. Warning - If you have not read this trilogy, the next couple of blogs will contain TONS of spoilers!

Until then, keep reading!